New Boston, Texas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
New Boston, Texas
|
|
|---|---|
Location of New Boston, Texas
|
|
 |
|
| Country | United States |
| State | Texas |
| County | Bowie |
| Area | |
| • Total | 4.03 sq mi (10.44 km2) |
| • Land | 4.00 sq mi (10.36 km2) |
| • Water | 0.03 sq mi (0.08 km2) |
| Elevation | 364 ft (111 m) |
| Population
(2020)
|
|
| • Total | 4,612 |
| • Density | 1,144.4/sq mi (441.76/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| ZIP code |
75570
|
| Area code(s) | 903, 430 |
| FIPS code | 48-50808 |
| GNIS feature ID | 2411227 |
New Boston is a city located in Bowie County, Texas, United States. It's known for its interesting history, especially how it got its name. There are actually three "Bostons" in this area: New Boston, Boston, and Old Boston! In 2020, about 4,612 people lived here.
Contents
History of New Boston
The story of New Boston began when the Missouri Pacific Railroad was being built in 1876. The original village of Boston (now called Old Boston) was about four miles away from the new railroad line. Business owners in Boston worried their town would suffer if it wasn't near the train.
How New Boston Got Its Name
A local surveyor, J. H. Smelser, talked with railroad officials. He helped them decide to build a depot closer to Boston. In September 1876, new land was sold for a town near the depot. Because many people involved in this project were from the original Boston, the new town was named New Boston. The original town then became Old Boston. Later, another place between the two was also named Boston by the Post Office.
Growth and Development
A post office opened in New Boston in 1877. The town grew quickly. By 1884, it had about 400 residents, two churches, a school, and several cotton gins. It even had its own newspaper, the New Boston Herald.
In the 1890s, a furniture factory and another newspaper were added. By 1900, the population reached 762 people. The town grew steadily until the late 1920s.
New Boston During World War II
During World War II, two very large military bases were built southeast of New Boston. These were the Lone Star Army Ammunition Plant and the Red River Army Depot. These bases helped the town grow a lot in the 1940s. The population jumped from 1,111 in 1940 to 2,688 in 1950.
Modern New Boston
New Boston still relies on these military bases for jobs and growth. The town also has an International Paper mill and a state prison. In 1990, the population was 5,057, and by 2010, it was 4,550.
New Boston is famous for its Pioneer Days Festival and Rodeo. People gather at the T&P Trailhead Park for fun activities. These include carnival rides, street dances, and live music and comedy shows.
On November 4, 2022, a strong EF3 tornado caused some minor damage on the western edge of the city.
Geography and Location
New Boston is located near the center of Bowie County in Texas. It's easy to get to, with major roads passing through or near it.
Major Roads and Connections
U.S. Route 82 goes right through the middle of New Boston. Interstate 30 runs through the northern part of the city. You can get on I-30 from Exits 199 and 201.
- From New Boston, it's about 22 miles east to Texarkana using either road.
- I-30 also goes southwest about 40 miles to Mount Pleasant.
- US 82 goes west-northwest about 70 miles to Paris.
- Texas State Highway 8 goes south about 4 miles to Old Boston, where the original town was. It also goes north about 7 miles to the Red River and the border with Arkansas.
The Red River Army Depot is right next to the southeastern edge of New Boston. The city covers about 8.5 square kilometers (3.3 square miles) of land.
Climate in New Boston
New Boston has a climate with hot, humid summers. The winters are generally mild to cool. This type of weather is called a humid subtropical climate.
Population and People
New Boston has seen its population change over the years. Here's a look at how many people have lived in the city:
| Historical population | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1870 | 273 | — | |
| 1880 | 257 | −5.9% | |
| 1890 | 382 | 48.6% | |
| 1920 | 869 | — | |
| 1930 | 949 | 9.2% | |
| 1940 | 1,111 | 17.1% | |
| 1950 | 2,688 | 141.9% | |
| 1960 | 2,773 | 3.2% | |
| 1970 | 4,034 | 45.5% | |
| 1980 | 4,628 | 14.7% | |
| 1990 | 5,057 | 9.3% | |
| 2000 | 4,808 | −4.9% | |
| 2010 | 4,550 | −5.4% | |
| 2020 | 4,612 | 1.4% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
| Race | Number | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| White (NH) | 2,900 | 62.88% |
| Black or African American (NH) | 977 | 21.18% |
| Native American or Alaska Native (NH) | 34 | 0.74% |
| Asian (NH) | 36 | 0.78% |
| Pacific Islander (NH) | 4 | 0.09% |
| Some Other Race (NH) | 15 | 0.33% |
| Mixed/Multi-Racial (NH) | 367 | 7.96% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 279 | 6.05% |
| Total | 4,612 |
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 4,612 people living in New Boston. These people lived in 1,819 households, with 1,152 of them being families.
Education in New Boston
Students in New Boston are served by the New Boston Independent School District. The city is home to the New Boston High School Lions.
Transportation Routes
Interstate 30
U.S. Highway 82
State Highway 8
Notable People from New Boston
Many interesting people have connections to New Boston:
- Devin the Dude, an American rapper, spent some of his high school years here.
- Jeff Gladney, an NFL cornerback who played for the Minnesota Vikings.
- LaMichael James, another NFL player.
- Ryan Lynch, a racing driver.
- Kim Phillips, an NFL cornerback for the New Orleans Saints and Buffalo Bills.
- R. Gerald Turner, who has been the President of Southern Methodist University since 1995.
- Gary VanDeaver, a Republican member of the Texas House of Representatives.
See also
In Spanish: New Boston (Texas) para niños
