Apple Springs, Texas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Apple Springs
|
|
|---|---|
 Apple Springs
Location in Texas
Apple Springs
Location in the United States
|
|
| Country |  United States |
| State |  Texas |
| County | Trinity |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| ZIP code |
75926
|
| Area code(s) | 936 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1381331 |
Apple Springs is a small place in Trinity County, Texas, United States. It is called an "unincorporated community." This means it doesn't have its own local government like a city does. In 2000, about 185 people lived there. Apple Springs is part of the larger area around Huntsville, Texas.
Contents
History of Apple Springs
How Apple Springs Started
Apple Springs began shortly after the American Civil War ended. It was first called May Apple Springs. The community got its name from a nearby spring where special plants called May apples grew.
A post office opened in Apple Springs in 1884. The community later moved to be closer to the Groveton, Lufkin and Northern Railway tracks. This happened when a railroad line was built between Groveton and Vair.
Growth and Changes Over Time
During World War I, about 75 people lived in Apple Springs. The town had three general stores, a gin (a machine for separating cotton), a bank, and a cafe.
In 1931, the railroad line was no longer used. So, the community moved again, this time to Texas State Highway 94. By the mid-1930s, Apple Springs had 12 businesses and about 150 residents.
The town's population grew to 285 people by 1965. After that, the number of residents slowly went down. In the 1990s, about 130 people lived there, and there were nine businesses. By 2000, the population was 185, and the town had 21 businesses.
Tornadoes in the Area
On January 19, 1990, a very strong tornado hit Apple Springs. It damaged about 20 homes and flipped over a mobile home, moving it about 70 feet. Several power poles were also broken.
Another strong tornado happened on November 23, 2004. This one was near Apple Springs in the Davy Crockett National Forest. It trapped seven hunters and badly damaged their cars. Along its path, 70 to 90 percent of the trees were knocked down or harmed.
Where is Apple Springs?
Apple Springs is located where Texas State Highway 94 meets Farm to Market Roads 357 and 2501. It is about 15 mi (24 km) northeast of Groveton. It is also about 20 mi (32 km) southwest of Lufkin. This area is in the northeastern part of Trinity County.
Schools in Apple Springs
Early Schools
The first school in Apple Springs opened in 1884. Two years later, only 28 students were enrolled there.
Current School District
Today, Apple Springs is home to the Apple Springs Independent School District. This district has two schools:
- Apple Springs Elementary School, which teaches students from pre-kindergarten to grade 6.
- Apple Springs High School, which teaches students from grades 7 to 12.
About 140 to 165 students attend these schools. In 2004-2005, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) gave the school district an "Academically Acceptable" rating. In 2002, Texas Monthly magazine named Apple Springs High School one of the top ten high schools in Texas. This recognition was based on how well it performed compared to other schools with similar economic backgrounds.
Local Businesses
Brookshire Brothers has a store in Apple Springs. This provides a local place for residents to shop.
Notable Person from Apple Springs
Jesse Jarue Mark, an African American who earned a Ph.D. in botany (the study of plants), was born in Apple Springs.
