East Tempe, Texas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
East Tempe
|
|
|---|---|
 East Tempe
Location in Texas
East Tempe
Location in the United States
|
|
| Country |  United States |
| State |  Texas |
| County | Polk |
| Population
(2000)
|
|
| • Total | 200 |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
East Tempe is a small, unincorporated community located in west central Polk County, Texas, United States. An unincorporated community is a place that doesn't have its own local government. Instead, it's usually managed by the county.
East Tempe is found along Farm to Market Road 350. It is about 75 miles (121 km) north of the big city of Houston. This community is very close to the town of Livingston. East Tempe got its name from the East Tempe Creek, a stream that flows through the area.
Contents
A Look Back: East Tempe's History
East Tempe has a history rooted in farming and industry. Over the years, it saw changes with the arrival and departure of the railroad.
Early Settlers and Sawmills
Around 1860, people began settling and farming the land in and around East Tempe. This shows that the area was good for growing crops. Later, around 1880, a sawmill opened in the community. Sawmills were very important back then. They cut down trees and turned them into lumber for building homes and other structures.
The Railroad Era
A big change came to East Tempe in 1908 when the Beaumont and Great Northern Railway opened. East Tempe became a "flag stop" on this railroad. A flag stop meant that trains would only stop there if someone waved a flag to get on, or if a passenger on the train asked to get off. The railroad connected East Tempe to nearby towns like Livingston and Trinity. This made it easier for people and goods to travel. However, the railroad eventually closed down in 1949.
Population Changes Over Time
Like many small communities, East Tempe's population has changed. In 1990, about 100 people lived there. By the year 2000, the population had grown to around 200 residents. This shows a period of growth for the community.
