Mount Vernon, Texas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mount Vernon, Texas
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Houston Street in downtown Mount Vernon
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| Motto(s):
"A Texas Treasure"
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Location in Franklin County and the state of Texas.
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| Country | United States |
| State | Texas |
| County | Franklin |
| Area | |
| • Total | 4.40 sq mi (11.40 km2) |
| • Land | 4.31 sq mi (11.17 km2) |
| • Water | 0.09 sq mi (0.24 km2) |
| Elevation | 509 ft (155 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 2,491 |
| • Density | 635.12/sq mi (245.21/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| ZIP code |
75457
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| Area code(s) | 903, 430 |
| FIPS code | 48-49860 |
| GNIS feature ID | 2413019 |
Mount Vernon is a small town in Texas, United States. It is the main town and county seat of Franklin County. In 2020, about 2,491 people lived there.
Contents
History of Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon began as a settlement near Fanning Springs. People started living there as early as 1818, even before Texas became independent.
Becoming a Town and County Seat
In 1848, the United States government opened a post office here. A year later, in 1849, the town of Mount Vernon was officially planned. The land was given by Stephen and Rebecca Keith. Because there were other towns named Mount Vernon in Texas, the post office was first called "Keith" and then "Lone Star." In 1875, the name "Mount Vernon" became available for the post office.
Also in 1875, Franklin County was created from Titus County. Mount Vernon was chosen as the county seat, which means it became the main town for the county's government.
Growth and Economy
For a long time, the county's economy was mostly about farming. Farmers grew corn and cotton. In the 1920s, they had over 500,000 peach trees! Later, they grew watermelons and made a lot of cane syrup.
In 1936, oil was discovered in the northern part of the county. This helped the economy grow beyond just farming. Today, Mount Vernon has oil production, small factories, and different types of farming. As the county seat, Mount Vernon has always been an important center for business and community life.
The town got its own government in 1910. In 1911, they built a public water system. Soon after, they got electricity and gas services.
Downtown and Historic Places
The downtown area of Mount Vernon feels like a classic small town. There's a pretty gazebo and park benches in the central square. On the north side, you'll see the 1912 courthouse. It's made of white limestone and has a clock tower. The courthouse has been carefully restored to look like it did in 1912.
Mount Vernon is full of history. More than 50 homes built before World War I are still standing. They have signs telling you who first owned them and when they were built. You can get maps to tour these historic homes. There are also over 20 official state historical markers in Franklin County. Old trails like the Cherokee Trace and the Choctaw Trail pass nearby. Mount Vernon's Main Street is part of the historic Bankhead Highway.
Geography of Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon is located right in the middle of Franklin County. Its coordinates are 33°10′55″N 95°13′27″W / 33.18194°N 95.22417°W.
Roads and Travel
U.S. Route 67 runs through the northern part of town. This road goes east about 16 miles to Mount Pleasant and west about 23 miles to Sulphur Springs. Texas State Highway 37 goes through the western side of town. It leads north about 20 miles to Bogata and south about 17 miles to Winnsboro.
Interstate 30 is a major highway that passes through the southern end of Mount Vernon. You can get on I-30 from Exit 146 (Highway 37) and Exit 147. I-30 goes east about 78 miles to Texarkana and west about 101 miles to Dallas.
Size and Water
The United States Census Bureau says that Mount Vernon covers a total area of about 4.40 square miles (11.40 square kilometers). Most of this area is land, with only a small part being water.
Climate
| Climate data for Mount Vernon, Texas (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1966–present) | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Record high °F (°C) | 82 (28) |
90 (32) |
90 (32) |
97 (36) |
97 (36) |
105 (41) |
109 (43) |
112 (44) |
108 (42) |
96 (36) |
89 (32) |
84 (29) |
112 (44) |
| Mean daily maximum °F (°C) | 55.6 (13.1) |
60.2 (15.7) |
68.1 (20.1) |
75.5 (24.2) |
82.2 (27.9) |
90.0 (32.2) |
94.3 (34.6) |
94.6 (34.8) |
88.2 (31.2) |
77.3 (25.2) |
65.8 (18.8) |
57.6 (14.2) |
75.8 (24.3) |
| Daily mean °F (°C) | 44.9 (7.2) |
49.0 (9.4) |
56.3 (13.5) |
63.6 (17.6) |
71.8 (22.1) |
79.7 (26.5) |
83.5 (28.6) |
83.3 (28.5) |
76.4 (24.7) |
65.6 (18.7) |
54.8 (12.7) |
46.8 (8.2) |
64.6 (18.1) |
| Mean daily minimum °F (°C) | 34.2 (1.2) |
37.7 (3.2) |
44.5 (6.9) |
51.8 (11.0) |
61.4 (16.3) |
69.4 (20.8) |
72.8 (22.7) |
71.9 (22.2) |
64.7 (18.2) |
53.8 (12.1) |
43.8 (6.6) |
36.1 (2.3) |
53.5 (11.9) |
| Record low °F (°C) | 2 (−17) |
1 (−17) |
11 (−12) |
25 (−4) |
39 (4) |
50 (10) |
55 (13) |
49 (9) |
38 (3) |
23 (−5) |
13 (−11) |
−5 (−21) |
−5 (−21) |
| Average precipitation inches (mm) | 3.41 (87) |
3.73 (95) |
4.52 (115) |
4.13 (105) |
5.07 (129) |
4.17 (106) |
3.18 (81) |
3.10 (79) |
3.58 (91) |
4.74 (120) |
3.86 (98) |
4.70 (119) |
48.19 (1,224) |
| Average snowfall inches (cm) | 0.5 (1.3) |
0.9 (2.3) |
