Islitas, Texas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Islitas, Texas
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| Country | United States |
| State | Texas |
| County | Webb |
| Established | 1882 |
| Elevation | 492 ft (150 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (CST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CST) |
| Area code(s) | +1-956 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1378485 |
| Nearest Airports: Laredo: Laredo International Airport KLRD LRD Nuevo Laredo: Quetzalcoatl International Airport MMNL NLD | |
Islitas was once a small town in southwestern Webb County, Texas. Today, it is known as a ghost town. This means it is a place where most people have moved away, leaving behind empty buildings and a quiet history. Islitas started as an important stop for trains and a place to ship coal.
Contents
The Story of Islitas
How Islitas Started
Islitas began in 1882. It was built as a stop along the Rio Grande and Pecos Valley Railroad. This railroad was very important for moving goods and people. The town also became a center for shipping coal. Coal was a major resource found in the area.
When Islitas Was Busy
The town grew quite a bit because of the railroad and coal mines. In 1914, Islitas reached its largest size. About 300 people lived there at that time. It was a busy place with people working in the mines and helping with the trains.
Why Islitas Became a Ghost Town
After 1914, the coal mines in the area started to produce less coal. This meant there was not as much work for people. Many residents began to move away to find jobs elsewhere. By 1920, only about 100 people were left in Islitas. Over time, even more people left, and the town became a ghost town.
