Cranfills Gap, Texas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Cranfills Gap, Texas
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St. Olaf Kirke located just outside Cranfills Gap in the unincorporated rural community known as Norse, Texas
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Location of Cranfills Gap, Texas
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| Country | United States |
| State | Texas |
| County | Bosque |
| Area | |
| • Total | 0.73 sq mi (1.88 km2) |
| • Land | 0.73 sq mi (1.88 km2) |
| • Water | 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2) |
| Elevation | 1,011 ft (308 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 277 |
| • Density | 379/sq mi (147.3/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| ZIP code |
76637
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| Area code(s) | 254 |
| FIPS code | 48-17540 |
| GNIS feature ID | 2410259 |
Cranfills Gap is a small city in Bosque County, central Texas, United States. It was started by people from Norway. Even today, many residents can trace their family history back to these first Norwegian settlers. The area around Cranfills Gap is special. It is known as the Norse Historic District. This district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In 2020, about 277 people lived there.
Contents
History of Cranfills Gap
The area where Cranfills Gap is located was first settled in 1851. It was named after George Eaton Cranfill.
Norwegian Settlers and Churches
Many Norwegian settlers came to this area. Most of them were Lutheran. They built a church called St. Olaf Kirke just outside Cranfills Gap. Kirke means "church" in Norwegian. People often call St. Olaf Kirke "The Rock Church." It is a small Lutheran church in a rural community called Norse, Texas. One famous pioneer in Norse was Cleng Peerson. Ole Canuteson, from Norway, founded Norse. As more people joined the church, a new one was built inside Cranfills Gap in 1917.
Growth and Changes Over Time
The town slowly grew. Its population reached its highest point of 600 people in 1940. During World War II, Cranfills Gap was the first town to sell more than its goal of war bonds. Locals often call the town "the gap." At one time, about 25 businesses were open in Cranfills Gap. However, the population and businesses slowly decreased. By 1980, there were only about nine businesses. In 1990, the population was 269.
Cranfills Gap in the Spotlight
On December 3, 2008, a TV station reported exciting news. Cranfills Gap was chosen for an advertising campaign. This campaign was for the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. They looked for "the most unique all-American town." Cranfills Gap was one of ten towns considered. A film crew visited the town. They interviewed residents about their town and their thoughts on Las Vegas.
In November 2008, Cranfills Gap became one of two finalists. Another group from Las Vegas visited. They stayed for about a week. They did more interviews and watched daily life in the town. The Las Vegas group wanted to send 150 residents to Las Vegas. Cranfills Gap leaders agreed to send 100 adults instead. In early December 2008, Cranfills Gap won the search. One hundred residents got a free trip to Las Vegas. This trip happened from December 5–7, 2008. Ron Hubbard, a city council member, hoped for more benefits. He said, "With that national recognition, maybe people will come visit, see what we're all about."
Geography of Cranfills Gap
Cranfills Gap is located in the western part of Bosque County. Its western edge is the border with Hamilton County. Texas State Highway 22 goes through the town. This highway leads northeast 14 miles to Meridian. Meridian is the county seat of Bosque County. The highway also goes west 18 miles to Hamilton.
Cranfills Mountain
Cranfills Mountain is in the western part of the town. It is 1,164 feet tall. This mountain rises 180 feet above the town center.
Area Size
The United States Census Bureau says the town covers about 0.7 square miles. All of this area is land.
Climate in Cranfills Gap
The weather in Cranfills Gap has hot, humid summers. Winters are usually mild to cool. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Cranfills Gap has a humid subtropical climate. This means it has warm temperatures and plenty of rain throughout the year.
Population of Cranfills Gap
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1980 | 341 | — | |
| 1990 | 269 | −21.1% | |
| 2000 | 335 | 24.5% | |
| 2010 | 281 | −16.1% | |
| 2020 | 277 | −1.4% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census 2020 Census |
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In 2000, there were 335 people living in Cranfills Gap. There were 132 households. The town had about 460 people per square mile. Most of the people were White (91.34%). Some were African American (0.30%) or Native American (0.90%). About 4.78% were from other races. About 2.69% were from two or more races. About 8.66% of the population was Hispanic or Latino.
Age Distribution
The population was spread out by age. About 29.3% of people were under 18 years old. About 16.4% were 65 years or older. The average age in the town was 40 years.
Education in Cranfills Gap
Students in Cranfills Gap attend schools in the Cranfills Gap Independent School District.
See also
In Spanish: Cranfills Gap para niños
