Coldspring, Texas

History

The history of Coldspring is linked to Stephen F. Austin's first colony in Texas which established, among other areas, San Jacinto County. Austin's original colony extended to the Trinity River watershed, roughly along Texas 156, toward Point Blank. After receiving a commission from the Mexican government to settle the area, Joseph Vehlein, a German immigrant to Mexico, deeded 640 acres (2.6 km²) to Robert Rankin, an American Revolutionary officer. This acreage included the site of Coldspring.

The settlement of Cold Springs (old spelling) began around 1850. In 1848, there existed only a trading post called "Coonskin", later "Fireman's Hill" nearby.

Coldspring had developed into a bustling county seat town by 1915, but disaster struck March 30, 1915 when the wooden courthouse burned, thus removing the economic foundation of the town. Plans for the present courthouse were made, and the building was completed in 1918. Thereafter, the townspeople moved their buildings near the new courthouse at its present location.

Geography

Coldspring is located at 30°35′17″N 95°8′0″W (30.588194, -95.133262). Houston, the 7th largest metropolitan center in the United States, is approximately 55 miles (89 km) to Coldspring's south.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 1.8 square miles (4.7 km²), all of it land.

Demographics

As of the census of 2000, there were 691 people, 263 households, and 180 families residing in the city. The population density was 375.2 people per square mile (145.0/km²). There were 313 housing units at an average density of 169.9 per square mile (65.7/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 66.28% White, 31.40% African American, 0.43% Native American, 0.58% Asian, and 1.30% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.18% of the population.

There were 263 households out of which 34.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.1% were married couples living together, 20.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.2% were non-families. 28.1% of all households were made up of individuals and 12.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.44 and the average family size was 2.91.

In the city, the population was spread out with 27.8% under the age of 18, 10.6% from 18 to 24, 26.8% from 25 to 44, 20.1% from 45 to 64, and 14.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females there were 95.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.9 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $27,083, and the median income for a family was $30,729. Males had a median income of $31,667 versus $23,750 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,777. About 19.7% of families and 19.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 18.9% of those under age 18 and 13.6% of those age 65 or over.

Culture

There are approximately twenty-five (25) golf courses within a 50-mile (80 km) radius of Coldspring. Nearby, the Sam Houston National Forest, Lake Livingston, and Double Lake recreational area offer opportunities for camping, hiking, fishing, and water skiing.

There are more than three dozen historical markers throughout the town. Also of historical significance is the Historic Heritage Center, Old Town Coldspring, the 1887 Jail Museum, and the oldest continuously active United Methodist Church in Texas which was established in 1848.

The town's square hosts antique stores, art studios, and restaurants.

Education

The City of Coldspring is served by the Coldspring-Oakhurst Consolidated Independent School District.