Moffat, Texas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Moffat
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 Moffat, Texas
Location in Texas
Moffat, Texas
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Texas |
| County | Bell |
| Elevation | 692 ft (211 m) |
| Population
(2000)
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| • Total | 800 |
| Demonym(s) | Moffadite |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (CST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| ZIP Code |
76502
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| Area code(s) | 254 |
Moffat is a small community in Bell County, Texas. It is not officially a city. Instead, it is an unincorporated community. Moffat is part of a larger area. This area includes the cities of Killeen, Temple, and Fort Hood.
Contents
History of Moffat: A Texas Community
Moffat was started in February 1857. It was founded by Amelia Vancil and Chauncey Warren Moffet. The community was named after them, but the spelling changed over time.
Early Days and Growth
In the late 1860s, William Elisha Pruett built a store. This store became a central meeting place for everyone living there. The community had many names over the years. These included Moffattown, Moffatsville, Mount Green, and Gandertown.
When a post office opened in 1872, Moffat became the official name. By the mid-1880s, Moffat was growing. It had three churches and a steam gristmill. A gristmill grinds grain into flour. It also had a cotton gin, which separates cotton fibers from seeds. Many other businesses served the 200 residents.
Farming and Population Changes
Farmers in Moffat mainly shipped cotton, cottonseed, and pecans. The community's population was largest in 1890, with 350 people. By 1900, the population dropped to 147.
The post office closed in 1918. Mail for Moffat then went to Bland. It reopened briefly from February 1925 to December 1926. After that, local mail was sent to Belton. From the late 1940s to the mid-1980s, Moffat had about 75 to 100 residents. In 1990 and 2000, the population was 150.
Important People and Places
A special Texas historical marker is on State Highway 36. It is about 10 miles (16 km) west of Temple, Texas. This marker helps remember the community's history.
Chauncey Warren Moffet came from New York. He was loyal to the Union during the American Civil War. He also served as a soldier for the Confederate States of America. He disappeared mysteriously after returning in 1868. D.F. and Calista Wiswell planned out the community's layout. There is also a local cemetery that is still used today.
Geography of Moffat
Moffat is located in northern Bell County. It is west of Texas State Highway 36. The community is about 8 miles (13 km) northwest of Temple.
Education in Moffat
By the mid-1880s, Moffat had its own school district. The school in Moffat closed in 1974. After that, students from Moffat began attending classes. They went to schools within the Belton Independent School District.
