Smith Point, Texas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Smith Point, Texas
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Location of Smith Point, Texas
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| Country | United States |
| State | Texas |
| County | Chambers |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| Area code(s) | 409 |
Smith Point is a small community in Chambers County, Texas, United States. It is not a city, but an unincorporated community. In 2000, about 150 people lived there. Smith Point is also part of the big Greater Houston area.
Contents
History of Smith Point
Early Days and Naming
Long ago, in 1805, Spanish soldiers landed here. They were on their way to a town called Atascosito. The area probably got its name from John Smith. In 1827, he spoke out against Mexico. He was upset because people weren't getting land titles they were promised.
Growth and Changes
A post office opened in Smith Point in 1876. Before cars were invented, people in Smith Point traveled mostly by boat. In the 1930s, only about 50 people lived in Smith Point. For a long time, people made a living by ranching and fishing.
Oil Discovery and Modern Times
Then, in 1944, oil was discovered! This changed everything. Many oil and gas wells were drilled nearby. Even though the post office closed in 1943, Smith Point kept going. By 1986, it had houses, summer cottages, and small fishing businesses. The population grew to 150 by 1990. It stayed the same in 2000. By 2010, the population went up to 180 people.
Nature and Wildlife
Smith Point is a great place for nature lovers! It has a special 20-foot tower. From this tower, you can watch many different kinds of birds. You might even see broad-winged hawks. This area is part of the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail. It is also home to the Candy Cain Abshier Wildlife Management Area. This area helps protect local wildlife.
Where is Smith Point?
Smith Point is located in southern Chambers County. It sits on Farm to Market Road 562. The community overlooks two large bays: East Bay and Trinity Bay. It is about 65 kilometers (40 miles) southwest of Beaumont. It is also about 72 kilometers (45 miles) southeast of Houston. The town of Anahuac is 24 kilometers (15 miles) to the north. Smith Point is also about 20 miles (32 km) from Galveston.
Learning in Smith Point
Students in Smith Point attend schools run by the Anahuac Independent School District.
