Ever since Colorado was granted statehood in 1876, it has been continually growing and changing. Thanks to our friends at History Colorado, we can get a firsthand look at just how much the Centennial State has changed, starting with these 20 then and now photos that will forever change the way you see these iconic locations:

1. Then: Colorado State Capitol (c. 1880)

2. Colorado State Capitol Now

Do you think the dome at the top of the Colorado State Capitol looks a bit more shiny now than it did in 1880? That's because it has been adorned in real gold ever since 1908!

3. Then: Garden of the Gods (c. 1900)

4. Garden of the Gods Now

While the rock formations themselves haven't changed much since 1330 BC (when archeologists believe prehistoric people first visited), the visitors attire, camera quality, and means of transportation certainly have!

5. Then: Skiing in Steamboat (c. 1915)

6. Skiing in Steamboat Now

Steamboat Springs has always been a premiere skiing destination, as depicted by these two photos that show one woman skiing with a horse and one skiing with a spring-loaded tiger.

7. Then: Glenwood Springs Hot Springs Pool (c. 1900)

8. Glenwood Springs Hot Springs Pool Now

Since 1888, the Glenwood Springs Hot Springs Pool has been a premiere destination for relaxation via its warm mineral water.

9. Then: Main Street in Telluride (c. 1880)

10. Main Street in Telluride Now

Founded in 1878, Telluride is a premiere Colorado destination that offers ample shopping and dining opportunities, outdoor recreation, stunning scenery, and a whole lot more.

11. Then: Fort Collins (c. 1900)

12. (Old Town) Fort Collins Now

Fun fact: Downtown Fort Collins, which was the childhood home of artist and Disney consultant Harper Goff, was the inspiration for Disneyland's iconic Main Street, U.S.A. (meaning that if Disney is the happiest place on earth, Fort Collins comes in at a close second)!

13. Then: Cheeseman Park in Denver (c. 1910-1930)

14. Cheeseman Park in Denver Now

What was once a cemetery is now a large 81-acre park that was built in 1898 and is listed on both the U.S. National Register of Historic Places and Colorado State Register of Historic Properties.

15. Then: Balcony House at Mesa Verde National Park (c. 1920)

16. Balcony House at Mesa Verde National Park Now

Much like the Garden of the Gods, these Ancestral Puebloan archaeological sites haven't changed much since they were built in 750 AD, but the visitors attire (and camera lenses) most certainly have!

17. Then: Eureka Street in Central City (1951)

18. Eureka Street in Central City Now

What was once a rich mining town is now a popular gambling destination that -- luckily for us -- hasn't changed much from the 1950s until now.

19. Then: Denver City Park (1934)

20. Denver City Park Now

One of the most recognizable neighborhoods in the capital city is that of City Park, which has remained virtually the same over the last 85 years (with the exception of the skyscrapers in the background).

For even more state history, click on Here Are The 12 Oldest Towns In Colorado… And They’re Loaded With History.