0.1 (0.25) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.1 (0.25) |
1.6 (4.1) |
| Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 in) | 8.2 | 8.4 | 8.9 | 7.9 | 9.1 | 7.5 | 5.9 | 5.7 | 6.4 | 7.0 | 7.1 | 8.1 | 90.2 |
| Average snowy days (≥ 0.1 in) | 0.2 | 0.3 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.2 | 0.8 |
| Source: NOAA | |||||||||||||
People of Mount Vernon
| Historical population | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1870 | 223 | — | |
| 1880 | 311 | 39.5% | |
| 1890 | 589 | 89.4% | |
| 1920 | 1,212 | — | |
| 1930 | 1,222 | 0.8% | |
| 1940 | 1,443 | 18.1% | |
| 1950 | 1,433 | −0.7% | |
| 1960 | 1,338 | −6.6% | |
| 1970 | 1,806 | 35.0% | |
| 1980 | 2,025 | 12.1% | |
| 1990 | 2,219 | 9.6% | |
| 2000 | 2,286 | 3.0% | |
| 2010 | 2,662 | 16.4% | |
| 2020 | 2,491 | −6.4% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
Mount Vernon is home to a diverse group of people. Here's a look at the different groups living there as of 2020:
| Race | Number | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| White (NH) | 1,590 | 63.83% |
| Black or African American (NH) | 305 | 12.24% |
| Native American or Alaska Native (NH) | 11 | 0.44% |
| Asian (NH) | 15 | 0.6% |
| Some Other Race (NH) | 23 | 0.92% |
| Mixed/Multi-Racial (NH) | 103 | 4.13% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 444 | 17.82% |
| Total | 2,491 |
In 2000, there were 2,286 people living in Mount Vernon. The average income for a household in 2020 was $56,016.
Museums and Attractions
Mount Vernon has several interesting places to visit where you can learn about history and enjoy fun activities.
Fire Station Museum
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This museum is located in a fire station built in the 1940s. It has many different exhibits, including displays of butterflies, bird eggs, violins, toys, seashells, and old tools. You can also see Native American artifacts and wood carvings.
One special exhibit shows the dental chair and tools used by a local dentist, Dr. Con Smith. Upstairs, you'll find a collection of bird eggs, including some from very rare birds like the Carolina parakeet and passenger pigeon. The museum also has sports items related to Don Meredith, a famous football player from Mount Vernon. The museum is usually open Tuesday through Friday, from 9 AM to 1 PM. Admission is free!
1894 Railroad Depot
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The old Mount Vernon 1894 Cotton Belt Railroad Depot has been beautifully restored. It looks just like it did when it was first built! The depot used to have separate waiting rooms, but today these rooms hold interesting exhibits. The main office has old furniture and displays about telegraphs and railroads.
One waiting room now has a model train exhibit. The large freight room displays an amazing 1899 Studebaker covered wagon. This wagon helps visitors imagine how transportation changed when cars became popular. Outside, you can see a small 1880 log cabin, old farm machinery, and a blacksmith shop. Admission is free.
Bankhead Highway Visitor Center
The Bankhead Highway was the first all-weather road that crossed the entire country, from Washington D.C. to San Diego. It opened in 1919 and runs through Franklin County, serving as Mount Vernon's Main Street. This road follows an old Native American trading path called the Choctaw Trail.
The Visitor Center includes the Lowry Pavilion, which can be rented for outdoor events. There's also the Dupree Park Nature Preserve and Nature Trail. This trail is about a mile and a half long and is a great place for bird watching. You can walk the trail from dawn until dusk.
Alamo Mission Museum
This museum uses a copy of the famous Alamo Mission as its setting. It combines history with fun events for families. You can learn about Texas history and enjoy activities like a Chili Cook-off, a Turtle Derby, Halloween Hayrides, and the Redneck Rendezvous.
Old Mount Vernon Waterworks Plant
This historic building, located on Holbrook Street, was first built in 1911. It's currently being restored by experts.
Recreation
Mount Vernon offers great places for outdoor fun and relaxation.
Little Creek Park
In 1958, Mr. and Mrs. N. E. Dupree gave land to the City of Mount Vernon to create a park for young people. Little Creek Park has tennis courts, basketball courts, two playgrounds, and a baseball field. There's also a covered pavilion for family gatherings and a walking trail. The park is located just south of the town square.
Lake Cypress Springs
Lake Cypress Springs is a beautiful lake in Franklin County, known for its excellent bass fishing. The Franklin County Water District owns and takes care of 869 acres of public parks around the lake. These parks have places for campers, shelters, and meeting areas. There's also a marina with water playground equipment.
Lake Cypress Springs was created in 1970 and has 3,400 acres of water perfect for fishing. Today, people mostly fish for Black Bass and catfish.
Education
Students in Mount Vernon attend schools in the Mount Vernon Independent School District. The town is home to the Mount Vernon High School Tigers.
Notable People
Mount Vernon has been home to several well-known individuals:
- Bobby Maples, an offensive lineman who played for the Houston Oilers, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Denver Broncos.
- Don Meredith, a former quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys and a famous broadcaster for Monday Night Football.
- Greg Ostertag, a retired NBA basketball player.
See also
In Spanish: Mount Vernon (Texas) para niños
