Schertz, Texas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Schertz, Texas
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Schertz City Hall
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| Motto(s):
"Community. Service. Opportunity."
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City of Schertz, Texas
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| Country | United States |
| State | Texas |
| Counties | Guadalupe, Bexar, Comal |
| Government | |
| • Type | Council-Manager |
| Area | |
| • Total | 32.27 sq mi (83.57 km2) |
| • Land | 32.08 sq mi (83.10 km2) |
| • Water | 0.18 sq mi (0.47 km2) |
| Elevation | 686 ft (209 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 42,002 |
| • Density | 1,310.37/sq mi (505.94/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| ZIP code |
78154, 78108, 78132
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| Area code(s) | 210/726, 830 |
| FIPS code | 48-66128 |
| GNIS feature ID | 2411838 |
Schertz (pronounced "shurts") is a city in Texas, USA. It is located in three different counties: Guadalupe, Bexar, and Comal. Schertz is part of the larger San Antonio–New Braunfels area.
In 2020, about 42,002 people lived in Schertz. This was a big increase from 31,465 people in 2010. The city was first settled in the 1800s by people from a region in Europe called Alsace.
Contents
History of Schertz
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Schertz is the third-largest city in the San Antonio–New Braunfels area. It is also the biggest city in the Randolph Metrocom. This area includes cities around Randolph Air Force Base. The Metrocom is on the far northeast side of San Antonio.
Other towns in the Randolph Metrocom include Live Oak, Kirby, and Cibolo. These towns are growing quickly. Together, they have about 355,000 residents.
Early Settlers and Growth
The first people came to Schertz around 1843. Families like the Schertzs, Schneiders, and Maskes settled here. Some members of the Schertz family still live in the city today.
The area was first called "Cibolo Pit." Then it was called "Cut Off." This was because when Cibolo Creek flooded, the settlement would be "cut off" from other areas.
Early settlers grew crops like wheat, oats, and corn. Later, they started growing cotton. Cotton became a very important crop for making money. In 1870, the Schertz family built the first machine to process cotton, called a cotton gin.
Railroad and Community Life
In 1876, the Galveston, Harrisburg, and San Antonio Railroad came through Schertz. This was a huge help for the town. People could now travel to San Antonio by train. Goods could also be easily shipped in and out.
The first post office opened in 1882. At that time, the town was still called Cut Off. In 1899, it officially became Schertz. Sebastian Schertz ran a general store when the railroad was built.
A popular shooting club used to be where the City Park is now. They held a yearly event called Koenig Schiessen, or "King Shoot." People would come from San Antonio by train for this two-day event.
The first church in Schertz is the United Methodist Church on First Street. One of the oldest business buildings, a red brick building on Main Street, was built by Willie Schertz. It was the first general store.
Healthcare and Banking
In 1909, a two-story hotel, a small hospital, and a drug store were built. Dr. Watson was the doctor there. In 1917, another red brick hospital was built on Main Street. It helped people from Schertz and nearby towns for many years.
The first bank in Schertz opened in 1913.
Randolph Air Force Base's Impact
Randolph Field, now called Randolph Air Force Base, greatly helped Schertz in the late 1920s. The Air Corps bought 2,000 acres (8.1 km²) of farmland for an air academy. This academy, known as the "West Point of the Air," opened in 1930.
The base was built in Schertz because there was less fog, meaning more flying time. This helped the economy of Schertz and nearby cities like New Braunfels and San Antonio.
Modern Schertz
The V.F.W. (Veterans of Foreign Wars) of Schertz started in 1946. The first fire protection came from the Randolph Field Fire Department. Schertz later formed its own fire department in 1956.
A building was built for both the fire station and city hall. The Schertz library is now in this building. A new library was recently built next to it. Schertz officially became a city in 1958.
Geography of Schertz
Schertz is mainly in western Guadalupe County. The City Hall is also in Guadalupe County. However, parts of the city now stretch north into Comal County and south into Bexar County.
Cibolo Creek flows through the city, just south of the old downtown area. This creek forms the border between Guadalupe and Bexar counties.
Schertz is surrounded by other towns. Cibolo is to the east. Parts of San Antonio are to the south. Converse and Randolph AFB are to the southwest.
Interstate 35 runs through the northern part of Schertz. This highway connects Schertz to downtown San Antonio, about 19 miles (31 km) away. It also connects to New Braunfels, about 6 miles (9.7 km) from the city limits.
The United States Census Bureau says Schertz covers about 32.27 square miles (83.57 km²). Most of this area is land, with a small amount of water.
