Honey Island, Texas facts for kids
Honey Island is a small community in Hardin County, Texas, United States. It's not officially a town or city, but a place where people live together. It's part of the larger Beaumont–Port Arthur area. Students in Honey Island attend public schools run by the Kountze Independent School District.
Even though it's called "Honey Island," it's usually not surrounded by water. However, it sits on higher ground between two creeks, Cypress Creek and Flat Cypress Creek. When there's a lot of rain, these creeks can flood, making the area temporarily look like an island.
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Honey Island's History
Early Days and the Civil War
During the American Civil War, Honey Island was a popular spot for groups called Jayhawkers. These were often outlaws or people who didn't support either side of the war. They were drawn to the area because it had many beehives. They used the honey for food and also hid it in pots. Local people who secretly supported them would trade supplies for this hidden honey. This activity eventually led to an event called the Kaiser Burnout, where Confederate soldiers burned nearby cane fields.
Growth and Industry
In 1901, the Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe Railway built train tracks through Honey Island. This helped the community grow. By 1907, a post office was opened, making it easier for people to send and receive mail.
A big part of Honey Island's history was its sawmill. A sawmill is a factory that cuts logs into lumber. This mill changed owners several times. Eventually, it was bought by the Kirby Lumber Company, which was owned by John Henry Kirby. The sawmill had to close during the Great Depression, a time when many businesses struggled. But it reopened later and kept running until it finally closed for good in 1955.
How Many People Live There?
Honey Island's population has changed over the years.
- In 1950, about 1,250 people lived there.
- By 1990, the population had gone down to about 400 people.
- In 2000, the number of people living in Honey Island stayed almost the same, at 401.
