Newport, Texas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Newport, Texas
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The former school in Newport, Texas was built by the Works Progress Administration in 1939.
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 Newport, Texas
Location in Texas
Newport, Texas
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Texas |
| County | Clay |
| Elevation | 1,024 ft (312 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| Area code(s) | 940 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1363855 |
Newport is a small, unincorporated community in Texas, United States. It is located in both Clay and Jack counties. An unincorporated community means it's a place with a shared identity but no official local government like a city or town. In 2000, about 70 people lived in Newport. It is part of the larger Wichita Falls metropolitan area.
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History of Newport
Newport started as a community in 1872. It was first called Bear Hill by its founder, L. Hancock. In 1878, a post office opened there. The next year, the name was changed to Newport. This new name was made by combining the first letters of the last names of seven important local people.
By 1900, Newport had 176 residents. The community grew to 280 people by the mid-1920s. It stayed around that size until the mid-1940s. During the 1930s, twelve local businesses were operating in Newport.
However, the population started to decrease. By the mid-1950s, only 85 people lived there, and there were just three businesses left. From the 1960s to 2000, the population was estimated to be around 70 people. By 1990, Newport had expanded into Jack County and had only one business listed.
On April 5-6, 1955, a strong tornado passed near Newport. Luckily, it did not cause any damage to the community.
Where is Newport Located?
Newport is found in the southeastern part of Clay County and the northeastern part of Jack County. It is located where Farm to Market Roads 2127 and 1288 meet on Texas State Highway 59. This spot is about 24 miles (39 km) southeast of Henrietta.
Education in Newport
Today, students in Newport attend schools that are part of the Bowie Independent School District.
Famous People from Newport
Newport has been home to some notable individuals who achieved important things.
- John Coyle White served for more than 26 years as the elected commissioner of the Texas Department of Agriculture. This is a big job that helps manage farming and food in Texas. He also led the Democratic National Committee from 1978 to 1981, which is a major political group in the United States.
- Felix G. Bransford was a public servant who was part of the 20th Texas Legislature. This means he helped make laws for the state of Texas.
- Newby O. Brantly was an inventor and businessman. He founded the Brantly Helicopter Corporation, a company known for making helicopters.
