Joppa, Texas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Joppa, Texas
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 Joppa, Texas
Location in Texas
Joppa, Texas
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Texas |
| County | Burnet |
| Elevation | 1,093 ft (333 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| Area code(s) | 512 & 737 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1380012 |
Joppa is a small, unincorporated community in Burnet County, Texas, United States. An "unincorporated community" means it's a place where people live, but it doesn't have its own local government like a city or town. In 2000, about 34 people lived in Joppa.
Contents
The Story of Joppa
Joppa began in 1881. J. S. and Jane Danford gave two acres of their land for a church. This land was on the north side of a river.
How Joppa Got Its Name
The first name for this settlement was Pool Branch. This name came from a pool of water nearby. This pool was created by a waterfall on the North Fork of the San Gabriel River.
In the 1880s, the community grew. A cotton gin and a mill were built. Soon after, a store and a blacksmith shop opened. These were the only businesses in Pool Branch.
In 1891, the community wanted a post office. The people suggested the name "Joppa." This name comes from the Bible. The postal service liked the name and approved it.
Modern Changes and Community Life
- On May 19, 1904, the first telephone was installed in Joppa.
- In 1907, an iron bridge was built across the river. This old bridge is still there today (as of 2011). A new concrete bridge now carries cars across the river.
- In 1939, the Pedernales Electric Cooperative brought electricity to the area.
In the 1930s, Joppa was a lively place. People held annual picnics. They also had social gatherings on Friday and Saturday nights. Sunday nights were for singing. Today, only the church and a community center remain from the early settlement.
Where is Joppa?
Joppa is located in Texas. It sits on the North Fork of the San Gabriel River. You can find it on Farm to Market Road 210. It is about seven miles northeast of Bertram.
Learning in Joppa
A school was built on the land given by the Danford family. This building was used for classes right away. Until 1913, the schoolhouse also hosted church services.
In 1942, the one-room school joined with the Bertram Independent School District. After that, the old school building became a community center. It is still used by the community today. The Burnet Consolidated Independent School District now serves the children of Joppa.
