Cope

Cope, Colorado is a small, historically agricultural community in Washington County, with a name directly linked to the railroad’s expansion into eastern Colorado.

History

Cope was established in 1888, a period when the region was becoming accessible thanks to railroad routes and new homestead opportunities. The post office opened on July 16, 1889, affirming its role as a community hub for area settlers. The town was named after Jonathan C. Cope, a railroad official who was influential in expanding rail service and promoting settlement in this part of Colorado. Cope’s historical population was modest and has never grown significantly. The peak population appears to have hovered near 100 before gradually declining. The 2020 census counted just 53 residents, reflecting ongoing rural depopulation trends common across the eastern plains.

Major Industries

Agriculture is and has always been Cope’s mainstay. Early settlers established farms and ranches, with grain crops, cattle, and some timber claims all shaping Cope’s economic base. Businesses in the town have generally served local agricultural needs.

Geography

Cope is located at approximately 39.6692°N latitude and 102.8501°W longitude, at an elevation of 4,429 feet (1,350 meters). Cope’s land is almost entirely dryland prairie, with minimal water features—a typical high plains environment. The area encompasses about 1.827 square miles, with a very low population density.

Obscure and Notable Facts

Jonathan C. Cope, besides being the town's namesake, was an early landholder who built a classic sod house and contributed to the region’s homesteading character. The Cope community also shares its name with Edward Drinker Cope, a famous paleontologist involved in Colorado’s "Bone Wars," though he is not directly connected to the town itself. Cope’s historical resilience is notable; the post office has operated since 1889, rare for such a small settlement.