Belcherville, Texas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Belcherville
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 Belcherville
Location in Texas
Belcherville
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Texas |
| County | Montague |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (CST) |
Belcherville is a small place located in Montague County, Texas, United States. It is known as an "unincorporated community." This means it does not have its own local government, unlike a city or town. In the year 2000, about 34 people lived there.
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What is the History of Belcherville?
Belcherville was first called "Belcher." It got its name from two local ranchers, John and Alex Belcher. By 1858, the name changed to Belcherville. For many years, it was mainly just the office center for the Belcher Ranch.
How Did Belcherville Start to Grow?
A big change happened in 1887. The Belcher family bought a large amount of land, about 27,000 acres (10,926 hectares). They planned to build a town there. This was because a railroad, the Gainesville, Henrietta and Western Railway, was going to pass through the area. A post office opened in Belcherville that same year.
The railroad helped Belcherville become a busy place. It became a center for shipping cattle and cotton. Also, a nearby town called Red River Station was almost completely destroyed by a storm in 1890. This made Belcherville even more important. By 1893, more than twenty businesses were operating there.
When Was Belcherville at Its Peak?
By 1900, Belcherville had grown quite a bit. There were thirty businesses and 305 people living there. It was a thriving community.
Why Did Belcherville's Population Change?
However, Belcherville faced challenges in the 1900s. In 1908, the local people decided to end their town's official incorporation. After World War I, two large fires damaged the main business area. Many businesses then moved to Nocona, a nearby town.
By the mid-1920s, Belcherville had 192 residents. In the mid-1930s, the population dropped to 85, with only five businesses left. The post office eventually closed after 1930. The number of people living in Belcherville continued to change. It reached 94 by the mid-1940s, then dropped to 31 by the mid-1950s. By the late 1960s, it had risen to 90 people, but there were no businesses recorded.
It's thought that Belcherville might have become an incorporated town again sometime in the early 1900s. In 1958, it was reportedly the smallest incorporated town in the United States. Between the 1960s and 2000, Belcherville's population was 34.
What About Tornadoes in Belcherville?
Belcherville has experienced some tornadoes. On February 10, 2009, a small tornado, called an EF0, hit the area. It damaged the roofs of some homes and destroyed sheds. It also blew down a back door and flipped over a water tank. The damage from this tornado was estimated at $20,000. Another EF0 tornado struck the town on May 15, 2013, causing damage to a ranch.
Where is Belcherville Located?
Belcherville is located in the northwestern part of Montague County. You can find it where U.S. Route 82 and Farm to Market Road 1816 meet. It is about 15 miles (24 km) northwest of Montague. It is also about 6 miles (10 km) west of Nocona.
What About Education in Belcherville?
In 1900, Belcherville had two schools. Today, students from Belcherville attend schools in the Nocona Independent School District.
Who Are Some Famous People from Belcherville?
- Buron Fitts: He was the 29th lieutenant governor of California. A lieutenant governor is like a vice-governor, helping the main governor of a state.
- Foy E. Wallace: He was an important leader in the Church of Christ.
