Knickerbocker, Texas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Knickerbocker
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Knickerbocker Community Center, May 2017
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 Knickerbocker
Location in Texas
Knickerbocker
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Texas |
| County | Tom Green |
| Elevation | 2,051 ft (625 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| ZIP codes |
76939
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| GNIS feature ID | 1360716 |
Knickerbocker is a small community in Tom Green County, Texas, United States. It is an unincorporated community, which means it doesn't have its own local government like a city does. Knickerbocker is located southwest of San Angelo, which is the main city in Tom Green County.
The community sits at an elevation of about 2,051 feet (625 meters) above sea level. Even though it's a small, unincorporated place, Knickerbocker has its own post office. The ZIP code for Knickerbocker is 76939.
Contents
History of Knickerbocker
How Knickerbocker Got Its Name
Knickerbocker was named after a character created by a famous American writer, Washington Irving. The character's name was Diedrich Knickerbocker. Early settlers in the area were related to Washington Irving, and they chose to honor him by naming their new community.
Early Days and Growth
When it was first settled, Knickerbocker quickly became an important place. It was one of the most significant communities in Tom Green County, second only to San Angelo. People started settling in the area around 1875. The very first town site was set up near a stream called Dove Creek.
Farming and Ranching Life
For many years, the main way people made a living in Knickerbocker was through agriculture. This included growing grains on farms and raising sheep. These activities were very important to the community's economy and daily life.
Post Office and Community Moves
Knickerbocker's post office first opened in 1881. It was later rebuilt two times, once in 1896 and again in 1936. In 1889, the community actually moved its location. It relocated around a nearby hill to get better access to water, which was very important for everyone living there.
Schooling in Knickerbocker
Children in Knickerbocker were able to go to a local school starting in 1889. This school served the community for many years. However, in 1956, the Knickerbocker school closed down. Its students then became part of the school system in Christoval, a nearby town.
