Bradford, Texas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bradford, Texas
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 Bradford, Texas
Location in Texas
Bradford, Texas
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Texas |
| County | Anderson |
| Elevation | 423 ft (129 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| Area code(s) | 430 & 903 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1379452 |
Bradford is a small, unincorporated community in Anderson County, located in the U.S. state of Texas. This means it's a settlement that isn't officially part of a city or town. In the year 2000, about 30 people lived there. It's located near the city of Palestine.
Contents
History of Bradford
Bradford was first settled around 1879. A post office opened in Bradford in 1882. It stayed open until 1907. People believe the community was named after B.L. Bradford, who was its first postmaster.
Early Growth and Businesses
By 1884, Bradford had grown quite a bit. It had a Presbyterian church and a general store. There were also steam-powered machines called cotton gins and gristmills. These machines helped process cotton and grain. At this time, about 150 people lived in Bradford.
Peak Population and Decline
The community reached its largest population in 1896, with 200 residents. In the early 1900s, two brothers, J.B. and D.D. Hanks, started a sawmill and another gin. However, Bradford began to shrink soon after this peak. By 1900, the population had dropped to 125. By 1933, only about 20 people lived there.
Later Years and Recent Events
In the 1930s, Bradford still had a factory and some homes. The population went up to 50 in the mid-1940s. But by 1949, it had lost half its residents again. From 1974 to 1990, only 22 people lived in Bradford. In 1985, there was still a business, a cemetery, and several homes. By 2000, the population was 30. Sadly, the community's only business, Bradford Cafe (which used to be Walls General Store), burned down on September 18, 2017.
Where is Bradford Located?
Bradford is found where two roads meet: Farm to Market Road 837 and Texas State Highway 19. It is about 18 mi (29 km) northwest of Palestine. This location is in the northwestern part of Anderson County.
Education in Bradford
Bradford had its own school way back in 1884. Today, students in the community attend schools that are part of the Cayuga Independent School District.
Famous People from Bradford
- Kolby Cooper, a country music singer-songwriter
