Hooper

Hooper is a Statutory Town located in the San Luis Valley in Alamosa County, Colorado, United States. The population was 81 at the 2020 census.

History

Hooper, Colorado, is a small town located in the San Luis Valley in Alamosa County. It was incorporated on May 20, 1898. Originally, the post office in the area was known as Garrison from January 26, 1891, until July 17, 18961. The town was later named Hooper in honor of Major S. Hooper, a railroad official. Hooper was initially part of Costilla County until March 8, 1913, when the formation of Alamosa County was authorized by the state legislature. The town experienced a decline when the railroad stopped running to Hooper, causing the population to dwindle. Despite this, the community has remained resilient, maintaining a small but steady population. Today, Hooper is known for its proximity to the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, making it a quaint stop for visitors exploring the area.

Geography

Hooper is located at 37°44′45″N 105°52′37″W (37.745819, -105.876817). According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 0.27 square miles, all of it land. Nearby points of interest include the Great Sand Dunes and the town of Crestone.

Comments

While photographing various old buildings around Hooper, I was approached by a woman who shared the story of how the Mosca Hooper School consolidation was the ruination of the community.