Vernon

Vernon, Colorado is a small unincorporated community located along U.S. Highway 34 between Eckley and Cope

History

Vernon developed in the 1880s as homesteaders and cattlemen began to replace the earlier open-range outfits along the North Fork of the Republican River and its tributaries. A townsite and post office followed the arrival of the Burlington & Missouri River Railroad in the early 1880s, which created a string of small service points in what became Yuma County. Standard printed county and state references do not clearly document the specific person or place for which Vernon was named. At its height in the late 19th century, Vernon's population was probably in the low hundreds. According to the 2020 census the current population is 38.

Major Industries

Like nearly ever small town in this area of the state agriculture has always been the primary economic base in and around Vernon, centered on dryland farming of wheat and other grains, along with cattle and other livestock.

Geography

Vernon is located at 39°56′23″N, 102°18′26″W. It is at an elevation: 3,875 feet above sea level.

Obscure and Notable Facts

Vernon’s early history is closely tied to the church life of its farm families, which supported multiple congregations and a surprisingly active calendar of meetings and revivals.