Mount Vernon, Texas

Last updated

Mount Vernon, Texas
Mount Vernon May 2018 26 (Houston Street).jpg
Houston Street in downtown Mount Vernon
Motto: 
"A Texas Treasure" [1]
Franklin County Texas incorporated and unincorporated areas Mount Vernon highlighted.svg
Location in Franklin County and the state of Texas.
Coordinates: 33°10′34″N95°13′31″W / 33.17611°N 95.22528°W / 33.17611; -95.22528
Country United States
State Texas
County Franklin
Area
[2]
  Total4.40 sq mi (11.40 km2)
  Land4.31 sq mi (11.17 km2)
  Water0.09 sq mi (0.24 km2)
Elevation
[3]
509 ft (155 m)
Population
 (2020)
  Total2,491
  Density635.12/sq mi (245.21/km2)
Time zone UTC-6 (Central (CST))
  Summer (DST) UTC-5 (CDT)
ZIP code
75457
Area code(s) 903, 430
FIPS code 48-49860 [4]
GNIS feature ID2413019 [3]
Website www.comvtx.com

Mount Vernon is a town and the county seat of Franklin County, Texas, United States. The population was 2,491 at the 2020 United States census. [5]

Contents

History

Mount Vernon started as a settlement near the Fanning Springs (on Holbrook Street south of the present town square). Affidavits filed to establish land titles soon after the Texas Revolution document the settlement by squatters in Spanish Texas commencing in 1818.

By 1848 the United States government established a post office, and in 1849 a formal town site was laid out on land donated by Stephen and Rebecca Keith for the town of Mount Vernon. Since there were two other Mount Vernons in Texas, the post office was called "Keith" and then "Lone Star" before the name "Mount Vernon" became available in 1875. Franklin County was carved out of Titus County in 1875, and Mount Vernon was elected county seat in competition with other communities.

The county's economy was based in agriculture with corn and cotton, followed by over 500,000 peach trees in production in the 1920s, watermelons in the 1930s, and the state's top record production of cane syrup in the 1940s. The 1936 discovery of oil on C.G. Hughes' land in the north part of the county led to a more diversified economy, with oil production continuing today combined with light industry, manufacturing, and diverse agricultural endeavors. Mount Vernon, as county seat, was assured a continuing vital existence as the economic center for the county. The town boasted churches, doctors, lawyers, and many varied stores in a time before people had the ability to travel far. The town voted to incorporate in 1910 under a mayor/council form of government. In 1911 a bond issue was passed to create a public waterworks. Electric and gas utility service followed.

The downtown area reflects a small-town atmosphere. The central plaza has a picturesque gazebo and park benches. On the north side of the square is a classical revival 1912 white limestone courthouse with a chiming clock tower. The courthouse recently underwent an extensive restoration as part of the Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation Program and has been returned to its 1912 grandeur.

History abounds in and around Mount Vernon. Over 50 homes built before World War I still stand around town and are marked with signs designating the original owners and year of construction. Tour maps are available at various locations including the Franklin County Historical Association Museums, Franklin County Chamber of Commerce, and Mount Vernon City Hall. There are over 20 official state historical markers in Franklin County. The Cherokee Trace runs along the eastern edge of the county south toward Nacogdoches. The Choctaw Trail runs through the county toward Dallas. The Bankhead Highway remains as Mount Vernon's Main Street. [6]

Geography

Mount Vernon is located at the center of Franklin County. U.S. Route 67 passes through the northern side of town as Main Street, leading east 16 miles (26 km) to Mount Pleasant and west 23 miles (37 km) to Sulphur Springs. Texas State Highway 37 passes through the western side of town, leading north 20 miles (32 km) to Bogata and south 17 miles (27 km) to Winnsboro. Interstate 30 passes through the southern end of town, with access from Exit 146 (Highway 37) and Exit 147. I-30 leads east 78 miles (126 km) to Texarkana and west 101 miles (163 km) to Dallas.

