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Eagle Lake, Texas

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Eagle Lake, Texas
City
Location of Eagle Lake, Texas
Location of Eagle Lake, Texas
CountryUnited States
StateTexas
CountyColorado
Area
 • Total
2.7 sq mi (7.1 km2)
 • Land2.7 sq mi (7.1 km2)
 • Water0.0 sq mi (0.0 km2)
Elevation
174 ft (53 m)
Population
 (2000)
 • Total
3,664
 • Density1,344.6/sq mi (519.2/km2)
Time zoneUTC-6 (Central (CST))
 • Summer (DST)UTC-5 (CDT)
ZIP code
77434
Area code979
FIPS code48-21844Template:GR
GNIS feature ID1334847Template:GR

Eagle Lake is a city in southeastern Colorado County, Texas, United States. The population was 3,758 at the 2010 census. It is home to a golf course, the largest private lake in Texas, and the Eagle Lake Regional Airport, which services light aircraft.

The lake, along with adjacent rice fields, attracts a large variety of migratory birds. The city is known as the "Goose Hunting Capital of the World" and also borders a wildlife preserve.

History

The first newspaper in Eagle Lake was established by Joseph J. Mansfield in the 1880s.[1]

  • Lakeside Cemetery on FM 102 in Eagle Lake
    Lakeside Cemetery on FM 102 in Eagle Lake
  • Historical marker gives a brief history of Eagle Lake
    Historical marker gives a brief history of Eagle Lake
  • Old buildings on the corner of McCarty Ave and Main St
    Old buildings on the corner of McCarty Ave and Main St

Geography

Eagle Lake is located at 29°35′16″N 96°19′48″W / 29.587790°N 96.330128°W / 29.587790; -96.330128.Template:GR

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 2.7 square miles (7.0 km2), all of it land.

It is about 60 miles (97 km) west of Houston.[2]

  • The lake in Eagle Lake from the north side
    The lake in Eagle Lake from the north side
  • Site of a sugar cane factory on FM 102
    Site of a sugar cane factory on FM 102
  • Municipal building on FM 102 in downtown area
    Municipal building on FM 102 in downtown area

Demographics

As of the censusTemplate:GR of 2000, there were 3,664 people, 1,296 households, and 935 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,344.6 people per square mile (520.1/km2). There were 1,500 housing units at an average density of 550.5/sq mi (212.9/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 52.78% White, 23.39% African American, 0.66% Native American, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 20.47% from other races, and 2.67% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 44.21% of the population.

There were 1,296 households out of which 36.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.0% were married couples living together, 16.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.8% were non-families. 23.8% of all households were made up of individuals and 11.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.78 and the average family size was 3.31.

In the city the population was spread out with 29.9% under the age of 18, 9.2% from 18 to 24, 25.0% from 25 to 44, 22.0% from 45 to 64, and 13.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females there were 95.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.9 males.

Economy

Historically, Eagle Lake has been an agricultural community, with rice being the main crop. Other key products include cotton, grain, and cattle, along with sand and gravel from mines in the surrounding area. The city aims to diversify its economy by bringing in manufacturing companies.

In the 2000 census, the median income for a household in the city was $27,101, and the median income for a family was $29,201. Males had a median income of $26,025 versus $20,299 for females. The per capita income for the city was $12,426. About 15.0% of families and 19.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 24.0% of those under age 18 and 17.8% of those age 65 or over.

  • City limit sign with Eagle Lake Rice Dryer in the background
    City limit sign with Eagle Lake Rice Dryer in the background
  • Historical marker explains Eagle Lake's rice farming
    Historical marker explains Eagle Lake's rice farming
  • Colorado County Rice Mill on US 90A and Union Pacific Railroad
    Colorado County Rice Mill on US 90A and Union Pacific Railroad

Education

The City of Eagle Lake is served by the Rice Consolidated Independent School District.

The Eula and David Wintermann Library is the public library in the city, opened on February 9, 1975. Mr. and Mrs. David R. Wintermann had originally proposed to erect and furnish the new library building in 1973. Architect for the project was Arthur J. Willrodt of Columbus, Texas.[3] It replaced the existing library, which was housed in a small portion of the Community Center.

Media

The City of Eagle Lake is served by a weekly newspaper, the Eagle Lake Headlight.

See also

References

  1. ^ MANSFIELD, Joseph Jefferson - Biographical Information
  2. ^ "Zoo-raised Attwater prairie chickens go to refuge." Houston Chronicle at the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Thursday September 6, 2012. Retrieved on September 10, 2012.
  3. ^ Library website
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