Prairie Lea, Texas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Prairie Lea, Texas
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 Prairie Lea, Texas
Location in Texas
Prairie Lea, Texas
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Texas |
| County | Caldwell |
| Elevation | 449 ft (139 m) |
| Population
(2000)
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| • Total | 255 |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| ZIP code |
78661
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| Area code(s) | 512 |
| FIPS code | 48-59288 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1344514 |
Prairie Lea is a small community in Caldwell County, Texas, United States. It is not officially a city or town, but a community. In 2000, about 255 people lived there. Prairie Lea is part of the larger Austin–Round Rock area.
Contents
History of Prairie Lea
Early Beginnings and Naming
Prairie Lea is the oldest community in Caldwell County. It began on land granted to Joe Martin in 1820. Sam Houston, a famous Texas leader, named the town. He named it after his future wife, Margaret Lea Houston.
The first person to settle in Prairie Lea was Edmund Bellinger in 1839. He was a veteran of important battles like the Battle of San Jacinto.
Growth and Early Businesses
The community grew when Thomas Mooney set up a sawmill, a gristmill, and a cotton gin. These businesses were located on the nearby San Marcos River. You can still see parts of his old dam today.
In 1849, James Hugh Callihan opened the first store in Prairie Lea. By 1853, the community had a hotel, two stores, and a post office.
Prairie Lea During the Civil War
During the American Civil War, many men from Prairie Lea joined the fight. Some served with John Bell Hood's Texas Brigade. Others took part in the difficult New Mexico Campaign.
After the war, a community group helped bring home soldiers who were stranded or starving. They organized wagons, mules, food, and supplies. A local gristmill also helped provide food for families in Caldwell County who were struggling.
Challenges and Recovery
Life was hard in Prairie Lea during the period after the Civil War. There was a lot of trouble, even with soldiers stationed there. Some families even moved to Mexico.
However, peace and growth returned by the 1870s. But in 1877, a big fire destroyed the business area. This included 17 stores.
Population Changes and Modern Times
By 1884, Prairie Lea had about 100 people. It had gristmills, cotton gins, and two churches. The community also shipped cotton. By 1914, the population grew to 350. There were three general stores and two blacksmith shops.
In the 1920s, the discovery of oil nearby in Luling caused Prairie Lea's population to increase. However, the population slowly went down in the second half of the 1900s. By 1990, only 100 people lived there. In 2000, the number went up to 255, with five small businesses and two churches. By 2010, the population was back down to 100.
Prairie Lea has its own post office with the ZIP Code 78661.
Geography and Location
Prairie Lea is located along Texas State Highway 80. It is in the southwestern part of Caldwell County. The community is about six miles northwest of Luling. It is also ten miles southwest of Lockhart, close to the San Marcos River.
The closest big city is Austin, which is about 44 miles north. San Marcos is about 20 miles northeast.
Education in Prairie Lea
Early Schools
The first school in Prairie Lea started in a log cabin in 1848. This cabin was also used for church services. In 1852, a special school called Prairie Lea Academy was created by a group called the Masons. A school for girls, the Prairie Lea Female Institute, opened in 1860.
Another school was built in 1878 by a farming group called the Grange. A new school was also established in 1890. A five-room school building was built in 1925. More classrooms were added the next year because more students enrolled.
By the 1940s, students from nearby communities like Fentress and Stairtown came to the Prairie Lea school. Even in 1990, the school was a very important part of community life.
Current School System
Today, Prairie Lea and the nearby areas of Fentress and Stairtown are served by the Prairie Lea Independent School District. There is one main campus, Prairie Lea School. This school teaches students from pre-kindergarten all the way through twelfth grade. The school's sports teams are known as the Prairie Lea Indians.
Notable People
- Scott H. Biram, a musician, grew up in Prairie Lea.
Images for kids
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Prairie Lea Independent School District building
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US Post Office in Prairie Lea
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Tri-Community Civic Center building