According to the United States Census Bureau, Mount Vernon has a total area of 3.69 square miles (9.55 km2), of which 3.67 square miles (9.51 km2) is land and 0.02 square miles (0.04 km2), or 0.38%, is water. [7]

Climate

Climate data for Mount Vernon, Texas (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1966–present)
MonthJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecYear
Record high °F (°C)82
(28)
90
(32)
90
(32)
97
(36)
97
(36)
105
(41)
109
(43)
112
(44)
108
(42)
96
(36)
89
(32)
84
(29)
112
(44)
Mean daily maximum °F (°C)55.6
(13.1)
60.2
(15.7)
68.1
(20.1)
75.5
(24.2)
82.2
(27.9)
90.0
(32.2)
94.3
(34.6)
94.6
(34.8)
88.2
(31.2)
77.3
(25.2)
65.8
(18.8)
57.6
(14.2)
75.8
(24.3)
Daily mean °F (°C)44.9
(7.2)
49.0
(9.4)
56.3
(13.5)
63.6
(17.6)
71.8
(22.1)
79.7
(26.5)
83.5
(28.6)
83.3
(28.5)
76.4
(24.7)
65.6
(18.7)
54.8
(12.7)
46.8
(8.2)
64.6
(18.1)
Mean daily minimum °F (°C)34.2
(1.2)
37.7
(3.2)
44.5
(6.9)
51.8
(11.0)
61.4
(16.3)
69.4
(20.8)
72.8
(22.7)
71.9
(22.2)
64.7
(18.2)
53.8
(12.1)
43.8
(6.6)
36.1
(2.3)
53.5
(11.9)
Record low °F (°C)2
(−17)
1
(−17)
11
(−12)
25
(−4)
39
(4)
50
(10)
55
(13)
49
(9)
38
(3)
23
(−5)
13
(−11)
−5
(−21)
−5
(−21)
Average precipitation inches (mm)3.41
(87)
3.73
(95)
4.52
(115)
4.13
(105)
5.07
(129)
4.17
(106)
3.18
(81)
3.10
(79)
3.58
(91)
4.74
(120)
3.86
(98)
4.70
(119)
48.19
(1,224)
Average snowfall inches (cm)0.5
(1.3)
0.9
(2.3)
0.1
(0.25)
0.0
(0.0)
0.0
(0.0)
0.0
(0.0)
0.0
(0.0)
0.0
(0.0)
0.0
(0.0)
0.0
(0.0)
0.0
(0.0)
0.1
(0.25)
1.6
(4.1)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 in)8.28.48.97.99.17.55.95.76.47.07.18.190.2
Average snowy days (≥ 0.1 in)0.20.30.10.00.00.00.00.00.00.00.00.20.8
Source: NOAA [8] [9]

Demographics

Historical population
CensusPop.Note
1870 223
1880 31139.5%
1890 58989.4%
1920 1,212
1930 1,2220.8%
1940 1,44318.1%
1950 1,433−0.7%
1960 1,338−6.6%
1970 1,80635.0%
1980 2,02512.1%
1990 2,2199.6%
2000 2,2863.0%
2010 2,66216.4%
2020 2,491−6.4%
U.S. Decennial Census [10]
Mount Vernon racial composition as of 2020 [11]
(NH = Non-Hispanic) [lower-alpha 1]
RaceNumberPercentage
White (NH)1,59063.83%
Black or African American (NH)30512.24%
Native American or Alaska Native (NH)110.44%
Asian (NH)150.6%
Some Other Race (NH)230.92%
Mixed/Multi-Racial (NH)1034.13%
Hispanic or Latino 44417.82%
Total2,491

According to the 2000 U.S. census, there were 2,286 people, 903 households, and 582 families residing in the town. [4] The population density was 618.7 inhabitants per square mile (238.9/km2). There were 1,045 housing units at an average density of 282.8 per square mile (109.2/km2). The racial makeup of the town was 77.21% White, 13.52% African American, 0.61% Native American, 0.31% Asian, 7.17% from other races, and 1.18% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 10.80% of the population. In 2020, its population was 2,491; [5] at the 2020 U.S. census, its racial and ethnic makeup was predominantly non-Hispanic white.

