Fentress, Texas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Fentress, Texas
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 Fentress, Texas
Location in Texas
Fentress, Texas
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Texas |
| County | Caldwell |
| Elevation | 446 ft (136 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| ZIP code |
78622
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| Area code(s) | 512 & 737 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1357289 |
Fentress is an unincorporated community in Caldwell County, Texas, United States. According to the Handbook of Texas, the community had an estimated population of 291 in 2000. It is part of the Austin–Round Rock Metropolitan Statistical Area.
It was the setting for the novel The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate.
Geography
Fentress is located at 29°45′22″N 97°46′35″W / 29.75611°N 97.77639°W (29.7560584, -97.7763901). It is situated at the junction of State Highway 80 and FM 20 in southwestern Caldwell County, approximately eight miles northwest of Luling and 15 miles southeast of San Marcos. The nearest major city is Austin, located 42 miles to the north
History
A settlement first called Riverside, for its location along the San Marcos River, was founded at the site in 1869. In 1892, the community was renamed Fentress in honor of local doctor and landowner, James Fentress. A post office was established in 1893. By 1896, the population was estimated at 150. The Fentress Waterworks began operating in 1898 and the community had become electrified four years later. Around 1904, a newspaper – the Fentress Indicator, was published. In 1915, the number of residents had grown to 300. That same year, Josh Merritt and his partner C.E. Tolhurst created a resort. It has swimming and camping facilities. The facilities were sold within two years and expanded under the new leadership. Dancing was permitted, which greatly concerned local churches. The population peaked at around 500 during the late 1920s as the economy benefited from local nearby oilfield activity. The Great Depression severely impacted Fentress and the community had lost half of its population by 1940. Soon after, the local school was closed and students were sent to nearby Prairie Lea. Fentress continued to decline during the latter half of the twentieth century. By 1990, there were 85 residents, two businesses, and two churches. The population rose to 291 in 2000.
Although it is unincorporated, Fentress has a post office, with the ZIP code of 78622.
Education
A one-room school building opened in 1895 and was open for three months each year. It was then replaced with a two-room school building in 1907. In 1922, a two-story, five classroom facility with an auditorium was opened and replaced the two-room school building. It then shut down in the 1940s and merged with the Prairie Lea Independent School District. The community is still served by the Prairie Lea ISD today.
Notable person
- Scott H. Biram, musician
Images for kids
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Texas Historical Commission marker at Fentress United Methodist Church
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Fentress United Methodist Church
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US Post Office in Fentress
