What is CO’s oldest college? Founders loom large in state history

While Colorado has been a state for 149 years, it’s oldest institution of higher learning opened its doors when it was still a territory.

In fact, the University of Denver — in operation since 1864 — is recognized as the longest continuously operating university in the Rockies. (The University of Utah opened as the University of Deseret in 1850, closed in 1852, then reopened as the University of Utah in 1868.)

Since then, the school has evolved into a nationally recognized private research university with groundbreaking accomplishments.

Here’s a look at DU’s formation and early years:

History of the University of Denver

The University of Denver was founded as the Colorado Seminary in 1864, six years after the city it would be named for.

As the non-sectarian seminary struggled, it c