Cottonwood, Callahan County, Texas: Difference between revisions
→References: corrected handbook of texas online link for cottonwood. left reference citation in its original format |
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{{Infobox settlement |
{{Infobox settlement |
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|name = Cottonwood,<br>Callahan County, Texas |
|name = Cottonwood,<br>Callahan County, Texas |
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|settlement_type = [[Unincorporated area|Unincorporated community]] |
|settlement_type = [[Unincorporated area|Unincorporated community]] |
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|pushpin_map = Texas |
||pushpin_map = Texas#USA |
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|pushpin_label = Cottonwood |
|pushpin_label = Cottonwood |
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|subdivision_name = United States |
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|subdivision_type1 = [[U.S. state|State]] |
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|subdivision_name1 = [[Texas]] |
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|subdivision_type2 = [[List of counties in Texas|County]] |
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|elevation_ft = |
|elevation_ft = 1181 |
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|coordinates = {{coord|32|12|21|N|99|12|16|W|type:city_region:US-TX|display=inline,title}} |
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|latd = 32|latm = 12 |lats = 21|latNS = N |
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|blank1_name = [[Geographic Names Information System|GNIS]] feature ID |
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|blank1_info = 1378167<ref name=gnis>{{GNIS|1378167}}</ref> |
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'''Cottonwood''' is an [[unincorporated area|unincorporated community]] in southeastern [[Callahan County, Texas|Callahan County]], [[Texas]], |
'''Cottonwood''' is an [[unincorporated area|unincorporated community]] in southeastern [[Callahan County, Texas|Callahan County]], [[Texas]], United States. According to the [[Handbook of Texas]], the community had a population of 65 in 2000. |
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Cottonwood is part of the [[Abilene, Texas]] [[Abilene metropolitan area|Metropolitan Statistical Area]]. |
Cottonwood is part of the [[Abilene, Texas]] [[Abilene metropolitan area|Metropolitan Statistical Area]]. |
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== History == |
== History == |
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Cottonwood, so named because of the [[Celtis conferta subsp. amblyphylla|cottonwood trees]] that flourish there, was first inhabited in 1875 or 1876 by J. W. Love. Farmers from East Texas were drawn to the area by its agricultural potential, and Dr. H. O. Broadnax constructed the first store. Cottonwood was the hub of trade in the area for a while after a post office was constructed in 1882. When C. J. Wilson's weekly newspaper, the ''Prodigal'', began publication in 1890, 350 people were living there. Early on, the town was notorious for its violence, with two fatal shootouts occurring on Main Street. Jim Champion, Dan Robinson, John Breeding, Green, and Henry Robinson were among the pioneers. Bill Orr, Fred Griffin, Elias Norton, and J. F. Coffey were among the early merchants. In 1903, a [[canning|cannery]] for [[fruit]]s and [[vegetable]]s began. With the introduction of the vehicle and the transition in agricultural focus from growing fruits and vegetables to grazing, Cottonwood became less prominent. Just 300 people were living there in 1915, and only 120 in 1940. Between 1980 and 2000, 65 people were living there.<ref name="Handbook">{{Handbook of Texas|id=hncaa |name=Cottonwood, TX (Callahan County)}}</ref> |
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=== Cottonwood Springs === |
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[[Image:Cottonwood Bank.jpg|thumb|300px|right|The old bank and post office in Cottonwood (Photo by Benjamin Bruce)]] |
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A historical marker just outside of the town reads as follows: |
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In a tiny frame building, in 1911, W. F. Griffin started a bank. Paul Ramsey was the first president, and Griffin was the director. He worked as a [[janitor|custodian]], [[bank teller|teller]], [[cashier]], and [[loan officer]]. Residents and businessmen left Cottonwood when the railroad bypassed it. The bank closed in January 1915. Hazel Respess operated a post office in the building for fifty years, starting in 1918. Here, postal service was discontinued in 1975. This location is used as a community meeting place. It is maintained by the Cottonwood Historical Association. It also maintains the local Methodist Church and its two cemeteries.<ref name="Texas Escapes">{{cite web | url= http://www.texasescapes.com/TexasTowns/Cottonwood-Texas.htm | title= Cottonwood, Texas | publisher = Texas Escapes Online Magazine | date= | accessdate = 2023-12-12}}</ref> |
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<blockquote>After Indians on High Plains were subdued (1874) by Gen. R. S. MacKenzie, settlers started to pour into this area, where they found abundant game, water, and good soil for ranching, farming. Cottonwood Springs, at head of Green Briar Creek, was one of first villages founded (in 1875). The town soon became a trading center for southeastern part of county. It had several stores, two churches, and a school; and although usually peaceful, it experienced many gun battles. The town name was shortened to "Cottonwood" after first post office was established in 1883.</blockquote> |
