Cokedale

Cokedale is part of a National Historic District. It began in 1906 when the American Smelting and Mining Company put down roots for coal mining in the area. Their most profitable mine produced over 1,500 tons of coal a day. There were over 350 coke ovens installed which produced a total of 800 pounds of coke. The coal mining was successful in this area for over 40 years. When the company decided to pull out, they offered workers the opportunity to purchase the homes they had been living on. Some decided to stay and Cokedale was incorporated in 1947.

The height of Cokedale's population was 1,500 although there are now only 128 residents. 75% of the residents are white and the majority of the people here work in accommodation and food services, followed by wholesale trade. The median household income in Cokedale is $62,605, about $7,000 more than the state average. The median priced average home here can be purchased for $106,660 so the cost of living here is about as good as it gets. That is, if you can deal with virtually no amenities unless you travel to Trinidad which is only about 10 minutes away.

Overall, Cokedale is a very lush looking area with quick access to Trinidad Lake State Park. The townsfolk all seem very friendly and everyone knows everyone else. Many of the families living here have had ties that go back to the mining days.