Vanderpool, Texas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Vanderpool, Texas
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 Vanderpool, Texas
Location in Texas
Vanderpool, Texas
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Texas |
| County | Bandera |
| Elevation | 1,578 ft (481 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| Area code(s) | 830 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1379206 |
Vanderpool is a small community in Bandera County, Texas. It is located in the beautiful Texas Hill Country, which is part of the Edwards Plateau. Even though it's not a city, Vanderpool has its own post office with the ZIP code 78885. People in Vanderpool and the surrounding area often work in hunting, ranching, and tourism.
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History of Vanderpool
The area where Vanderpool is located was first settled in the 1850s. Early settlers received land grants from the Republic of Texas. However, the community briefly became a ghost town in the 1860s. This happened after a raid by the Comanche Indian tribe. The last recorded Native American raid in the community was in 1881. Other Native American tribes like the Apaches, Tonkawas, and Kickapoos also lived in this region.
A post office was first opened in Vanderpool in 1886. It closed for a short time but reopened in 1902. The town used to be called Bugscuffle. It was renamed Vanderpool after L.B. Vanderpool, who was the first postmaster. In 1990, the community had 22 residents. By 2000, the population was 20.
Geography and Climate
Vanderpool is known as the "Crossroads of Western Bandera County." It sits along the Sabinal River in the Sabinal Canyon. You can find it where Texas State Highway 187 and Ranch to Market Road 337 meet. It is about 30 miles (48 km) west of Bandera. It is also about 10 miles (16 km) north of Utopia.
Vanderpool's Climate
The weather in Vanderpool usually has hot and humid summers. The winters are generally mild to cool. This type of weather is called a humid subtropical climate. On climate maps, it is often shown as "Cfa."
Education in Vanderpool
Schools were built on land that was sold by early settlers. The Bugscuffle School was one of the first schools in the area. In the 1887-1888 school year, it had 53 students and one teacher. It later became an elementary school. It served 36 students in 1923 and stayed open until 1942. Today, students in the Vanderpool area attend schools in the Utopia Independent School District.
Fun Things to Do in Vanderpool
Vanderpool has some interesting places to visit:
- Lone Star Motorcycle Museum: This museum has more than 50 classic motorcycles. They range from bikes made in 1910 to more modern ones.
- Lost Maples State Park: This beautiful park is just a few miles north of town. It's famous for its colorful maple trees in the fall.
- Garner State Park: About a 30-minute drive southwest, this park is popular for outdoor activities. It's also a great spot for birdwatching. You might even see a Green kingfisher there! Many people from America and other countries visit for birdwatching.
