Colorado Once Called This Famous River Something Else

Grand Junction, the Grand Mesa, and the Grand Valley are all names that have been around since the late 1800s. Before 1921, people even referred to the Colorado River as grand.

"Grand" was a word used frequently by residents living on the Colorado frontier in the late 1800s. It's an accurate way of describing the landscape, but it was also the name of Colorado’s river at the time. That all changed 105 years ago when the Grand became the Colorado. Keep scrolling for a closer look at what really happened.

What Was the Grand River in Colorado?

Read More: Why Colorado River Depth Matters Right Now in Grand Junction

Before the spring of 1921, the Colorado River in Colorado was named the Grand River. Official maps show the Colorado River technically began in Utah at the confluence of the Grand and Green rivers. The Grand was named by settlers who thought it was the "grandest" or main tributary of the region.

The headwaters near Rocky Mountain National Park are found in Grand County (established in 1874), which also takes its name from the river. This bit of history makes it easier to understand why names like Grand Lake, the Grand Valley, the Grand Mesa, and Grand Junction are all a perfect fit for the Western Slope.

Why Colorado Politicians Wanted the Name Changed

Colorado’s leaders argued that it made no sense for the “Colorado River” to begin outside the state. At the time, a congressman named Edward Taylor became the loudest voice for change. Neighboring states supposedly didn’t like the idea, but in the end, President Warren G. Harding ultimately signed the change into law in July 1921.

Why the Grand River Story Still Matters in Grand Junction

Read More: Are There Really Two Colorado Rivers in America?

Today, the Colorado River remains central to Western Slope agriculture, recreation, and tourism. In 2026, the debate over water shortages sometimes takes discussions all the way back to the days when the Colorado was Grand. The old name remains a reminder of how close Western Colorado is to the river. The anniversary of the renaming occurs on July 25.