In 2000, the median income for a household in the town was $28,824, and the median income for a family was $36,150. Males had a median income of $30,132 versus $18,707 for females. The per capita income for the town was $16,186. About 14.9% of families and 17.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 22.6% of those under age 18 and 16.3% of those age 65 or over. The 2020 American Community Survey determined the median household income was $56,016. [14]

Museums and attractions

Fire Station Museum Mount Vernon May 2018 07 (Old Fire Station Museum).jpg
Fire Station Museum

Fire Station Museum

Housed in the 1940 WPA-financed fire station, changing exhibits from the permanent collection include nature and history displays of butterflies, bird eggs, violins, toys, seashells, antique tools, wood carvings, and Native American artifacts. The dental chair and equipment that were once used by Dr. Con Smith in Mount Vernon is on display. Exhibits upstairs include a collection of bird eggs and Native American artifacts from Franklin County and other parts of Texas and a collection of butterflies. The museum is one of only 13 museums holding eggs of the extinct Carolina parakeet, heath hen, and passenger pigeon. An exhibit of sports memorabilia related to the life and career of home-town boy and pro-football legend Don Meredith is also housed here. The museum is open Tuesday through Friday, 9 A.M. to 1 P.M., and otherwise by appointment. It is located at 111 S. Kaufman Street. Call 903-537-9300 for information and appointments for tours or visit FCHA. Admission is free. Ask for a free map of historic homes and an annotated driving-tour guide for the town.

1894 Cotton Belt Railroad Depot Mount Vernon May 2018 06 (Cotton Belt Depot Museum).jpg
1894 Cotton Belt Railroad Depot

1894 Railroad Depot

The restored Mount Vernon 1894 Cotton Belt Railroad Depot is a real gem that has been carefully restored pursuant to National Register standards with original colors and decor. Separate waiting rooms, designed to serve under the segregation laws at that time, today house exhibits. The central office is furnished with antiques suitable to an office at the turn of the 20th century including working telegraphy and railroading exhibits. The waiting room formerly restricted to White patrons houses a model train exhibit. The large freight room houses an 1899 Studebaker covered wagon in excellent condition and offers students a chance to reflect on the real change in transportation in America after the advent of the automobile. There is also a small 1880 log cabin that was moved onto the property, a syrup press and mill, period mule-drawn farm machinery, and a blacksmith shop. The Depot is located at 202 S. Kaufman Street. Call 903-537-9300 to schedule a tour or visit the Fire Station Museum across the street for me information. Admission is free

Bankhead Highway Visitor Center

The Bankhead Highway, which opened in 1919 and ran from Washington D.C. to San Diego, was the nation's first all-weather transcontinental highway. It passes through Franklin County and serves as Mount Vernon's Main Street and follows an early Indian trading route known as the Choctaw Trail. By 1930 it was renumbered as U. S. No. 1 and was called "The Broadway of America." The Bankhead Highway Route was changed in 1937 and follows present U. S. Hwy 67. The Visitor Center is one fourth mile west of U.S. Highway 37 on CR NW 1017. Just follow Main Street to the west past Highway 37. The Visitor Center includes the Lowry Pavilion, which is available to rent for special outdoor occasions, and the Dupree Park Nature Preserve and Nature Trail, a mile and a half walk through the property with special marked stations for bird sightings. Though the property gates are locked at off hours, a pedestrian gate allows admittance for individual use from dawn until dusk. A printed trail guide is available in the Visitor Center.

Alamo Mission Museum

Using a replica of the Alamo Mission as the backdrop, the mission mixes history and fun. Learn about Texas history and bring the family out for family events such as Chili Cook-off & Bluegrass Festival, Turtle Derby, Halloween Hayrides with pumpkin fun, and Redneck Rendezvous. The museum is located at 1714 County Road 4105 SE.

Old Mount Vernon Waterworks Plant

Located on Holbrook Street just south of the intersection with Rutherford Street, the first facility was built in 1911. Dr. Will Godwin, entomologist with Stephen F. Austin State University, and Steve Moore, current Michener Fellow with the University of Texas, are restoring the facility.

