Cedar Creek, Texas

Coordinates: 30°5′11″N 97°30′5″W / 30.08639°N 97.50139°W / 30.08639; -97.50139
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Cedar Creek, Texas
Unincorporated area
The Cedar Creek Community Center
The Cedar Creek Community Center
CountryUnited States
StateTexas
CountyBastrop County
Population
 (2020)
 • Total3,154
ZIP code78612

Cedar Creek is an unincorporated community in Bastrop County, Texas, United States. It is located about 11 miles (18 km) west of the city of Bastrop. The community takes its name from Cedar Creek, a tributary of the Colorado River that is close to the area. Cedar Creek is home to McKinney Roughs Nature Park, which features natural landscapes and an archaeological site.

History[edit]

Cedar Creek, Texas, traces its settlement back to 1832,[1] when Addison Litton, a Missouri native, was awarded a league of black prairie on both sides of the creek. With his wife Mary Owen Litton, an Alabama native, the Litton family established their residence. They were soon joined by other early settlers, including Jesse Billingsley and John Day Morgan, who played a key role in establishing the town's first cabin.[2][3] In January 1842, a Methodist preacher held a large ceremony at the Litton's house, marking the establishment of the church as an important element within the community. A decade later, in 1852, postmaster Elisha Billingsley inaugurated the first local post office. By 1855, the Presbyterian church was organized in the area.[2]

Cedar Creek witnessed an African American population surge post the American Civil War, with their influence expanding through the 1870s and 1880s during the Reconstruction era.[2][4] In May 1888, Orange Weeks (Wicks) and Ike Wilson, both African American men, were elected as peace of justice and constable for the Cedar Creek precinct. Subsequently, racial tensions heightened in June 1889 during a court case involving an assault and battery charge against Andy (Andie) Litton, a young white man. The court date escalated into a violent confrontation between armed white and black groups, resulting in four casualties—two white men and two black men.[4] Wicks and Wilson were arrested and charged with murder, while numerous African Americans faced arrests for lynching.[5] In the subsequent years, a considerable number of African Americans were either killed or forced into exile from Cedar Creek.[4]

By 1884, Cedar Creek had a population of 600 residents and served as a significant shipping point for cotton and produce. The Central Texas Normal Academy, the local school, concluded its inaugural school year that same year with an enrollment of 101 students.[6] However, by 1896, the population decreased to 250. The introduction of oil drilling activities in 1913 marked a new era for Cedar Creek. In 1928, an oil pool was discovered at the Yost farm, approximately 4 mi (6.4 km) from Cedar Creek. Although not a major pool, the Yost oilfield produced commercial quantities in the mid-1940s. The population reached 300 during the 1940s but gradually declined over subsequent years. In 1984, Cedar Creek had 145 residents and six businesses, and this figure remained unchanged in 1990. In 2000, the population saw a slight increase to 200.[2]

Education[edit]

Cedar Creek schools are within the Bastrop Independent School District (BISD), which serves other communities throughout Bastrop County.[7] Students in the Cedar Creek area attend Cedar Creek Elementary School,[8] Cedar Creek Intermediate School, Cedar Creek Middle School, and Cedar Creek High School.[9]

Geography and landmarks[edit]

Cedar Creek, Texas, is an unincorporated community in Bastrop County, Texas, United States. It is located 11 mi (18 km) west of Bastrop, the county seat.[10] It is at the intersection of Texas State Highway 21 (SH 21) and Farm to Market Road 535 (FM 535), south of the Texas State Highway 71 (SH 71) that connects Bastrop with Austin, the state capital.[11][12] According to the United States Census Bureau, Cedar Creek had a population of 3,154 in the 2020 census.[13]

Cedar Creek and Bastrop County are situated within the Piney Woods ecosystem.[10] The county boasts three public parks, with Cedar Creek Park being the inaugural public park in Bastrop County.[14][15] Acquired from the BISD by county officials in 2008,[14] Cedar Creek Park underwent development and improvements, funded by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA).[16] Encompassing 37 acres (15 ha),[17] this park offers amenities such as football, soccer, and baseball fields, basketball and sand volleyball courts, a playscape, nature trails, historic sites, picnic tables, and a butterfly garden.[18][19]

In addition, Cedar Creek is home to McKinney Roughs Nature Park, a 1,100 acres (450 ha) nature park and archaeological site with a 17.6 mi (28.3 km) trail system.[20][21] Adjacent to the park is the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa, a 405 acres (164 ha) luxurious resort that shares the Colorado River with McKinney Roughs.[22] Along east SH 71 stands Ms. Pearl,[23] recognized as the world's largest squirrel statue, positioned outside a family-owned pecan and gift shop.[24][25]

Climate[edit]

Climate is characterized by relatively high temperatures and evenly distributed precipitation throughout the year. The Köppen Climate Classification subtype for this climate is "Cfa" (Humid Subtropical Climate).[26]

Climate data for Cedar Creek
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 17
(63) 		18
(64) 		23
(73) 		26
(79) 		31
(87) 		34
(93) 		34
(94) 		36
(97) 		32
(90) 		28
(82) 		23
(73) 		18
(64) 		27
(80)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) 3
(38) 		4
(40) 		9
(48) 		13
(56) 		18
(65) 		22
(71) 		23
(73) 		23
(73) 		19
(67) 		13
(55) 		8
(47) 		3
(38) 		13
(56)
Average precipitation mm (inches) 64
(2.5) 		64
(2.5) 		76
(3) 		58
(2.3) 		110
(4.5) 		91
(3.6) 		58
(2.3) 		51
(2) 		76
(3) 		99
(3.9) 		84
(3.3) 		66
(2.6) 		900
(35.5)
Source: Weatherbase[27]

