Lifestyle
3 Things You May Not Know About Copperas Cove
With a motto of “The city built for family living,” it is not difficult to tell that Copperas Cove, Texas takes a great deal of pride in the quality of life it offers. However, it was not always the busy, thriving community that it is now.
1. Copperas Cove was founded as a farming and ranching community.
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In the 1870s, a piece of the Chisholm Trail was cut through the area, making it an ideal settling place for cattle ranchers. A group of farmers and ranchers settled in the area, and in 1878, applied for a post office under the town name “Cove.” The name was already taken, however, so it was officially changed to “Copperas Cove,” after the metallic taste of the water from an area creek. The original post office is still standing today.
In the 1880s, Copperas Cove expanded rapidly when a railroad was put in. The railroad served as a shipping point for the area farmers and ranchers and attracted several businesses to the area. By the early 1900s, a school district was established, and the town was flourishing, largely due to the agriculture production. However, as did many farming communities, Copperas Cove suffered greatly during the Great Depression. Businesses closed, and almost all of the residents left to find work elsewhere.
The 1940s brought new life for Copperas Cove with the establishment of Fort Hood, then called Camp Hood. Fort Hood is located in the neighboring city of Killeen and is one of the nation’s largest military installations, and with its growth, it continues to attract people to the Copperas Cove area. Today, Copperas Cove and Killeen are almost geographically intertwined due to the area’s expansion because of Fort Hood.
2. Copperas Cove is known as The City of Five Hills.
Photo: Wikimedia
This name could not possibly be any more literal. The early settlers were attracted to the area because of its location in the middle of five surrounding hills. In fact, the name “Cove” was given because of the safety and protection the hills provided. Today, the hills provide a scenic landscape for the area and even make up the city’s promotional logo.
3. Recreation is a big deal.
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Copperas Cove takes great pride in their selection of activities and events. The extensive parks and recreation department truly is something to marvel. Not only do they boast an expansive, immaculate city park, but the department also offers various sports leagues for all ages.
The natural landscape of the area provides a perfect setting for getting outdoors. There are hiking and walking trails all along the area hills, and the creeks that flow through the city are ideal for fishing and picnics.
Whether you are in the market for a new place to call home or just a place to visit, Copperas Cove is truly a unique and dynamic city.
