Casimiro Barela and the Constitution
One constitution, three ways... Casimiro Barela wanted Colorado's foundational document to be as comprehensible as possible. Born over the border in Nuevo México, Barela came to the territory as a young man. In 1876 he was 29, and was now, as a state representative, among those writing the constitution. Well aware of Colorado's diversity and a need to include — and ultimately assimilate — those who did not speak English, Barela urged delegates to make their work more accessible. "You may say that ignorance of the law does not excuse the breaking of it," he told them. "I say it is the only excuse." Thanks to a provision written into the document — and thanks to Casimiro Barela — the original Colorado constitution was printed in 3 languages for the state’s largest linguistic groups. English, Spanish and German.
About Colorado Postcards
Colorado Postcards are snapshots of our colorful state in sound. They give brief insights into our people and places, our flora and fauna, and our past and present, from every corner of Colorado. See more postcards.
