Nederland, Texas facts for kids

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Quick facts for kids Nederland, Texas
City
Motto(s): "Programmed for progress"
Location of Nederland, Texas
Nederland, Texas Location in Texas Show map of Texas Nederland, Texas Location in the United States Show map of the United States Nederland, Texas Location in North America Show map of North America
Country	United States
State	Texas
County	Jefferson
Settled	1897
Incorporated	1940
Government
• Type	Council-Manager
Area
• Total	6.05 sq mi (15.67 km²)
• Land	5.92 sq mi (15.34 km²)
• Water	0.13 sq mi (0.33 km²)
Elevation	16 ft (5 m)
Population (2010)
• Total	17,547
• Estimate (2019)	17,371
• Density	2,932.31/sq mi (1,132.20/km²)
Time zone	UTC-6 (Central (CST))
• Summer (DST)	UTC-5 (CDT)
ZIP code	77627
Area code(s)	409
FIPS code	48-50580
GNIS feature ID	1363634
U.S. Routes	FM 365

Nederland ( NEE-dər-lənd) is a city in Jefferson County, Texas, United States. The population was 17,547 at the 2010 census.

The city was settled in 1897 along what is now Boston Avenue and incorporated in 1940. It was settled by Dutch immigrants on land sold by the Kansas City Southern railroad. It is part of the Beaumont–Port Arthur metropolitan area. Nederland is also a part of an area known as "the Golden Triangle", which comprises Beaumont, Port Arthur, and Orange. The city is adjacent to the Jack Brooks Regional Airport.

Geography

Nederland is located at 29°58′23″N 93°59′48″W / 29.97306°N 93.99667°W / 29.97306; -93.99667 (29.973113, -93.996715).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 5.7 square miles (15 km²), of which, 5.7 square miles (15 km²) of it is land and 0.18% is water.

It is about 90 miles (140 km) east of Houston.

History

Nederland was founded in 1879 Dutch settlers (Nederland which literally translates to "Lowland" (non-plural) is the Dutch name for the Netherlands which means "low lands") as a repayment for financial services of Dutch bankers who financed the Kansas City Southern railroad line that runs through the center of the city. The more prominent families were named Rienstra, Doornbos and Van Oostrom, and their descendants still live in the area today. Tradition says they were attracted to the flat coastal terrain that reminded them of their homeland (although the heat most certainly did not). The downtown area continues to bear its English and Dutch street names today.

Nederland's early economy was driven by rice and dairy farming. However, the depression of 1907 and overproduction caused the rice industry in the town to collapse. Many Dutch settlers moved away from the area during this time, but a small percentage remained. After the Spindletop gusher discovery of 1901 and the establishment of the Sun Oil terminal near Nederland, the town became a residential community for the workers of the nearby oil terminals.

Nederland became incorporated as a township in 1940. The surrounding larger cities of Beaumont, Port Arthur, and Orange came to be known as the Golden Triangle. In the 1940s and 1950s, the Port of Port Arthur, and the Port of Beaumont were as important as New Orleans, Houston, or Galveston, and Nederland thrived as a result.

The refineries also attracted a large population of blue-collar laborers into the area. The area drew particularly heavily from southern Louisiana, and a strong Cajun flair is evident throughout the community. With the decline of oil prices in the 1980s, the local economy suffered and Nederland experienced slight population losses, but has stabilized in the late 1990s and 2000s.

Nederland is the ending location of the Keystone Pipeline.

Culture

Arts and theater

The Nederland Performing Arts Theater is located on the campus of Nederland High School and hosts performances for the high school, in addition to plays and concerts. It also houses the Nederland High School Band and the Nederland Drama Department. The center was built in 1999 from a bond that was passed by the voters.

The Dutch Windmill Museum is an authentic replica of a Dutch windmill and was created to honor the settlers from the Netherlands that founded Nederland. It was built in 1969 and contains donated items from Nederland's history. The museum is located in Tex Ritter Park on Boston Avenue.

The La Maison De Acadiens house is a replica of houses used by early French settlers of the area, many who still have descendants living in the region. It is located next to the Dutch Windmill Museum.

