Speaks, Texas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Speaks, Texas
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 Speaks, Texas
Location in Texas
Speaks, Texas
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Texas |
| County | Lavaca |
| Elevation | 144 ft (44 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| ZIP code |
77964
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| Area code(s) | 979 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1380579 |
Speaks is a small community in southeast Lavaca County, Texas. It is called an unincorporated area because it does not have its own local government like a city or town. Speaks is located on Farm to Market Road 530 (FM 530). This road is southeast of Hallettsville, which is the main town in the county.
The community has had a few different names over the years. In 1866, it was known as Speaksville. About ten years later, its name changed to Boxville. Finally, in 1928, it became Speaks when a post office opened there. Since the 1950s, the number of people living in Speaks has stayed around 50 to 60.
Contents
Where is Speaks Located?
Speaks is found on FM 530. It is about 23 miles (37 km) southeast of Hallettsville. The Navidad River flows south a short distance to the west of Speaks. This river is an important natural feature nearby.
The History of Speaks
The land where Speaks is located has a long history. In 1828, the Mexican government gave a piece of land to Jesse H. Cartwright. He was one of the "Old Three Hundred" settlers, who were the first American families allowed to settle in Texas when it was part of Mexico. His land was near the Navidad River.
Later, in 1835, Archibald S. White received a larger land grant. This grant included Cartwright's property and the area that would become Speaks.
How Speaks Got Its Name
By 1866, a post office opened in the settlement. It was called Speaksville. This name came from the owner of the only store in the area at that time. In 1876, the community's name changed to Boxville. The post office then closed in 1882.
The town grew again, and in 1928, the post office reopened. This time, it was named Speaks. This happened when J. W. Koonce opened a new store in the community.
Growth and Local Industries
Over time, the Speaks area became known for its natural resources. The Speaks oil field and the Seclusion gas field were developed nearby. These fields helped the local economy.
In 1950, Speaks had two stores and the Speaks Community Church. About 50 people lived there. By 1987, the church, post office, and a store were still open. The population remained around 60 people between 1987 and 2000.
Images for kids
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Speaks Community Center on FM 530
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Speaks Cemetery on FM 530
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Gas plant north of Speaks on Wallace Road near FM 2437
