Augusta, Texas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Augusta, Texas
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Country | United States |
State | Texas |
County | Houston |
Elevation | 374 ft (114 m) |
Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
• Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
Area code(s) | 430 & 903 |
GNIS feature ID | 1384223 |
Augusta is a small community in Houston County, Texas. It is considered an unincorporated community, meaning it's not officially part of a city or town. In the year 2000, about 20 people lived there, according to the Handbook of Texas.
History of Augusta
Legend says Augusta was named after Augusta Smith. She was the daughter of an early settler, someone who helped start the community. In 1821, a man named Daniel McLean built what is thought to be the first house in this area. He was part of an important journey called the Gutiérrez-Magee Expedition.
Other early families who moved to Augusta included the Kyles and the Aldriches. Colonel W. W. Davis and G. W. Wilson also settled here. The town was built on land owned by G. W. Wilson. Before the American Civil War, Augusta was a busy place. It was a center for trade for nearby large farms, called plantations.
By 1882, Augusta had grown quite a bit. It had a church that welcomed everyone, and machines called steam cotton gins. These machines helped separate cotton fibers. There were also mills that ground corn and other grains, known as grist and maize mills. The community also had three general stores. Around 200 people lived there at this time, and a post office was opened.
Augusta continued to do well for many years. However, the post office eventually closed. Even so, the town thrived until the 1940s. In 1936, Augusta had 250 people and three businesses. But by the 1940s, the population dropped to 120. By 1952, only 20 people lived in Augusta.
In 1990, the community still had a center for gatherings and a cemetery. The population remained at 20 people in 2000.
On October 18, 1838, a sad event happened in Augusta. It was a conflict where early settlers and Native Americans lost their lives. Today, four special markers stand at this spot to remember what happened.
Where is Augusta?
Augusta is located in the northeastern part of Houston County. You can find it on Farm to Market Road 227. It's about 16 miles (26 km) northeast of Crockett, another town in Texas.
Education in Augusta
In 1860, a teacher named W.M. Waddell taught at the Augusta Male and Female Academy. By 1885, the community had its own school. If there are any students living in Augusta today, they would likely attend schools in the Grapeland ISD (Independent School District).
Augusta in Popular Culture
Augusta was shown in a home movie called The Augustas. This movie was made by Scott Nixon.