Double Bayou, Texas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Double Bayou
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Location of Double Bayou, Texas
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| Country | United States |
| State | Texas |
| County | Chambers |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| Area code(s) | 409 |
Double Bayou is a small, unincorporated community in Chambers County, Texas, United States. In 2000, about 400 people lived there. It's part of the larger Greater Houston area.
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History of Double Bayou
Back in 1847, a man named James Jackson started a huge ranch of about 26,000 acres here. His ranch was fenced in, which was unusual because most ranches back then were open. The main gathering spot was a general store, started by John Jackson before 1900. People also met at the cotton gin and sugar cane mill.
Double Bayou had its own post office from 1860 to 1866, and again from 1876 to 1919. For a long time, boats were the main way to travel, sailing on Trinity Bay and Double Bayou.
Storms and Changes
Like many other coastal communities in Texas, Double Bayou faced big floods. A major hurricane in 1915 caused a lot of damage. In the 1930s, the population was between 150 and 300 people. Most residents in this rural area were Black. By the mid-1970s, maps showed Double Bayou with several homes and churches. In 1981, the local port handled over 26,000 tons of goods. The population stayed around 400 people in both 1990 and 2000.
James Jackson's grandson, Ralph Semmes Jackson, was born here in the early 1900s. He later wrote a book called Home on the Double Bayou. His brother, Guy Cade, became an early conservationist and a county judge. Besides the 1915 Galveston Hurricane, other storms also hit Double Bayou, sometimes causing the loss of cattle. The community also has a dance hall, a place for fun and music.
Where is Double Bayou?
Double Bayou is located between two parts of the Double Bayou waterway. It's just north of where Farm to Market Road 1985 and Farm to Market Road 562 meet. This spot is about 50 miles (80 km) southwest of Beaumont, in the western part of Chambers County.
Learning in Double Bayou
In the 1970s, Double Bayou had its own school. Today, students in the area attend schools operated by the Anahuac Independent School District.
Famous People from Double Bayou
- Pete Mayes, a Texas blues singer, was born in Double Bayou. He often played at the local dance hall.
- Frank Sterling, a successful businessman in the oil industry, grew up in Double Bayou.
