Clairette, Texas facts for kids
Clairette is a small, unincorporated community located in Erath County, in the central part of Texas, United States. It sits along Texas State Highway 6 and the Bosque River. Clairette is about five miles northwest of Hico and 16 miles east of Dublin.
Contents
The Story of Clairette
How Clairette Started
Clairette was founded in the 1880s. This happened when the Texas Central railway line was built through the area. This line was part of the famous Katy Railroad. The railway connected places like Waco to Stamford. There was also a branch line to Cross Plains from De Leon. The railroad was very important for the community's beginning.
The Railroad's Importance
The Katy Railroad brought people and goods to Clairette. It helped the community grow and connect with other towns. However, the Katy Railroad stopped using the line through Clairette in the late 1960s. This was a big change for the community.
Where Did the Name Come From?
Clairette got its name from a brand of soap. This soap was very popular when the community was founded. It's interesting how a simple product gave a town its name!
Changes in Clairette
Why Clairette Shrank
Clairette's population began to decline after the railroad left. Also, new roads were built nearby. US Highway 281 and improved Texas State Highway 6 made it easier for people to travel. They could now easily commute to larger towns for work or shopping. This meant fewer people needed to live right in Clairette.
Population Changes Over Time
At its busiest, Clairette had about 300 people living there. But from the 1970s through the 2000s, the population stayed around 60 people. This shows how much the community changed after the railroad left and new highways were built.
