Mentz, Texas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mentz, Texas
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 Mentz, Texas
Location in Texas
Mentz, Texas
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Texas |
| County | Colorado |
| Elevation | 285 ft (87 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| ZIP code |
78935
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| Area code(s) | 979 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1378665 |
Mentz is a small, unincorporated community in northeastern Colorado County, Texas. An unincorporated community is a place that doesn't have its own local government, but it's still a recognized area. In the year 2000, about 100 people lived in Mentz.
Contents
History of Mentz
Early Settlers and the Church
Most of the first people to settle in Mentz were German Catholics. They came from a place called Büdesheim in Hesse, Germany, around 1846. Many of these early settlers were connected to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Mainz.
The settlement was first called Neu Mainz by a group known as the Mainz Society. Later, its name was changed to Mentz. In 1858, the settlers built a small church. They named it St. Roch, after a chapel in Germany near Büdesheim.
Post Office Changes
The local post office opened in 1853 and was first called San Bernard. Its name changed to New Mainz in 1860, but it closed in 1866.
The post office reopened as Mentz in 1889. It closed again in 1896, but then reopened the very next year. Finally, in 1913, the post office moved to Alleyton.
Community Life and a Fire
By 1986, Mentz had its church building, a rectory (where the priest lives), a cemetery, a church hall, and some buildings for picnics. There was also a baseball park in the area. The population of Mentz was 100 people in 2000.
On September 4, 2011, a large fire spread through Mentz. It burned about 1,800 acres (730 hectares) of land. The fire also destroyed 11 homes, 40 smaller buildings, and around 38 vehicles. Firefighters were able to get the fire under control a few days later.
Geography of Mentz
Mentz is located where Mentz Road and Frelsburg Road meet. This spot is about 7 miles (11 kilometers) northeast of Columbus in Colorado County.
Education in Mentz
From 1872 to 1916, the Sisters of Divine Providence ran a Catholic School in Mentz. Today, students in the community attend schools that are part of the Columbus Independent School District.
Gallery
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St. Roch Catholic Church is near the intersection of Frelsburg and Mentz Roads.
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State historical marker describes the history of the Bernardo and Mentz communities.
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Mentz sign is at FM 949 and Frelsburg Road.
