By Blue Gaia
Last Chance is 80 miles east of Denver
Last Chance, Colorado is located in the eastern part of the state, approximately 80 miles east of
Denver. The town is situated in Washington County with an elevation of 4,819 feet. Last Chance is an unincorporated community. The residents live in the Mountain time zone.
History
Last Chance is located at the intersection of U.S. Highway 36 and State Highway 71. According to the Colorado Historical Society, the history behind the name of the town reflects the population of the area surrounding Last Chance. Being the last place for travelers to fuel up or buy supplies for many miles in any direction, the name of Last Chance was created.
Demographics
The total population of Last Chance is 23 people, based on the 2000 U.S. Census Survey. In fact, Washington County's population is only 4,926. The county was named after President George Washington. The 2000 U.S. Census recorded 96 percent of the county's population as white. The median income for a household was $32,431 and 11.4 percent of the county's population was below the poverty line.
Ancestry
The ancestry of Last Chance and Washington County is diverse. Thirty-five percent of county residents say they are of German ancestry, according to the 2000 U.S. Census survey. Another 13 percent report they are of Irish ancestry.
Geography
Other towns and cities located in Washington County include Anton, Cope, Lindon, Otis and Woodrow. The county seat is Akron. The county occupies 2,524 square miles. Approximately 3 square miles of that is water, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Significance
The Last Chance area was the target of a series of tornadoes in 1993. On July 21, five tornadoes touched down in the area. According to the Tornado Project, the strongest tornado was recorded as an F3. No one was injured or killed by the tornadoes, but several farms were destroyed.
About the Author:
Blue Gaia contributes green living, environmental, conservation, and alternative healing Internet content. She is published in "High Country News," "Gnosis" journal, and was a newspaper columnist. She writes about the effects of loss of habitat, endangered species issues and global climate change. She has an M.A. in systematic theology, with a concentration in South Asian religions from St. Mary’s University.
Photo Credits:
colorado springs,colorado image by Earl Robbins from
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