Saragosa, Texas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Saragosa
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Country | United States |
State | Texas |
County | Reeves |
Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
• Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
ZIP codes |
79780
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GNIS feature ID | 1367768 |
Saragosa is a small town located in Reeves County, Texas, in the United States. In 2000, about 185 people lived there. It has its own post office with the ZIP code 79780.
Where is Saragosa?
Saragosa is found where two roads meet: State Highway 17 and FM 1215. It's about two miles north of Interstate 10. This area is in the southeastern part of Reeves County.
A Look at Saragosa's Past
Saragosa began in 1880. About fifteen families settled along Toyah Creek. Antonio Matta built his horse ranch headquarters here.
A post office opened in 1884. It closed for a while but reopened in 1900. In 1909, the town's official map was filed.
When the Pecos Valley Southern Railway arrived in 1911, Saragosa became important. Farmers could ship crops like alfalfa, cotton, and fruits from here.
The town's population changed over the years. In 1925, about 25 people lived there. By 1931, it grew to 150. But then it dropped to around 25 in the mid-1930s.
In 1938, Saragosa's school joined with the school district in nearby Pecos. In the 1940s, Saragosa had four businesses and 60 residents. By the late 1950s, there were nine businesses.
The population reached its highest point in 1960, with about 380 people. Saragosa Elementary School closed in 1968. Students then went to school in Pecos. In 1970, the population was 173. It grew slightly to 183 by the late 1980s. It stayed around that number for the rest of the 1900s.
The 1987 Tornado Event
On May 22, 1987, a very strong tornado hit Saragosa. This tornado was an F4 tornado. It was half a mile wide. The storm destroyed 80 percent of the town. It caused $1.5 million in damage.
Most of Saragosa was rebuilt by the early 1990s. Saragosa had also been hit by tornadoes in 1938 and 1964.
Learning in Saragosa
Students in Saragosa attend public schools. Education is provided by the Pecos-Barstow-Toyah Independent School District.