Grand Junction is a home ruled principality which is located in Mesa County, Colorado, USA. Grand Junction is the 15 th most populous city in the State of Colorado and the most populous city on the Western Slope of Colorado and therefore serves as the capital of the region. The city serves as the principal area of the Grand Junction Metropolitan Statistical Area.
The city of Grand Junction is located along the north side of the Colorado River. The name “Grand” is derived from the historical name of the upper Colorado River used by the locals in the late 19 th and early 20 th centuries which was renamed in 1921. The word “Junction” is derived from the fact that the Colorado and Gunnison Rivers meet here.
Most of the population in Grand Junction is White followed by African American, Native American, Asian, Pacific Islander and other races.
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The climate of Grand Junction is that of a semi-arid continental type. The summers are usually warm and dry with temperatures soaring up to 41ºC in the month of July. The winters are mostly mild with frequent snows which melt away quickly. The spring season is very prolonged with much blossoming and the fall is very colorful.
The main economic thoroughfare of Grand Junction until the 1960's was farming and cattle. However, after vast oil reserves were discovered the region has seen tremendous development. Major oil companies are now investing in this region.
The Walker Field Airport serves as the major airport of the region. Amtrak, the national passenger railway system provides service to Grand Junction.
Some of the important sight seeing places in Grand Junction includes- Colorado National Monument, Grand Mesa, Mesa State College and Western Colorado Botanical Gardens.
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