Cottonwood, Callahan County, Texas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Cottonwood,
Callahan County, Texas |
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 Cottonwood,
Callahan County, Texas Location in Texas
Cottonwood,
Callahan County, Texas Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Texas |
| County | Callahan |
| Elevation | 1,181 ft (360 m) |
| Population
(1990)
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| • Total | 65 |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| GNIS feature ID | 1378167 |
Cottonwood is a small, unincorporated community in southeastern Callahan County, Texas, United States. An unincorporated community means it's a place where people live together but it doesn't have its own local government like a city or town. In 2000, about 65 people lived in Cottonwood. It is part of the larger Abilene area.
Contents
History of Cottonwood
How Cottonwood Got Its Name
Cottonwood was named after the many cottonwood trees that grow there. The first person to settle in the area was J. W. Love, around 1875 or 1876.
Early Days and Growth
Farmers from East Texas were attracted to Cottonwood because the land was good for growing crops. Dr. H. O. Broadnax built the first store, making Cottonwood a busy trading center. A post office opened in 1882. By 1890, about 350 people lived there. A weekly newspaper called the Prodigal also started publishing then.
Life in Early Cottonwood
Many early settlers helped build the community. These included Jim Champion, Dan Robinson, John Breeding, Green, and Henry Robinson. Early business owners included Bill Orr, Fred Griffin, Elias Norton, and J. F. Coffey. In 1903, a factory opened that canned fruits and vegetables.
Changes Over Time
Cottonwood became less important when cars became popular. People also started focusing more on raising animals instead of growing fruits and vegetables. By 1915, only 300 people lived there. This number dropped to 120 by 1940. From 1980 to 2000, the population stayed around 65 people.
A bank opened in 1911 in a small building. W. F. Griffin started it, and Paul Ramsey was the first president. Griffin did many jobs at the bank, including being a custodian and teller. When the railroad was built, it bypassed Cottonwood. This meant many residents and businesses left. The bank closed in 1915.
Community Spirit Lives On
Even after the bank closed, the building remained important. Hazel Respess ran a post office there for 50 years, starting in 1918. Postal service stopped in 1975. Today, this building is a community meeting place. The Cottonwood Historical Association takes care of it. They also look after the local Methodist Church and its two cemeteries.
The Cottonwood Quilting Club meets every Thursday at the Cottonwood Community Center. They help maintain the center. For many years, the "Cottonwood Musical" was held there monthly. Musicians would come from far away to play country music. People enjoyed homemade pies and great performances.
The Quilting Club still hosts special events. These include "Rehab Night" and "Turkey Supper" night. These events raise money for the West Texas Rehabilitation Center. The Cottonwood Historical Association also holds its yearly meeting at the Community Center. This happens on the first Saturday of May.
Interestingly, two brothers named Newton, who were known for robbing banks and trains, once lived near Cottonwood. The community is even mentioned in the Texas version of the famous song "I've Been Everywhere" by Geoff Mack.
Geography
Where is Cottonwood?
Cottonwood is located in southeastern Callahan County. You can find it on Farm to Market Road 880 and Farm to Market Road 1079. It is about 8 miles (13 km) northwest of Cross Plains. It is also about 33 miles (53 km) southwest of Eastland. And it's around 45 miles (72 km) southeast of Abilene.
Education
Learning in Cottonwood
The Cottonwood Community Center used to be the town's school. Today, students from Cottonwood attend schools in the Cross Plains Independent School District.
