Karval, Colorado

Karval Colorado came into existance with the second “homestead act of 1908”. This act allowed individuals to apply and settle on 320 acres of land. If they satisfied the government requirements the property became theirs. A portion of these requirements were they live on the property for a period of three years, build a residence, and plow a required number of acres. Prior to this time until Hershberger located near a spring at the head of Adobe Creek. He arrived there and established a residence in approximately 1874. He remained there until his death in l944. Prior to 1908 there were other scattered cattle and sheep ranches located in the area. Gulick Kravig was the first postmaster of the office established in 1911. He had the privilege of naming the post office. Having come from a valley in Norway called Kars Valley, he suggested using the first three letters Kar and Val making the name Karval which has been used since.