Eckert, Texas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Eckert, Texas
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Country | United States |
State | Texas |
County | Gillespie |
Elevation | 1,739 ft (530 m) |
Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
• Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
Area code(s) | 830 |
FIPS code | 48-22492 |
GNIS feature ID | 1379698 |
Eckert is a fascinating ghost town located in Gillespie County, Texas. It's about 11.5 miles northeast of Fredericksburg. You can find it where State Highway 16 meets FM 1323, west of Willow City.
Contents
How Eckert Started
Early Settlers and Mount Zion
In 1875, white settlers arrived in this area. They built a log church called Mount Zion. A small community began to grow around this church.
The First Name: Nebo
The settlers named their new community Nebo. This name came from nearby Nebo Mountain, which was about 3 miles north.
How Eckert Got Its Name
A New Post Office
In 1903, the chance to open a post office was offered. George W. Graves was asked, but he said no.
Wilhelm Eckert Steps In
Later that same year, Wilhelm Rudolph Eckert opened a store in the community. He agreed to become the first postmaster.
Renaming the Town
Wilhelm Eckert asked for the town's name to be changed. So, Nebo was renamed Eckert, after him.
Why Eckert is a Ghost Town
Population Changes Over Time
Eckert's population was at its highest in 1925. About 100 people lived there then.
The Town Today
Today, Eckert is considered a ghost town. This means very few or no people live there anymore. It doesn't have its own ZIP code, but it shares the one for Willow City.