Fun Facts for the Fourth

In honor of the July 4th, I’ve assembled some fun facts about our founding fathers and the wonderful state we call home.

We all know our founding fathers for their contributions to gaining American independence. But, did you know that many of them took interest in landscapes and horticulture?

• Thomas Jefferson was an accomplished Architect and Horticulturist. He is responsible for the campus design of the University of Virginia and his estate, Monticello, is recognized as an American Landscape Masterpiece.
• As a youngster, George Washington became familiar with his native Colony of Virginia while working as a land surveyor.
• It hasn’t been proven that George Washington chopped down his father’s cherry tree. Even if he did, we’re sure he had nothing against the tree…

Colorado Fun Facts

• Colorado was the 38th state admitted to the union in August of 1876.
• State flower: Rocky Mountain Columbine
• State tree: Blue Spruce
• State bird: Lark Bunting
• While enjoying your cookout this year, remember that Denver lays claim to the invention of the cheeseburger. The trademark was awarded in 1935 to Louis Ballast of the Humpty Dumpty Drive-in in Denver.
• The United States federal government owns more than 1/3 of the land in Colorado. This keeps our mountains accessible to adventurers from around the world.
• Katherine Lee Bates wrote “America the Beautiful” after being inspired by the view from Pikes Peak.
• The United States Air Force Academy is located in Colorado Springs.