Cross Plains, Texas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Cross Plains, Texas
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Location of Cross Plains, Texas
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| Country | United States |
| State | Texas |
| County | Callahan |
| Area | |
| • Total | 1.20 sq mi (3.11 km2) |
| • Land | 1.20 sq mi (3.11 km2) |
| • Water | 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2) |
| Elevation | 1,736 ft (529 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 899 |
| • Density | 749/sq mi (289.1/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC−6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−5 (CDT) |
| ZIP Code |
76443
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| Area code(s) | 254 |
| FIPS code | 48-17816 |
| GNIS feature ID | 2412390 |
Cross Plains is a small town in Callahan County, Texas, in the United States. In 2020, about 899 people lived there. It is part of the larger Abilene Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Contents
History of Cross Plains
Cross Plains was first called "Turkey Creek." This name came from a stream that flows through the town's Treadaway Park today. In its early days, Cross Plains had only a few important things. These included a store, a cotton gin (a machine that separates cotton fibers), and a gristmill (a mill for grinding grain).
How Cross Plains Got Its Name
Early settlers, Hugh Henry McDermett and J.C. McDermett, asked the government to open a post office here. In 1878, the post office was approved. It was named "Cross Plains" because many stagecoach and military roads crossed here before the Civil War. East and West Caddo Peaks, about 5 miles (8 km) west, were important landmarks. Early Native Americans, soldiers, and government surveying teams used them to find their way.
Growth and Changes in Cross Plains
In 1902, the town had one newspaper called The Herald. But it soon closed down. A second paper, The Cross Plains Review, started in 1909. It still publishes a newspaper every Wednesday.
The town moved to its current spot in January 1911. This was to be closer to the railroad. On January 12, 1911, a train arrived with people wanting to buy land. By the end of that day, $75,000 worth of land was sold! Cross Plains was the last stop on the Texas Central Katy Railroad line. This line came from De Leon and Rising Star. The Katy Railroad stopped using this line in the 1940s.
In 1925, an oil boom caused the town's population to grow. By 1940, over 1,200 people lived in Cross Plains. For the last 50 years, the population has stayed around 1,000.
The 2005 Wildfire
On December 27, 2005, a large grass and range wildfire hit the area. This fire destroyed 116 homes in and around Cross Plains. The Texas Department of Public Safety reported that 85 single-family homes, 25 mobile homes, and 6 apartment units were destroyed. Another 36 homes were damaged. The First United Methodist Church building in Cross Plains was also lost.
The fire started about 5 miles (8 km) west of the town along Highway 36. Strong winds, up to 30 miles per hour (48 km/h), pushed the flames into town. The fire burned a total of 7,665 acres (3,102 hectares) of land. Luckily, the nearly 100-year-old house of author Robert E. Howard was saved. This house is now a museum.
Geography and Climate
Cross Plains is located in the southeastern part of Callahan County. State highways 36 and 206 meet in the southern part of town. Highway 36 goes northwest 45 miles (72 km) to Abilene. It goes southeast 39 miles (63 km) to Comanche. Highway 206 goes northeast 23 miles (37 km) to Cisco. It goes southwest 27 miles (43 km) to Coleman.
The United States Census Bureau says Cross Plains covers about 1.2 square miles (3.1 square kilometers). All of this area is land.
What is the Climate Like?
The weather in Cross Plains has hot, humid summers. Winters are usually mild to cool. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Cross Plains has a humid subtropical climate. This means it has warm temperatures and plenty of rain throughout the year.
Population Information
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1920 | 700 | — | |
| 1930 | 1,507 | 115.3% | |
| 1940 | 1,229 | −18.4% | |
| 1950 | 1,305 | 6.2% | |
| 1960 | 1,168 | −10.5% | |
| 1970 | 1,192 | 2.1% | |
| 1980 | 1,240 | 4.0% | |
| 1990 | 1,063 | −14.3% | |
| 2000 | 1,068 | 0.5% | |
| 2010 | 982 | −8.1% | |
| 2020 | 899 | −8.5% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
Who Lives in Cross Plains?
| Race | Number | Percentage |
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| White (NH) | 789 | 87.76% |
| Native American or Alaska Native (NH) | 9 | 1.0% |
| Asian (NH) | 1 | 0.11% |
| Some Other Race (NH) | 1 | 0.11% |
| Mixed/Multi-Racial (NH) | 21 | 2.34% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 78 | 8.68% |
| Total | 899 |
In 2020, there were 899 people living in Cross Plains. There were 477 households and 294 families.
Education in Cross Plains
The Cross Plains Independent School District serves the town. Students attend Cross Plains High School. Their sports teams are called the Buffaloes.
In 2004, voters approved a $1.1 million plan. This money was used to build new classrooms and a gymnasium for the school district.
From the 1990s to the 2000s, about 455 students were enrolled each year. Since 2010, the average enrollment has been around 358 students per year.
Famous People from Cross Plains
Robert E. Howard
The famous pulp fiction author Robert E. Howard lived in Cross Plains. He created the well-known character Conan the Barbarian. Howard moved to Cross Plains when he was 13, in 1919. He lived there until he passed away in 1936.
His former home in Cross Plains is now a museum. Every year, the town celebrates Robert E. Howard Days. They also hold a Barbarian Festival. These events happen on the second weekend of June.
Major Roads in Cross Plains
SH 36
SH 206
SH 279
FM 374
FM 880
See also
In Spanish: Cross Plains (Texas) para niños