Dutch Windmill Museum

La Maison De Acadiens house

Tourism and recreation

Boston Avenue

Boston Avenue is part of the original plot of Nederland when it was founded in 1897. It carries both its modern name and the original Dutch name on street signs (Heeren Straats). The Boston Avenue shopping district offers boutique shopping and events throughout the year. These events include the Nederland Heritage Festival, Christmas Parade, Homecoming Parade, and Third Thursday shopping events. Boston Avenue is also the location of the Nederland Windmill and Le Maison de Acadiens Museums and Tex Ritter Park.

Events

The Nederland Heritage Festival began on the 75th anniversary of the founding of the town in 1973 as part of the city's Diamond Jubilee and has become known area wide and attracts over 100,000 people over the week of festivities, and includes multiple events during the week with carnival rides, pageants, a parade, golf tournament and live music to name a few.

The carnival is usually held on the second or third week of March, during the Nederland Independent School Districts' spring break. The other events are held beginning in February and running through the end of the carnival itself.

The Nederland Parks department in conjunction with the Nederland Chamber of Commerce created a Fourth of July celebration that is held at Doornbos Park starting in 2012. The celebration includes fireworks, food and music along with entertainment for children. It is open to anyone in the area. The celebration is in its second year as of 2013.

Nederland's annual Christmas parade is usually held the second or third week of December, weather permitting. The parade hosted by the Chamber of Commerce and allows businesses and organizations throughout the area to enter bands, floats or other vehicles. This parade is a lighted parade that goes through the historic Boston Avenue downtown area and Nederland Avenue.

Homecoming is a week long event that encompasses several events during high school football season.

A Pots and Pans parade, that is open to all residents (with pots or pans) occurs during the week and ends at the bonfire location near the football stadium. The bonfire itself happens after this parade.
The homecoming parade occurs the day of the game, and involves all Nederland sports. It runs from Boston Avenue to Nederland Avenue.
The crowning of the Homecoming Queen and naming of the Court occurs before the game starts.

Parks and recreation

The City of Nederland manages six parks located throughout the city.

Nederland Veterans Park - This park is currently under construction and should be completed by November 2015. It will commemorate all veterans and also contain a Wall of Honor for veterans from Nederland. The new park will be located next to the new City Hall on North 12th st.
Doornbos Heritage Park - Located at 2301 Ave. H. Named for the member of the Doornbos family that donated the land to the city. This park includes the Nederland City Swimming Pool, a duck pond, gazebos and several play areas for children. It is also the location of the Nederland Recreation Center.
Tex Ritter Park - Located at 1500 Boston Ave. Named for country singer Tex Ritter, who is from Nederland, this park includes the Dutch Windmill and Les Maisons Acadiens Museum and a gazebo and eating area.
Homer Nagel Park - Located at 3210 Ave G. Named for the former City Mayor who served the city for 38 years who died in 2011. This park has a fenced play area and climbing apparatus for children.
Carl "Cropo" Leblanc Park - Located at 923 Boston Ave. Named for the former City Mayor and barber for 50 years and died in 2001. This park has swings, slides and climbing apparatus for small children.
South 5th St. Park - Located at 599 S. 5th St. This park contains a climbing apparatus and swings for children.
Rienstra Heritage Park - Located at 820 Helena Ave. Named after another prominent family in Nederland, this park has walking paths and a covered picnic area.

Media

Television

Call Sign	Channel/Digital Channel	Location
KBTV	(Fox) 4/ Digital 40	Beaumont, TX
KITU	(TBN) 34/ Digital 33	Orange, TX
KFDM	(CBS) 6/ Digital 6.1	Beaumont, TX
KWBB	(CW) 14/ Digital 6.2	Beaumont,Lake Charles
KBMT	(ABC)12/ Digital 12.1	Beaumont,TX

Newspapers

Nederland is served by three newspapers:

-The Beaumont Enterprise, which was founded in 1880 and is owned by the Hearst Corporation is a daily newspaper that serves the Golden Triangle and the surrounding area.

-The Mid-County Chronicle, which is owned by the Beaumont Enterprise and is published weekly. The Chronicle serves the Nederland and Port Neches area.

-The Port Arthur News delivers seven days a week and serves Nederland, Port Neches, and Port Arthur primarily. The newspaper is owned by CNHI and is the sister newspaper of the Orange Leader.