Population Information
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1960 | 2,281 | — | |
| 1970 | 4,061 | 78.0% | |
| 1980 | 7,262 | 78.8% | |
| 1990 | 10,555 | 45.3% | |
| 2000 | 18,694 | 77.1% | |
| 2010 | 31,465 | 68.3% | |
| 2020 | 42,002 | 33.5% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
| Race | Number | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| White (NH) | 20,170 | 48.02% |
| Black or African American (NH) | 4,821 | 11.48% |
| Native American or Alaska Native (NH) | 129 | 0.31% |
| Asian (NH) | 1,192 | 2.84% |
| Pacific Islander (NH) | 117 | 0.28% |
| Some Other Race (NH) | 204 | 0.49% |
| Mixed/Multi-Racial (NH) | 2,222 | 5.29% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 13,147 | 31.3% |
| Total | 42,002 |
In 2020, Schertz had 42,002 people living in 14,853 households. About 11,570 of these were families.
In 2010, the city had 31,465 people. About 42.1% of households had children under 18. Many households (67.2%) were married couples.
The population is spread out in age groups. About 29.3% of residents are under 18. About 8.8% are 65 or older. The average age in Schertz was 35 years old.
Many people in Schertz are connected to the military. This is because Randolph Air Force Base is nearby. Also, Fort Sam Houston and Lackland Air Force Base are close. This means some people move in and out of the city often.
Arts and Culture in Schertz
Schertz has many fun events throughout the year:
- Wilenchik Walk for Life: This event in March raises money for cancer research. It includes a 5K walk and fun run.
- Absolute Jazz: This is a yearly one-day jazz festival in the city.
- Doggie Dash: In May, Homes for Pets holds this event at Pickrell Park. It's a 5K fun run and a 3K walk for dogs and their owners.
- Schertz EMS Week: Held in May, this week has activities like a golf tournament. It raises money for community programs and scholarships.
- Schertz Police Memorial Day: The police department holds this event in May to honor officers.
- Schertz Sweetheart Pageant: This May event chooses young people to represent the city at parades and festivals.
- Schertz Fourth of July Jubilee: This is one of the biggest parades and festivals in Central and South Texas. It celebrates the United States Armed Forces.
- SchertzFest: Held in late September, this festival has performers, food, and drinks. It celebrates the founding of Schertz.
- Trunk or Treat: On October 31, city departments and groups offer a safe way for children to get candy. This event is at Pickrell Park.
- Winter Holidays: The holiday season includes a Senior Arts and Crafts Bazaar in November. The Festival of Angels takes place in December.
Education in Schertz
Several school districts serve the city of Schertz.
Schools in Guadalupe County
- Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City Independent School District (SCUCISD)
- Schools in Schertz include Schertz Elementary, Green Valley Elementary, and Norma J. Paschal Elementary.
- Rose Garden Elementary and Laura Ingalls Wilder Intermediate School are also in Schertz.
- Ray D. Corbett Junior High School and Samuel Clemens High School are in Schertz.
- Some parts of Schertz are zoned to Watts Elementary School in Cibolo.
Schools in Bexar County
- Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City Independent School District (SCUCISD)
- East Central Independent School District
Schools in Comal County
- Comal Independent School District (all parts of Schertz in Comal County)
- Comal Creek Elementary School in Schertz serves most students.
- Danville Middle School is in Schertz.
- Davenport High School is also in this district.
Private Schools
- John Paul II Catholic High School is a private school in Schertz.
Notable People from Schertz
- Sherman Corbett: A former MLB player and baseball coach.
- Steve Earle: An alternative country rock musician.
- Colton Haynes: An actor and model.
- A. J. Johnson: An NFL player.
- Sean Porter: An NFL player.
- Robert Reid: A former NBA player.
Awards and Recognition
Schertz has received several awards and recognitions:
- 2007: Ranked #1 Best Place to Live in Texas and #40 Best Place to Live in the US by CNNMoney.com.
- 2009: Ranked #39 Best Place to Live in the US by CNNMoney.com.
- 2013: Named #28 of the 50 safest cities in Texas by Safewise.
- 2015: Named #36 of the 50 safest cities in Texas by Safewise.
- 2018: Ranked #69 safest city in Texas by Alarms.org.
Schertz in Film
Schertz has become a popular place for filming movies in the San Antonio area.
- In March 2007, parts of the movie The Ace in the Hole were filmed in Schertz.
- In 2005, the independent film Klay World: Off The Table was filmed in different empty areas around Schertz.
- Avenue of the Strongest: A September 11 Memorial Exhibit was also filmed in Schertz.
See also
In Spanish: Schertz (Texas) para niños
