Weldon, Texas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Weldon, Texas
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 Weldon, Texas
Location in Texas
Weldon, Texas
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Texas |
| County | Houston |
| Elevation | 249 ft (76 m) |
| Population
(2000)
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| • Total | 131 |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| ZIP code |
75835
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Weldon is a small community in Houston County, Texas, United States. It is an "unincorporated community." This means it does not have its own local government like a city. Instead, it is part of the larger county. In 2000, about 131 people lived there.
Contents
The Story of Weldon
Weldon began to grow after the American Civil War (around the late 1860s). A post office, which handles mail, was set up in Weldon in 1869. The community became known as a "lumber town." This happened when the Waco, Beaumont, Trinity and Sabine Railway built train tracks through the area in the 1880s.
Early Businesses and Growth
By 1885, Weldon had about 150 residents. The town had several important businesses. These included sawmills, which cut wood, and gristmills, which ground grain. There was also a cotton gin, which separated cotton fibers from seeds. People could shop at two general stores, a drugstore, and a meat market.
Weldon continued to do well in the 1910s and 1920s. By the 1930s, its population grew to 200 people. The town still had many businesses. However, the population dropped to 80 by 1950. It then grew back to 131 people between 1990 and 2000.
Recent Events in Weldon
On May 11, 2021, a weak tornado, called an EF0 tornado, hit Weldon. A railroad line, known as an "orphan line," also ran from Livingston, Texas to Weldon. This line was operated by the Beaumont and Great Northern Railroad.
Where is Weldon Located?
Weldon is found on Farm to Market Road 230. This road helps connect rural areas. The community is about 21 miles (34 km) south of Crockett, Texas. It is located in the southern part of Houston County.
Learning in Weldon
The first school in Weldon opened a long time ago, either in the 1870s or 1880s. Today, students in Weldon attend schools that are part of the Lovelady Independent School District.
A Historic Plane Crash Near Weldon
On July 14, 1945, a military training plane had an accident near Weldon. It was a North American B-25 Mitchell trainer plane from the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF). The plane seemed to have engine problems. It crashed about one mile northwest of Weldon. Sadly, 11 people on board did not survive. The plane caught fire when it hit the ground. Wreckage was spread over a large area.
Famous People from Weldon
Weldon is the birthplace of some notable individuals.
M. B. Etheredge: War Hero
M. B. Etheredge was born in Weldon. He was given the Texas Legislative Medal of Honor. This is a very special award from the Texas Legislature. He received it for his brave actions during a battle in World War II.
Quentin P. Smith: Tuskegee Airman
Quentin P. Smith was an airman who served in World War II. He was a "bombardier" on a B-25 plane. A bombardier is a crew member who operates the bomb-aiming equipment. Quentin P. Smith was part of the famous Tuskegee Airmen. This was a group of African American military pilots and airmen who fought in World War II.
