Drake

Drake, Colorado, is an unincorporated community founded around the early 1900s.

History

Drake opened a post office on December 14, 1905, inside an inn called The Forks Hotel, which served travelers along the Big Thompson Canyon. The area became known as Drake due to the efforts of Frank Bartholf and State Senator William A. Drake, who convinced the Postal Service to establish the post office within the hotel. The Forks Hotel was a crucial rest stop, offering meals and accommodations for travelers between Loveland and Estes Park. Frank Alderdyce purchased The Forks in 1906 and served as postmaster. The post office remained in the hotel until 1973, when it was moved to a modular building. Drake's population was approximately 1,010 at the 2010 census, a small community nestled within Larimer County.

Geography

Drake is located at latitude 40.4319°N and longitude 105.3403°W, situated in Larimer County at an elevation of about 6,162 feet (1,878 meters). The community lies along U.S. Highway 34 in the scenic Big Thompson Canyon, near Rocky Mountain National Park.

Major Industries

Historically, Drake's economy revolved around tourism and travel services, primarily serving stagecoach and later automobile travelers heading to Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park. The hospitality industry, including inns and rest stops, was central with The Forks Hotel as a key establishment.

Obscure and Notable Facts

Before automobiles, visitors reached Estes Park via horse-drawn stagecoaches with stops at Drake; by 1909, many used Stanley Steamers. The postal service's establishment inside The Forks Hotel was significant in formalizing the community's identity. The area was a critical travel juncture due to the junction of north and south branches of the Big Thompson River, giving the hotel and community a strategic location. The Bobcat Fire in 2000, started by a camper near Drake, is a notable event in recent local history.