Winters, Texas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Winters, Texas
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Location of Winters, Texas
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| Country | United States |
| State | Texas |
| County | Runnels |
| Area | |
| • Total | 2.94 sq mi (7.62 km2) |
| • Land | 2.36 sq mi (6.10 km2) |
| • Water | 0.59 sq mi (1.52 km2) |
| Elevation | 1,841 ft (561 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 2,345 |
| • Density | 797.6/sq mi (307.74/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| ZIP code |
79567
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| Area code(s) | 325 |
| FIPS code | 48-79876 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1350435 |
Winters is a city in Runnels County, Texas, United States. The population was 2,345 at the 2020 census.
Geography
Winters is located at 31°57′32″N 99°57′32″W / 31.95889°N 99.95889°W (31.958786, –99.958810). It is situated at the junction of U.S. Highway 83 and Farm Roads 53 and 1770 in north-central Runnels County, approximately 41 miles (66 km) south of Abilene and 52 miles (84 km) northeast of San Angelo.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 2.9 square miles (7.6 km2), of which 2.4 square miles (6.1 km2) are land and 0.58 square miles (1.5 km2), or 19.97%, are covered by water.
Climate
The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. According to the Köppen climate classification system, Winters has a humid subtropical climate, Cfa on climate maps.
History
In 1880, the families of C.N. Curry and C.E. Bell settled in an area known as Bluff Creek Valley, southwest of the present town. Local cowboy Jack Mackey suggested that the community be named in honor of John N. Winters, a rancher and land agent. A post office was established in 1891 and Mr. Winters donated land for a school soon after. Winters had roughly 163 residents in 1892. It became famous for a traveling brass band that was organized by Charles Tipton Grant in 1901. A newspaper began publishing in 1903. Winters incorporated in 1909, the same year that the Abilene and Southern Railway built an extension from Abilene to Winters. Land values in the city jumped to $7.00 per acre. A cottonseed mill became the first major industry in Winters when it opened in 1909. It remained in operation until 1939. In 1910, the population had risen to 1,247. A public library was constructed in 1964. By 1980, the population stood at 3,061. That number fell slightly to 2,905 in 1990 and 2,880 in 2000. Winters had a total of 140 businesses in 2000, up from 96 in 1970. Today, the city serves as a commercial and distribution center for a large agricultural and ranching area.
Demographics
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1910 | 1,347 | — | |
| 1920 | 1,509 | 12.0% | |
| 1930 | 2,423 | 60.6% | |
| 1940 | 2,335 | −3.6% | |
| 1950 | 2,676 | 14.6% | |
| 1960 | 3,266 | 22.0% | |
| 1970 | 2,907 | −11.0% | |
| 1980 | 3,061 | 5.3% | |
| 1990 | 2,905 | −5.1% | |
| 2000 | 2,880 | −0.9% | |
| 2010 | 2,562 | −11.0% | |
| 2020 | 2,345 | −8.5% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
2020 census
| Race | Number | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| White (NH) | 1,134 | 48.36% |
| Black or African American (NH) | 41 | 1.75% |
| Native American or Alaska Native (NH) | 7 | 0.3% |
| Asian (NH) | 3 | 0.13% |
| Pacific Islander (NH) | 1 | 0.04% |
| Some Other Race (NH) | 2 | 0.09% |
| Mixed/Multi-Racial (NH) | 63 | 2.69% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 1,094 | 46.65% |
| Total | 2,345 |
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 2,345 people, 854 households, and 610 families residing in the city.
Attractions
The Z.I. Hale Museum, housed in the former clinic of a prominent local optometrist, features exhibits of area history, photographs, and documents. A Missouri-Pacific caboose sits outside of the museum.
W. Lee Colburn Park is located 7 miles (11 km) east of Winters, adjacent to Elm Creek Reservoir. The park has various recreational facilities and 14 spaces for RVs with full hookups.
Every year, on the 1st Saturday of September, Winters celebrates the opening of dove hunting season with "Dovefest". people come from all over to hunt, listen to live music, or attend the gun show.
Education
Public education in the city of Winters is provided by the Winters Independent School District. The district has three campuses – Winters Elementary School (grades Pre-K–5), Winters Junior High School (grades 6–8), and Winters High School (grades 9–12).
Notable people
- Alda Vernon Bedford (January 6, 1904 - May 19, 1989), electrical engineer and electronic television pioneer at RCA, was born and raised in Winters
- Geoff Connor, 104th Texas Secretary of State, was born and raised in Winters
- Rogers Hornsby, Major League Baseball great, was born in Winters on April 27, 1896
- Del Shores, film director and producer, television writer, playwright, and actor, was born in Winters. The play, film, and television series Sordid Lives, written by Shores, is loosely based on his life in Winters
