Rocky Ford, Colorado facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Rocky Ford, Colorado
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Rocky Ford City Hall (2010)
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Location within Otero County and Colorado
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 Rocky Ford, Colorado
Location in the United States
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| Country |  United States |
| State |  Colorado |
| County | Otero County |
| City | Rocky Ford |
| Incorporated | August 19, 1887 |
| Government | |
| • Type | Statutory City |
| Area | |
| • Total | 1.69 sq mi (4.38 km2) |
| • Land | 1.68 sq mi (4.35 km2) |
| • Water | 0.01 sq mi (0.04 km2) |
| Elevation | 4,180 ft (1,274 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 3,876 |
| • Density | 2,293/sq mi (884.9/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-7 (Mountain (MST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-6 (MDT) |
| ZIP code |
81067
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| Area code(s) | 719 |
| FIPS code | 08-65190 |
| GNIS feature | 0195481 |
Rocky Ford is a small but interesting city in Otero County, Colorado, United States. It's known as a "statutory city," which means it follows certain laws set by the state. In 2020, about 3,876 people lived there.
Contents
Exploring Rocky Ford's Past
Rocky Ford got its name from a "rocky ford" (a shallow place to cross a river) over the Arkansas River. This crossing was near where the town first started. The city was officially formed on August 19, 1887.
Where is Rocky Ford Located?
Rocky Ford is in southeastern Colorado. It covers a total area of about 1.7 square miles (4.38 square kilometers). Most of this area is land, with a very small part being water. The city is located at an elevation of about 4,180 feet (1,274 meters) above sea level.
Who Lives in Rocky Ford?
The number of people living in Rocky Ford has changed over the years. Here's how the population has grown and shrunk:
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1880 | 47 | — | |
| 1890 | 468 | 895.7% | |
| 1900 | 2,018 | 331.2% | |
| 1910 | 3,230 | 60.1% | |
| 1920 | 3,746 | 16.0% | |
| 1930 | 3,426 | −8.5% | |
| 1940 | 3,493 | 2.0% | |
| 1950 | 4,087 | 17.0% | |
| 1960 | 4,929 | 20.6% | |
| 1970 | 4,859 | −1.4% | |
| 1980 | 4,804 | −1.1% | |
| 1990 | 4,162 | −13.4% | |
| 2000 | 4,286 | 3.0% | |
| 2010 | 3,957 | −7.7% | |
| 2020 | 3,876 | −2.0% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
In 2000, there were 4,286 people living in Rocky Ford. About 28.2% of the people were under 18 years old. The average age of people in the city was 37 years.
What is Rocky Ford Known For?
Rocky Ford is famous for its delicious watermelons and cantaloupes! The soil in the area and the changing temperatures create perfect conditions for growing these fruits. Agriculture, or farming, is a very important part of the city's economy.
Getting Around Rocky Ford
Rocky Ford is part of Colorado's Bustang network. This is a public transportation system that helps people travel between cities. Rocky Ford is on the "Lamar-Pueblo-Colorado Springs Outrider" bus line.
Famous People from Rocky Ford
Many interesting people have either been born in Rocky Ford or lived there. Here are a few:
- Lewis Babcock (born 1943) - A judge.
- Marvin Cordova, Jr. (born 1985) - A professional boxer.
- Blaine Gibson (1918–2015) - A talented sculptor and animator for Disney. He helped create figures for attractions like The Hall of Presidents and Pirates of the Caribbean.
- Earl T. Newbry (1900–1995) - He served as the Secretary of State for Oregon.
- Manuel T. Pacheco (born 1941) - A university president.
- George W. Swink (1836–1910) - A land developer and fruit grower.
- Robert Swink (1918–2000) - A film editor.
- John D. Vanderhoof (1922–2013) - He was the 37th governor of Colorado.
See also
In Spanish: Rocky Ford (Colorado) para niños