Recreation

Little Creek Park

Mr. & Mrs. N. E. Dupree donated approximately 4.2 acres of land to the City of Mount Vernon in July 1958 for the love and respect they had for the young people of the town and surrounding communities for the creation of a park. The park consists of tennis courts, basketball courts, two playground areas, baseball field, a covered pavilion for family and social gatherings, and a walking trail. The park is located just south of the town square on Kaufman Street. Contact the City of Mount Vernon at 903-537-2252 for more information. [15]

Lake Cypress Springs

Franklin County is the home of spring-fed Lake Cypress Springs and is a bass fisherman's paradise. It is surrounded by 869 acres of public parks owned and maintained by the Franklin County Water District. Camper sites, shelters, and meeting pavilions are located in various parks at the lake, as well as a marina with water playground equipment. Lake Cypress Springs was impounded in 1970 with 3,400 acres of top fishing waters. Walleye were stocked in the early days of the lake with some success. Black Bass and catfish are the prime targets of visiting anglers today. The waters of Lake Bob Sandlin back up to the dam on Cypress Creek. For more information, contact Franklin County Water District at 903-537-4536 or FCWD Website. [16]

Education

The town is served by the Mount Vernon Independent School District and is home to the Mount Vernon High School Tigers.

On May 24, 2019, the Mount Vernon school board announced former Baylor University coach Art Briles had been given a two-year contract as the high school's varsity football coach. [17] [18] This decision has attracted widespread attention due to Briles having been terminated in 2016 from his position as head coach of Baylor's football team as part of the Baylor University sexual assault scandal. [19] [20] [21] [22]

Notable people

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vernon County, Wisconsin</span> County in Wisconsin, United States

Vernon County is a county in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. As of the 2020 census, the population was 30,714. Its county seat is Viroqua.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wilbarger County, Texas</span> County in Texas, United States

Wilbarger County is a county located in the North Texas region of the U.S. state of Texas. As of the 2020 census, the population was 12,887. The county seat is Vernon. The county was created in 1858 and later organized in 1881. Wilbarger is named for Josiah Pugh Wilbarger and Mathias Wilbarger, two early settlers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Washington County, Texas</span> County in Texas, United States

Washington County is a county in Texas. As of the 2020 census, the population was 35,805. Its county seat is Brenham, which is located along U.S. Highway 290, 72 miles northwest of Houston. The county was created in 1835 as a municipality of Mexico and organized as a county in 1837. It is named for George Washington, the first president of the United States.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Titus County, Texas</span> County in Texas, US

Titus County is a county located in the northeastern region of the U.S. state of Texas. As of the 2020 census, its population was 31,247. Its county seat is Mount Pleasant. The county is named for Andrew Jackson Titus, an early settler. Titus County comprises the Mount Pleasant micropolitan statistical area.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Knox County, Texas</span> County in Texas, United States

Knox County is a county located in the U.S. state of Texas. As of the 2020 census, its population was 3,353. Its county seat is Benjamin. The county was created in 1858 and later organized in 1886. It is named for Henry Knox, an American Revolutionary War general.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Haskell County, Texas</span> County in Texas, United States

Haskell County is a county located in the U.S. state of Texas. As of the 2020 census, its population was 5,416. The county seat is Haskell. The county was created in 1858 and later organized in 1885. It is named for Charles Ready Haskell, who was killed in the Goliad massacre.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Franklin County, Texas</span> County in Texas, United States

Franklin County is a county located in the U.S. state of Texas. As of the 2020 census, its population was 10,359. The county seat is Mount Vernon.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Foard County, Texas</span> County in Texas, United States

Foard County is a county located in the U.S. state of Texas. As of the 2020 census, its population was 1,095. Its county seat is Crowell, which is also the county's only incorporated community. The county is named for Robert Levi Foard, an attorney who served as a major with the Confederate Army, in the American Civil War.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Baylor County, Texas</span> County in Texas, United States

Baylor County is a county located in the U.S. state of Texas. As of the 2020 census, its population was 3,465. Its county seat is Seymour.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Archer County, Texas</span> County in Texas, United States

Archer County is a county located in the U.S. state of Texas. As of the 2020 census, its population was 8,560. Its county seat is Archer City. It is part of the Wichita Falls metropolitan statistical area.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Boyle, Mississippi</span> Town in Mississippi, United States

Boyle is a town in Bolivar County, Mississippi, United States. The population was 650 at the 2010 census.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Frankston, Texas</span> Town in Texas, United States

Frankston is a town in Anderson County, Texas, United States. With a population of 1,126 at the 2020 United States census, it is one of the most populous communities of the county area.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Seymour, Texas</span> City in Texas, United States

Seymour is a city in and the county seat of Baylor County, Texas, United States. Its population was 2,575 as of the 2020 Census.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stephenville, Texas</span> City in Texas, US

