Center, Texas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Center, Texas
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Downtown Center, Texas
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Location of Center in 2009
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| Country | United States |
| State | Texas |
| County | Shelby |
| Area | |
| • Total | 7.86 sq mi (20.34 km2) |
| • Land | 7.84 sq mi (20.30 km2) |
| • Water | 0.02 sq mi (0.04 km2) |
| Elevation | 354 ft (108 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 5,221 |
| • Density | 660.24/sq mi (254.91/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| ZIP code |
75935
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| Area code(s) | 936 |
| FIPS code | 48-13732 |
| GNIS feature ID | 2409423 |
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Center is a city in Shelby County, Texas, United States. It is the main town of Shelby County, located in East Texas. In 2020, about 5,221 people lived there. The city got its name because it's located near the middle of Shelby County. It is also close to the border of Louisiana.
Contents
Where is Center, Texas?
Center is about 17 miles from the Louisiana border. It is also 118 miles north of Beaumont. The city is right in the middle of Shelby County.
According to the United States Census Bureau, Center covers about 6.2 square miles (16.2 km²). Most of this area is land, with a very small part being water.
Who Lives in Center?
Center has a diverse population. The city's population changes over time. Here's how it has grown since 1880:
| Historical population | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1880 | 177 | — | |
| 1910 | 1,684 | — | |
| 1920 | 1,838 | 9.1% | |
| 1930 | 2,510 | 36.6% | |
| 1940 | 3,010 | 19.9% | |
| 1950 | 4,323 | 43.6% | |
| 1960 | 4,510 | 4.3% | |
| 1970 | 4,989 | 10.6% | |
| 1980 | 5,827 | 16.8% | |
| 1990 | 4,950 | −15.1% | |
| 2000 | 5,678 | 14.7% | |
| 2010 | 5,193 | −8.5% | |
| 2020 | 5,221 | 0.5% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
Center's Population in 2020
In 2020, there were 5,221 people living in Center. There were 1,713 households and 1,266 families.
| Group | Number of People | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| White (NH) | 1,733 | 33.19% |
| Black or African American (NH) | 1,641 | 31.43% |
| Native American or Alaska Native (NH) | 6 | 0.11% |
| Asian (NH) | 302 | 5.78% |
| Pacific Islander (NH) | 10 | 0.19% |
| Other Race (NH) | 24 | 0.46% |
| Mixed/Multi-Racial (NH) | 110 | 2.11% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 1,395 | 26.72% |
| Total | 5,221 |
Life in Center in 2000
In the year 2000, Center had 5,678 people. There were 2,034 households. About 32.2% of these households had children under 18. The average household had 2.61 people. The average family had 3.23 people.
The population was spread out by age. About 26.3% were under 18 years old. About 19.0% were 65 years or older. The average age was 36 years.
A Look at Center's History
Shelby County was one of the first 13 counties in Texas. It was set up in 1837. The county was named after Issac Shelby, a military hero and governor of Kentucky. Shelby County became a very busy and successful area. This was because it was close to Louisiana and the Sabine River.
From White Cottage to Center
The place that became Center was first called White Cottage. A post office opened there on April 6, 1848.
Later, a state representative named Al Johnson wanted all county seats to be in the middle of their counties. So, the county clerk, R.L. Parker, had Shelby County surveyed. They found the exact center. People in Shelby County voted to move the county seat from Shelbyville to this new central spot. The vote passed.
In 1866, a group of men, led by Parker, moved all the county records. They took them from the courthouse in Shelbyville to a log cabin near White Cottage. After this, the community became known as Center. This name showed its new location in the middle of the county.
Building the Town Square
The Center post office opened in October 1866. In 1869, two people, Captain Jesse Amason and James C. Wilson, gave land for the new town. Amason wanted the new town to have a four-acre town square. This is why Center has such a large square today. Mr. Wilson owned a lot of land in the southern part of town. This area is still called the "Wilson Addition."
The Historic Courthouse
On May 31, 1882, a fire destroyed the courthouse. The county hired J.J. E. Gibson to build a new courthouse and jail. The new courthouse was finished in November 1885. It was designed to look like an Irish castle. This historic building still stands today in the center of the town square.
A Tornado Strikes
On February 12, 1950, a strong tornado hit Center. It destroyed several buildings. Sadly, three people died and at least 15 people were hurt.
Fun Events in Center
Center hosts several exciting events each year!
Watermelon Festival
Every July, the city celebrates the county-wide Watermelon Festival. This festival also crowns a "What A Melon Festival Queen." She helps lead the fun during the July celebration.
East Texas Poultry Festival
In October, Center holds the East Texas Poultry Festival. This festival honors John Moosberg, who started the broiler chicken farming system in Shelby County. There's a mural about these events at the Farmers State Bank, showing John Moosberg's picture.
The Poultry Festival also includes a pageant. High school junior girls from the county compete in this pageant. The winner is crowned the "Poultry Festival Queen." She leads the three-day festival. The winner also receives a $2,000 scholarship.
Miss Shelby County Pageant
Shelby County also hosts the Miss Shelby County Pageant. Young ladies from Shelby County can take part. Winners are crowned in different age groups: PreTeen, JrTeen, Teen, and Miss Queen. The title holder represents Shelby County at many events throughout the year.
Local News in Center
The Light and Champion is a local news company. It has been operating for over 140 years! It is based in Center and provides news for Shelby County. It also serves Logansport, Louisiana. The Light and Champion publishes a weekly newspaper and a free weekly product called The Merchandiser.
Famous People from Center
Many notable people have come from Center, Texas:
- Charlie Bradshaw, a professional football player
- John Campbell, a blues guitarist
- Wayne Christian, a Texas State Representative
- Dan Duncan, a successful oil businessman and helper of others
- Cade Foehner, a contestant on the TV show American Idol
- Bryan Hitt, the drummer for the band REO Speedwagon
- Charles McClelland, a leader in the Houston Police Department
- Charles Ray, a U.S. diplomat
- John S. Redditt, a Texas politician and businessman
- Del Shofner, a professional football player
Nearby Communities
Center is close to several smaller communities:
- Aiken
- Spann's Chapel
- Mt. Herman
- Jericho
- Short
- James
- Folsom Chapel
- Dreka
- Neuville
Schools in Center
Students in Center attend schools in the Center Independent School District.
See also
In Spanish: Center (Texas) para niños