-The Bulldog Beat delivers once a month to Nederland High School students

Radio

Call Sign	Frequency	Format
KLBT	88.1 FM	Christian Contemporary
KGHY	88.5 FM	Gospel Music
KTXB	89.7 FM	Religious
KZFT	90.5 FM	Religious
KVLU	91.3 FM	Public Radio
KCOL	92.5 FM	Oldies
KQBU	93.3 FM	Regional Mexican
KQXY	94.1 FM	Top-40
K234AM (KRLR)	94.7 FM	Christian Contemporary
KYKR	95.1 FM	Country
KYKZ (CP)	96.1 FM	Country
KFNC (CP)	97.5 FM	Sports
KTJM	98.5 FM	Regional Mexican
KNGT	99.5 FM	Country
KSHN	99.9 FM	Adult Contemporary
KKHT	100.7 FM	Religious
KAYD	101.7 FM	Country
KTCX	102.5 FM	Urban Contemporary
KHJK	103.7 FM	Adult Album Alternative
KKMY	104.5 FM	Top-40
KPTY	105.3 FM	Spanish
KIOC	106.1 FM	Rock
KQQK	107.9 FM	Regional Mexican
KLVI	560 AM	News/Talk
KTRH	740 AM	News/Talk
KBME	790 AM	Sports
KEYH	850 AM	Spanish
KZZB	990 AM	Gospel Music
KBPO	1150 AM	Spanish
KDEI	1250 AM	Religious
KOLE	1340 AM	News
KIKR	1450 AM	Spanish
KBED	1510 AM	Spanish
KOGT	1600 AM	Country

Demographics

Historical population
Census	Pop.	%±
1950	3,805	—
1960	12,036	216.3%
1970	16,810	39.7%
1980	16,855	0.3%
1990	16,192	−3.9%
2000	17,422	7.6%
2010	17,547	0.7%
2019 (est.)	17,371	−1.0%
U.S. Decennial Census

As of the census of 2010, there were 17,547 people, 7,122 households, and 4,944 families residing in the city. The population density was 3,063.2 people per square mile (1,182.2/km²). There were 7,226 housing units at an average density of 1,270.5 per square mile (490.3/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 87.8% White, 10.7% Hispanic or Latino, 4% African American, 0.33% Native American, 2.8% Asian, 0.0% Pacific Islander, 3.4% from other races, and 1.7% from two or more races.

There were 7,122 households, out of which 30.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.7% were married couples living together, 13.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.6% were non-families. 26.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.46 and the average family size was 2.96.

In the city the population was spread out, with 26.2% under the age of 18, 8.5% from 18 to 24, 29.6% from 25 to 44, 21.7% from 45 to 64, and 14.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37.3 years. For every 100 females, there were 95.3 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $53,231, and the median income for a family was $61,149. Males had a median income of $43,691 versus $25,457 for females. The per capita income for the city was $26,285. About 5.4% of families and 6.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 7.9% of those under age 18 and 5.6% of those age 65 or over.

Climate

Nederland is within a subtropical coastal plains. The proximity to the coast contributes to high humidity during the summer months. The region also has its share of tropical storms.

On September 23, 2005, Nederland was hit by Hurricane Rita, a category 3 hurricane causing 12 billion dollars of damage in South East Texas and Southwest Louisiana.

On September 13, 2007, Nederland was hit by Hurricane Humberto, a category 1 hurricane. The eye of the hurricane passed over the city.

On September 13, 2008, Nederland was hit by hurricane-force winds of Hurricane Ike, a category 2 hurricane that came ashore at Galveston, TX and pushed an 18-foot storm surge ahead of it. The Golden Triangle area of Nederland, Port Arthur, Port Neches and Beaumont were spared from the surge by the sea wall that surrounds Port Arthur. Bridge City, Orange and the outlying areas were severely flooded.

Climate data for Nederland, Texas
Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
Record high °F (°C)	86 (30)	90 (32)	95 (35)	94 (34)	101 (38)	106 (41)	108 (42)	108 (42)	105 (41)	99 (37)	94 (34)	86 (30)	108 (42)
Average high °F (°C)	62 (17)	65 (18)	72 (22)	78 (26)	85 (29)	90 (32)	92 (33)	92 (33)	88 (31)	81 (27)	72 (22)	64 (18)	78 (26)
Average low °F (°C)	43 (6)	56 (13)	52 (11)	59 (15)	67 (19)	73 (23)	74 (23)	74 (23)	70 (21)	61 (16)	52 (11)	45 (7)	61 (16)
Record low °F (°C)	11 (−12)	10 (−12)	20 (−7)	32 (0)	45 (7)	53 (12)	61 (16)	58 (14)	45 (7)	30 (−1)	22 (−6)	12 (−11)	10 (−12)
Average precipitation inches (mm)	5.62 (143)	3.70 (94)	3.53 (90)	3.21 (82)	5.23 (133)	7.09 (180)	5.96 (151)	5.38 (137)	5.97 (152)	5.58 (142)	4.40 (112)	5.29 (134)	60.96 (1,550)
Source: The Weather Channel

Transportation

Road travel

Nederland is served by US 69/US 287/US 96, SH 347 and FM 365.