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The Cottonwood Quilting Club quilts in the Cottonwood Community Center every Thursday and is responsible for maintaining it. The "Cottonwood Musical" was held at the building on the third Friday of each month until a few years ago. Musicians, including guitarists and fiddlers, would travel great distances to perform. People would enjoy homemade pies and country music. The West Texas Rehabilitation Center benefit "Rehab Night" and "Turkey Supper" night, which are both initiatives of the Quilting Club, are still hosted at the Community Center. The annual meeting of the Cottonwood Historical Association takes place in the Community Center on the first Saturday of May.<ref name="Texas Escapes"/> |
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=== Bank and Post Office === |
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In the center of the town, a building labeled "Cottonwood Texas" still stands, which was once the town's bank and post office. Its historical marker reads, |
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According to interviews, two brothers surnamed Newton, who were notorious bank and train robbers, lived near Cottonwood.<ref name="Texas Escapes"/> |
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<blockquote>W. F. Griffin opened a bank about 1911 in this small frame building. With Griffin as a director, Paul Ramsey served as the first president. His duties included teller, cashier, loan officer and custodian. When the railroad bypassed Cottonwood, merchants and residents moved away. In January 1915, the bank closed. In 1918 Hazel Respess opened a post office in the building and ran it for the next 50 years. In 1975, postal service here was stopped. This spot has been a gathering place for the community.</blockquote> |
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The [[Geoff Mack]] song [[I've Been Everywhere]] mentions this community in the fourth verse of the Texas version. |
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== Demographics == |
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==Geography== |
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In 1890, the population of the town was 390, but by 1990 it had been reduced to 65. Although small, Cottonwood is still an active community. |
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Cottonwood is located on [[Farm to Market Road 880]] and [[Farm to Market Road 1079]], {{convert|8|mi|km|abbr=on}} northwest of [[Cross Plains, Texas|Cross Plains]], {{convert|33|mi|km|abbr=on}} southwest of [[Eastland, Texas|Eastland]], and {{convert|45|mi|km|abbr=on}} southeast of [[Abilene, Texas|Abilene]] in southeastern Callahan County.<ref name="Texas Escapes"/> |
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== |
==Education== |
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The Cottonwood Community Center was formerly the town's school.<ref name="Texas Escapes"/> Today, the community is served by the [[Cross Plains Independent School District]]. |
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==References== |
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* Brown, Teri. "Cottonwood Texas Landmarks." Online: http://www.cottonwoodtexas.com/landmarks/landmarks.html (accessed December 7, 2005). |
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{{Reflist}} |
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* ''Handbook of Texas Online'', s.v. "COTTONWOOD, TX," https://tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/hncaa (accessed August 27, 2015). |
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* ''Texas Historic Sites Atlas'', s.v. "Cottonwood Springs, Site of." http://atlas.thc.state.tx.us (accessed December 6, 2005). |
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* ''Texas Historic Sites Atlas'', s.v. "Cottonwood Bank and Post Office." http://atlas.thc.state.tx.us (accessed December 6, 2005). |
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==External links== |
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* [http://www.cottonwoodtexas.com CottonwoodTexas.com] |
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*{{Gnis|1378167|Cottonwood, Texas}} |
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{{Callahan County, Texas}} |
{{Callahan County, Texas}} |
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{{authority control}} |
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[[Category:Unincorporated communities in Callahan County, Texas]] |
[[Category:Unincorporated communities in Callahan County, Texas]] |
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Latest revision as of 18:35, 12 December 2023
Cottonwood, Callahan County, Texas | |
|---|---|
  Cottonwood Location within the state of Texas  Cottonwood Cottonwood (the United States) | |
| Coordinates: 32°12′21″N 99°12′16″W / 32.20583°N 99.20444°W | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Texas |
| County | Callahan |
| Elevation | 1,181 ft (360 m) |
| Population (1990) | |
• Total | 65 |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| GNIS feature ID | 1378167[1] |
Cottonwood is an unincorporated community in southeastern Callahan County, Texas, United States. According to the Handbook of Texas, the community had a population of 65 in 2000.