Stephenville is a city and county seat of Erath County, Texas, United States. It is on the North Bosque River, which forms nearby. Founded in 1854, it is home to Tarleton State University. Stephenville is a small town located in Central Texas, as of the 2020 census, the city's population was 20,847, and it is the principal city in the Stephenville Micropolitan Statistical Area. Stephenville is among several communities that call themselves the "Cowboy Capital of the World".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rule, Texas</span> Town in Texas, United States

Rule is a town in Haskell County, Texas, United States. The population was 561 at the 2020 census, down from 636 at the 2010 census.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hillsboro, Texas</span> City in Texas, United States

Hillsboro is a city in and the county seat of Hill County, Texas, United States. It is located between Dallas, Fort Worth and Waco, directly on Interstate 35 in North Central Texas. Hillsboro draws trade from throughout the county, and from Interstate 35 travelers between Dallas, Fort Worth, and Waco.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vernon, Texas</span> City in Texas, United States

Vernon is a city and the county seat of Wilbarger County, Texas, United States. and as of the 2010 Census had a population of 11,002.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Troup, Texas</span> City in Texas, United States

Troup is a city in Smith and Cherokee Counties in the U.S. state of Texas. Its population was 2,006 at the 2020 census. Troup lies in two counties in East Texas.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Winnsboro, Texas</span> City in Texas, United States

Winnsboro is a city in Franklin and Wood counties in northeastern Texas, United States, north of Tyler. The population was 3,455 at the 2020 census. Settlement of Winnsboro began in the 1850s with a post office established between 1854 and 1855.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Peoria Township, Franklin County, Kansas</span> Township in Kansas, United States

Peoria Township is a township in Franklin County, Kansas, USA. As of the 2000 census, its population was 626. Peoria Township has two unincorporated towns: Peoria and Imes.

References

  1. City of Mount Vernon official website
  2. "2019 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved August 7, 2020.
  3. 1 2 U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Mount Vernon, Texas
  4. 1 2 "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau . Retrieved January 31, 2008.
  5. 1 2 "2020 ACS Race and Population Totals". data.census.gov. Retrieved May 13, 2022.
  6. Franklin County Historical Association
  7. "Geographic Identifiers: 2010 Demographic Profile Data (G001): Mount Vernon town, Texas". U.S. Census Bureau, American Factfinder. Retrieved September 2, 2016.[ dead link ]
  8. "NowData - NOAA Online Weather Data". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved August 21, 2021.
  9. "Station: MT Vernon, TX". U.S. Climate Normals 2020: U.S. Monthly Climate Normals (1991-2020). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved August 21, 2021.
  10. "Census of Population and Housing". Census.gov. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
  11. "Explore Census Data". data.census.gov. Retrieved May 20, 2022.
  12. https://www.census.gov/ [ not specific enough to verify ]
  13. "About the Hispanic Population and its Origin". www.census.gov. Retrieved May 18, 2022.
  14. "2020 ACS Financial Characteristics". data.census.gov. Retrieved May 13, 2022.
  15. City of Mount Vernon
  16. Texas Forest Trail Region & Franklin County Historical Association
  17. Kirkpatrick, Dave (May 24, 2019). "Mt Vernon ISD Hires Art Briles To Be Head FB Coach". EastTexasRadio.com. Retrieved May 26, 2019. Includes full text of school board press release
  18. Sallee, Barrett (May 25, 2019). "Embattled ex-Baylor coach Art Briles hired as football coach at Texas high school". CBS Sports .
  19. "Baylor officials knew of football player's 'predatorial behavior' and did nothing, court filings allege". Dallas News. August 9, 2018. Retrieved August 28, 2018.
  20. "Fired Baylor coach Briles lands Texas HS job". ESPN.com. May 24, 2019. Retrieved May 26, 2019.
  21. Aaro, David (May 25, 2019). "Former Baylor head coach Art Briles hired by Texas high school". Fox News. Retrieved May 26, 2019.
  22. Hoyt, Joseph (May 25, 2019). "From 'A Texas treasure' to a town that 'sold its soul': Art Briles' shocking hiring sent tiny Mount Vernon into national news". SportsDayHS. Retrieved May 26, 2019.
  1. Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos can be of any race. [12] [13]