Wacky Colorado History: Three Different Governors in One Day

The state of Colorado is unique in many ways, including some that are just downright bizarre. One of these "accomplishments" is the fact that Colorado is the only state in the history of the United States to have three different governors in office in a single day.

When Did Colorado Have Three Governors?

March 17, 1905, wasn't an ordinary day in Colorado. This period of time was rife with mining disputes, scandalous politics, and an inauguration day like none other in the state's history.

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It was on this day that Alva Adams, a man who had served as Colorado's fifth governor and tenth governor, officially became the state's 14th governor as well. However, Adams' final stint as governor would prove to be his shortest, by far.

What Happened in Colorado on March 17, 1905?

Adams, who later became the namesake of Colorado's Adams County, had been in a vicious battle with the incumbent governor at the time, James Peabody. At this time, Peabody wasn't well-liked by much of the populace who coined the term, "Anybody but Peabody" during his run for re-election.

While the results saw Adams as the winner of this particular election, Peabody and his fellow Republicans accused Adams of fraud and corruption, which was later found to have been employed by both candidates.

Because of this, the Republican-ran state legislature voted to remove Adams from the governor's mansion, on the condition that Peabody step down from the post immediately thereafter.

This left the gubernatorial responsibilities to fall on Peabody's Lieutenant Governor Jesse Fuller McDonald, who would serve from March 17, 1905, until January 8, 1907.