Kountze, Texas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Kountze, Texas
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Kirby Hill House in Kountze, Texas
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Location of Kountze, Texas
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| Country | United States |
| State | Texas |
| County | Hardin |
| Area | |
| • Total | 3.99 sq mi (10.32 km2) |
| • Land | 3.98 sq mi (10.30 km2) |
| • Water | 0.01 sq mi (0.02 km2) |
| Elevation | 85 ft (26 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 1,981 |
| • Density | 529.91/sq mi (204.59/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| ZIP code |
77625
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| Area code(s) | 409 |
| FIPS code | 48-39868 |
| GNIS feature ID | 2411558 |
Kountze (pronounced "koonts") is a small city in Hardin County, Texas, United States. It is the main town, or county seat, of Hardin County. In 2020, about 1,981 people lived there. Kountze is also part of the larger Beaumont–Port Arthur metropolitan area.
Kountze started as a railroad town in 1881. It was named after Herman and Augustus Kountze, who helped pay for the Sabine and East Texas Railroad. Kountze is known for its green, forested land, with over 89% of the area covered in trees. A lot of lumber is produced here every year.
The city calls itself "The Gateway to the Big Thicket". The Big Thicket is a huge area of thick woods, streams, and swamps in southeastern Texas. It's about 25 miles north of Beaumont. This region is also where the United States' oil industry first began. Today, parts of the Big Thicket are protected as the Big Thicket National Preserve.
In 1991, Kountze made history when Charles Bilal, an African American man, became the first Muslim mayor in an American city.
Contents
Exploring Kountze: Interesting Places to Visit
Kountze has some cool spots that tell stories about its past and nature.
The Historic Kirby-Hill House
The Kirby-Hill House is a very old home built in 1902. It was built by James L. Kirby, whose brother, John Henry Kirby, was a famous lumber businessman and philanthropist (someone who gives money to good causes). James's daughter, Lucy Kirby Hill, bought the house from her father in 1907. This house is important because it was the first home in Hardin County to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Discovering the Big Thicket National Preserve
The Big Thicket National Preserve was created by the government in 1974. This special place has a mix of old pine and cypress forests, hardwood forests, open meadows, and dark water swamps. The National Park Service looks after it. The preserve was made to protect the many different kinds of plants and animals that live there. It's a great place to see nature!
Where is Kountze? Geography and Climate
Kountze is located a bit northeast of the middle of Hardin County. It's north of Cypress Creek, a stream that flows east into Village Creek, which is part of the Neches River system.
Main Roads in Kountze
U.S. Route 287 (also called Pine Street) is the main road that goes through Kountze. It goes north about 31 miles to Woodville and south about 25 miles to Beaumont. Another important road, Texas State Highway 326 (W. Monroe Street), goes southwest from Kountze about 18 miles to Sour Lake.
Kountze's Weather
The weather in Kountze usually has hot, humid summers. Winters are generally mild to cool. This type of weather is called a humid subtropical climate.
Who Lives in Kountze? Population Facts
In 2020, Kountze had a population of 1,981 people. There were 704 households and 496 families living in the city. People from many different backgrounds live in Kountze, making it a diverse community.
Learning and Sports in Kountze
The city's schools are part of the Kountze Independent School District.
Kountze Lions and Lionettes Sports
The Kountze Lions' varsity basketball team has won state championships in 1970, 2004, 2005, and 2007. The Kountze Lionettes' varsity basketball team has also played in the state finals four times. The Kountze volleyball team has won several state championship titles and reached the final four many times too.
Famous People from Kountze
- Grayland Arnold: A professional football player who plays Free Safety for the Houston Texans.
- Geater Davis: A talented soul singer.
Images for kids
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Location of Kountze, Texas
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Hardin County map showing Kountze
See also
In Spanish: Kountze (Texas) para niños
