kids encyclopedia robot

Lamar, Texas facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
Lamar, Texas
Country United States
State Texas
County Aransas
Area
 • Total 4.9 sq mi (13 km2)
 • Land 3.1 sq mi (8 km2)
 • Water 1.8 sq mi (5 km2)
Population
 (2010)
 • Total 636
 • Density 129.8/sq mi (50.1/km2)
Time zone UTC-6 (Central (CST))
 • Summer (DST) UTC-5 (CDT)
Zip Code
78043
FIPS code 48-41092

Lamar is a small, unincorporated community in Aransas County, Texas. This means it's a place with a shared identity but no official local government. It is also a census-designated place (CDP), which is an area the U.S. Census Bureau defines for gathering population data.

Lamar is located about 10 miles (16 km) north of Rockport. It is also about 40 miles (64 km) north of Corpus Christi. In 2010, 636 people lived there. The community got its name from Mirabeau B. Lamar. He was the second president of the Republic of Texas, which was an independent country before Texas joined the United States.

History of Lamar

Lamar was started in 1839 at Lookout Point. This spot was on the channel leading into Copano Bay. President Lamar agreed to move the custom house to this new town. A custom house was a place where taxes were collected on goods coming into the port.

Early Prosperity

Because of the custom house, Lamar became a busy port. It was also a place where people made salt. This made the town successful for a while.

Civil War Impact

However, this good time ended suddenly on February 11, 1864. During the American Civil War, the town was attacked. The Union Navy bombarded Lamar, which means they fired cannons at it. The town was almost completely destroyed.

Recent Population Changes

For most of the 1900s, fewer than 200 people lived in Lamar. But by the 2010 census, the population had grown to over 600. The town's restored cemetery is now a Texas historical landmark.

Geography of Lamar

Lamar is located at 28°8′25″N 96°59′16″W. The United States Census Bureau says the total area of the CDP is 4.9 square miles (12.7 km²).

Land and Water

Out of this total area, 3.1 square miles (8.0 km²) is land. The remaining 1.8 square miles (4.7 km²) is water. This means a good part of Lamar's area is covered by water.

Population Data

In 2010, the population of Lamar was 636 people. This number comes from the 2010 United States Census. The community has grown since the early 20th century.

Local Attractions

Goose Island State Park is located within the Lamar CDP. This park is known for its large oak trees and coastal activities. It is a popular spot for visitors and locals.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Lamar (Texas) para niños

kids search engine
Lamar, Texas Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.