Welcome to Copperas Cove - Copperas Cove, TX
Posted by: 
WalksfarTX
N 31° 07.461 W 097° 54.177
14R E 604597 N 3443900
Small sign just off of FM116 on the North side of town.
Waymark Code: WMXZAV
Location: Texas, United States
Date Posted: 03/21/2018
Views: 0
Sign: A short pedestal of rock has the metal cutout sign "Welcome to Copperas Cove". On the Pedestal is a smooth limestone silhouette of an Indian's head with a single feather. On the side of the head is a metal bas relief of a man riding a mule with a shovel tied to the back of his saddle. Below the cowboy it says "Building since 1879". Under that sign embossed are the words "Egad! Copperas Water!".
Town History from Texas Escapes:Settlement began in the 1870s. The name Cove was submitted for a post office, but refused due to a prior claim. The application was resubmitted with the additional word of Copperas added. The name supposedly comes from the copper-tasting water of a nearby spring. The Copperas Cove post office opened in 1879.
Copperas Cove was along one of the "feeder routes" of the famous Chisolm Trail. The Gulf, Colorado, and Santa Fe Railway arrived nearby in 1882 and the townspeople moved the two miles NE in order to enjoy all the economic advantages the railroad provided.
WWII was a life saver for the town when the government established Camp Hood. The postwar population grew to 1,052 in the early 50s. Camp Hood became Fort Hood in 1950 and the post became a permanent facility.