Sanco, Texas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sanco, Texas
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 Sanco, Texas
Location in Texas
Sanco, Texas
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Texas |
| County | Coke |
| Elevation | 2,064 ft (629 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| Area code(s) | 915 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1379016 |
Sanco is a small, unincorporated community located in Coke County, Texas, in the United States. An "unincorporated community" means it's a place where people live, but it doesn't have its own local government like a city or town. In the year 2000, about 30 people lived in Sanco.
Contents
History of Sanco
Early Settlement and Naming
Ranchers first settled the area known as Sanco in the early 1880s. At that time, it was part of Tom Green County. The community was named to honor Sanaco, a respected Comanche leader. He often set up his camp in this area before more settlers arrived.
Growth and Challenges
In 1888, J. L. Durham opened the first post office in his home. A building used for meetings also served as a place for worship. Soon after, a general store opened, providing goods for the community.
In 1907, the settlement moved to a flatter area closer to a water source. A Methodist church had already been built at this new spot. From 1905 until the 1920s, Sanco had a cotton gin. This machine separated cotton fibers from their seeds.
However, cotton farming in the area ended due to several problems. These included a long period without rain (drought), low prices for cotton, and damage from tiny insects called boll weevils.
Changes and Decline
The post office in Sanco closed in 1920 but reopened in 1924. The community's economy began to struggle in the 1940s and 1950s. This happened as roads to other towns improved, making it easier for people to travel elsewhere for goods and services.
By 1976, the post office closed permanently. The last store in Sanco shut its doors in the early 1970s. The population remained around 30 people in both 1970 and 2000.
Local Stories and Figures
In the 1850s, soldiers from Fort Chadbourne had small fights with Native American groups in the area. A famous Comanche chief named Yellow Wolf also camped here. He fought against the Lipan Apache people. Yellow Wolf is buried in the local cemetery. Sanco also once had a blacksmith shop, where people made and repaired metal items.
Geography of Sanco
Sanco is located in the central part of Coke County. You can find it east of Texas State Highway 208 on a local county road. It is about 9 miles (14 km) northwest of Robert Lee. The community is also about 30 miles (48 km) southeast of Colorado City and 47 miles (76 km) north of San Angelo. Sanco is situated along Yellow Wolf Creek. In 1942, Farm to Market Road 18 used to pass through the community.
Education in Sanco
The first school in Sanco started in 1888, using the local meetinghouse as its classroom. Later, Ulmer Bird donated land for a new school building. Over time, the Horse Mountain and Meadow Mountain schools joined with the Sanco school. Today, students in the Sanco area attend schools that are part of the Robert Lee Independent School District.
