Montalba, Texas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Montalba
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 Montalba
Location in Texas
Montalba
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Texas |
| County | Anderson |
| Elevation | 427 ft (130 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| ZIP codes |
75853
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| Area code(s) | 903, 430 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1363057 |
Montalba is a small community in the middle of Anderson County, Texas, in the United States. It's called an unincorporated community, which means it doesn't have its own local government like a city does. In 2019, about 809 people lived there. Montalba is part of the larger Palestine, Texas area.
Contents
Montalba's Story: How It Began
Montalba got its name when William J. Hamlett, Jr. wanted to set up a post office there. This was back in December 1881. He suggested the post office be about 18 miles (29 km) east of the Trinity River. It was also about 4 miles (6.4 km) south of Beaver Creek. The closest post office at that time was in Tennessee Colony, about 9 miles (14 km) west.
Why Is It Called Montalba?
William J. Hamlett, Jr. chose the name Montalba. People think it was named after a mountain east of the community. This mountain had white sand, and "Montalba" might mean "white mountain" in another language.
Early Settlers and Important Places
The post office was first in a community called Beaver Valley in 1848. Beaver Valley was a few miles north of Montalba. P.G. Oldham was one of the first people to settle in the area. He built his home northwest of Montalba in 1853. A church, the Beaver Valley Primitive Baptist Church, was also nearby. A cemetery was started and became known as Holly Springs.
Montalba's Role in the Area
Both Beaver Valley and Montalba were important spots for farmers. They were located on a road between Palestine and Athens. Farmers would gather there to buy supplies and sell their crops. Beaver Valley was important first, then Montalba took over.
What Did People Do for Work?
We don't know much about Montalba's very first businesses. However, there was a special factory called a foundry. During the Civil War, this foundry made firearms and ammunition. Montalba was mostly a farming community. It was a place where people could get supplies and sell their farm goods.
Montalba in the Past: A Look at 1978
In 1978, Montalba had several useful places. There were two gas stations and one place that was both a gas station and a general store. The community also had a 4-H Club building and a community center. Of course, there was a post office, many homes, and three churches.
How Montalba's Population Changed
Montalba's population has gone up and down over the years.
- In 1925 and 1933, it had its lowest population, with only 50 people.
- Its highest population was 300 people in 1931.
- By 1964, about 200 people lived there.
- From 1974 to 2000, the population stayed around 110 residents.
Where Is Montalba Located?
Montalba is found along Texas State Highway 19. It is about 10 miles (16 km) northwest of Palestine. Palestine is the main city and county seat of Anderson County. Montalba is in the north-central part of the county.
Learning in Montalba: Schools and Education
The Primitive Baptist church built in 1853 was also used as a school. The community's school system started when Mrs. Peter G. Adams and Mrs. B.H. Brooks worked together. They combined the schools from nearby Black Rock and Pace's Chapel. This happened because their school districts also joined together. In 1933, this combined district had 188 White students and 183 African American students. Today, students in Montalba attend schools in the Palestine Independent School District.
Famous People from Montalba
Elton Bomer, a well-known person, lives in Montalba. He used to be a state representative. He also served as the Texas Secretary of State, which is an important government job in Texas.