Cottonwood is part of the Abilene, Texas Metropolitan Statistical Area.
History
[edit]Cottonwood, so named because of the cottonwood trees that flourish there, was first inhabited in 1875 or 1876 by J. W. Love. Farmers from East Texas were drawn to the area by its agricultural potential, and Dr. H. O. Broadnax constructed the first store. Cottonwood was the hub of trade in the area for a while after a post office was constructed in 1882. When C. J. Wilson's weekly newspaper, the Prodigal, began publication in 1890, 350 people were living there. Early on, the town was notorious for its violence, with two fatal shootouts occurring on Main Street. Jim Champion, Dan Robinson, John Breeding, Green, and Henry Robinson were among the pioneers. Bill Orr, Fred Griffin, Elias Norton, and J. F. Coffey were among the early merchants. In 1903, a cannery for fruits and vegetables began. With the introduction of the vehicle and the transition in agricultural focus from growing fruits and vegetables to grazing, Cottonwood became less prominent. Just 300 people were living there in 1915, and only 120 in 1940. Between 1980 and 2000, 65 people were living there.[2]
In a tiny frame building, in 1911, W. F. Griffin started a bank. Paul Ramsey was the first president, and Griffin was the director. He worked as a custodian, teller, cashier, and loan officer. Residents and businessmen left Cottonwood when the railroad bypassed it. The bank closed in January 1915. Hazel Respess operated a post office in the building for fifty years, starting in 1918. Here, postal service was discontinued in 1975. This location is used as a community meeting place. It is maintained by the Cottonwood Historical Association. It also maintains the local Methodist Church and its two cemeteries.[3]
The Cottonwood Quilting Club quilts in the Cottonwood Community Center every Thursday and is responsible for maintaining it. The "Cottonwood Musical" was held at the building on the third Friday of each month until a few years ago. Musicians, including guitarists and fiddlers, would travel great distances to perform. People would enjoy homemade pies and country music. The West Texas Rehabilitation Center benefit "Rehab Night" and "Turkey Supper" night, which are both initiatives of the Quilting Club, are still hosted at the Community Center. The annual meeting of the Cottonwood Historical Association takes place in the Community Center on the first Saturday of May.[3]
According to interviews, two brothers surnamed Newton, who were notorious bank and train robbers, lived near Cottonwood.[3]
The Geoff Mack song I've Been Everywhere mentions this community in the fourth verse of the Texas version.
Geography
[edit]Cottonwood is located on Farm to Market Road 880 and Farm to Market Road 1079, 8 mi (13 km) northwest of Cross Plains, 33 mi (53 km) southwest of Eastland, and 45 mi (72 km) southeast of Abilene in southeastern Callahan County.[3]
Education
[edit]The Cottonwood Community Center was formerly the town's school.[3] Today, the community is served by the Cross Plains Independent School District.
References
[edit]- ^ a b U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Cottonwood, Callahan County, Texas
- ^ Cottonwood, TX (Callahan County) from the Handbook of Texas Online
- ^ a b c d e "Cottonwood, Texas". Texas Escapes Online Magazine. Retrieved December 12, 2023.
Municipalities and communities of Callahan County, Texas, United States | ||
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| Cities |  | |
| Towns | ||
| Unincorporated communities | ||
| Ghost towns | ||