Approximately 11 miles (18 km) to the northwest is Interstate 10, which serves as a main east-west corridor from Florida to California.

US 69/287/96 runs along the west side of Nederland, from Port Arthur to Beaumont and merges with Interstate 10.

Texas 347 runs along the east side of Nederland from Port Arthur to Beaumont and merges with US 69/287/96.

FM 365 runs along the south side of Nederland from Port Neches to Winnie and merges with Interstate 10.

Air travel

Nederland is served by the Jack Brooks Regional Airport, formally named the Southeast Texas Regional Airport, located on the west side of the city. The airport has daily flights to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, with connecting flights to destinations beyond.

Economy

According to the city of Nederland's 2020 Annual Financial Report the top employers in the city are:

Ranking	Employer	# of Employees	Percentage of total city employment
1	Nederland Independent School District	693	8.57%
2	Mid-County Extended Care Hospital	138	1.71%
3	Time Warner	130	1.61%
4	Phillpott Motors	126	1.56%
5	Entergy Transfer	125	1.55%
6	Five Point Credit Union	124	1.53%
7	City of Nederland	123	1.52%
8	Whataburger	97	1.20%
9	DuPont	75	0.93%
10	Unocal	65	0.82%
11	JK Chevrolet	65	0.80%
12	Hargrove Engineers	57	0.71%

Education

Primary and secondary schools

The city is served by the Nederland Independent School District. The schools in Nederland include four elementary schools, two middle schools, and one high school serving approximately 5372 students as of 2019. Overall, the school district is rated as an "A" which is the highest rating that can be attained, by the Texas Education Agency's system for 2019.

Langham Elementary School – Is an Early education through 4th grade campus located at 800 S. 12th St. The campus is rated as an overall "A" by Texas Education Agency for 2019.
Helena Park Elementary School – A Early education through 4th grade campus located at 2800 Helena Ave. The campus is rated as an overall"B" by the Texas Education Agency for 2019.
Highland Park Elementary School – A Early Education through 4th grade campus located at 200 S. 6th St. The campus is rated as an overall "B" by the Texas Education Agency for 2019.
Hillcrest Elementary School – A Early Education through 4th grade campus located at 2611 Ave. H. The campus is rated as an overall "B" by the Texas Education Agency for 2019.

The two middle schools are:

C. O. Wilson Middle School Bullpups – A 5th through 8th grade campus located at 2620 Helena Ave. The campus is rated as an overall "B" by the Texas Education Agency for 2019.
Central Middle School Canines – A 5th through 8th grade campus located at 200 N. 17th St. The campus is rated as an overall "C" by the Texas Education Agency for 2019.

The one high school is Nederland High School, a 9th through 12th grade campus located at 2101 18th St. The campus is rated an overall "A" by the Texas Education Agency for 2019.

School Bond

On May 6, 2019, voters passed a $155 million school bond that contained two propositions. Proposition A contained money to build a brand new high school that will be located behind the current one, upgrades to both CO Wilson and Central Middle school and adding new classrooms for all 4 elementary schools. Proposition B approves upgrades to Bulldog stadium including new turf, bathrooms and press box.

City library

Nederland is served by the Marion and Ed Hughes Public Library. The library is currently located at 2712 Nederland Avenue. It was formerly located at 1903 Atlanta Avenue and was named the D. Bob Henson Memorial Library after the city manager who was killed in an accident. The library started out in the Orange Hotel on Boston Avenue and has moved locations several times as the city grew.

Colleges and universities

Lamar University, established in 1923, is an accredited member of the Texas State University System in the nearby city of Beaumont. Lamar Institute of Technology was established in 1990 and is located adjacent to Lamar University. Lamar State College–Port Arthur is located south of Nederland in the city of Port Arthur, Texas and offers two-year degrees and one-year certificates.