Demographics[edit]

Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
20203,154—
U.S. Decennial Census[28]
2020[29]

For statistical purposes, the United States Census Bureau first listed Cedar Creek as a census-designated place (CDP) prior to the 2020 census.[29]

2020 census[edit]

Cedar Creek, Texas - Demographic Profile
(NH = Non-Hispanic)
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 may be of any race.
Race / Ethnicity Pop 2020 % 2020
White alone (NH) 893 28.31%
Black or African American alone (NH) 136 4.31%
Native American or Alaska Native alone (NH) 14 0.44%
Asian alone (NH) 16 0.51%
Pacific Islander alone (NH) 0 0.00%
Other race alone (NH) 16 0.51%
Mixed race or Multiracial (NH) 89 2.82%
Hispanic or Latino (any race) 1,990 63.09%
Total 3,154 100.00%

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ James, Vicki Lyn (September 26, 2013). "All About Cedar Creek: Cedar Creek a special community with history". Austin American-Statesman. Archived from the original on December 31, 2023.
  2. ^ a b c d Marks, Paula Mitchell (1952). "Cedar Creek, TX (Bastrop County)". Texas State Historical Association. Archived from the original on July 25, 2023. Retrieved December 31, 2023.
  3. ^ Moore 1977, p. 213.
  4. ^ a b c Zelade 2011, p. 135-137.
  5. ^ Kuehler Walters, Katherine (September 12, 2023). "Chase, Frederick K. (ca. 1862–1893)". Texas State Historical Association. Archived from the original on January 1, 2024.
  6. ^ "Historic Communities". Bastrop County Historical Society. Archived from the original on November 12, 2023. Retrieved December 31, 2023.
  7. ^ "District Boundary/Attendance Map". Bastrop Independent School District. Archived from the original on January 23, 2017. Retrieved January 1, 2024.
  8. ^ "Cedar Creek Elementary School Attendance Boundary" (PDF). Bastrop Independent School District. Archived (PDF) from the original on February 2, 2017.
  9. ^ "Bastrop ISD Attendance Boundaries" (PDF). Bastrop Independent School District. Archived (PDF) from the original on April 18, 2023.
  10. ^ a b Finch, Permenter & Bigley 2022, p. 64-70.
  11. ^ Texas Secretary of State 2000, p. 9723.
  12. ^ "Environmental Assessment: SH 71 at FM 1209; From CR 206 to SH 21 (CSJ: 0265-03-041)" (PDF). Texas Department of Transportation Austin District. March 2019. p. 4. Retrieved December 31, 2023.
  13. ^ "Cedar Creek CDP, Texas". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on January 1, 2024. Retrieved January 1, 2024.
  14. ^ a b Acosa, Sarah (April 3, 2013). "46-acre Cedar Creek Park is Bastrop's first county park". Austin American-Statesman. Archived from the original on December 31, 2023.
  15. ^ "Our Parks". Bastrop County. 2016. Archived from the original on June 8, 2023.
  16. ^ "Bastrop County Parks 101" (PDF). Bastrop County. Archived (PDF) from the original on December 31, 2023. Retrieved December 31, 2023.
  17. ^ "Opportunity Bastrop County" (PDF). Bastrop County. Lower Colorado River Authority. p. 5. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 16, 2020.
  18. ^ "Parque Cedar Creek" (PDF) (in Spanish). Bastrop County. 2020. Archived (PDF) from the original on October 21, 2020. Retrieved December 31, 2023.
  19. ^ "Park Features Include". Cedar Creek Park Association. Archived from the original on March 26, 2012.
  20. ^ "McKinney Roughs Nature Park". Lower Colorado River Authority. Archived from the original on October 28, 2023. Retrieved December 26, 2023.
  21. ^ "From Hunter-Gatherers to Pioneers, The Colorful History of McKinney Roughs". Lower Colorado River Authority. 2002. Archived from the original on August 3, 2002.
  22. ^ Sevilla, Andy (June 14, 2018). "Hyatt Regency in Bastrop County named 'best family-friendly hotel'". Austin American-Statesman. Archived from the original on December 26, 2023.
  23. ^ O'Connell, Chris (August 18, 2023). "Take a Texas road trip to world's only pecan pie vending machine". MySA. Archived from the original on August 24, 2023.
  24. ^ Finan, Kristin (September 23, 2018). "Want to visit the World's Tallest Squirrel Statue? It's located just outside of Austin". Austin American-Statesman. Archived from the original on July 6, 2022. Retrieved January 1, 2024.
  25. ^ "Fun Facts: Get To Know MS. Pearl, the Giant Squirrel". Berdoll Pecan Candy and Gift Company. Archived from the original on September 19, 2023.
  26. ^ "Cedar Creek, Texas (Weather Summary)". Weatherbase. Archived from the original on July 25, 2023. Retrieved December 31, 2023.
  27. ^ "Cedar Creek, Texas (Weather Averages Summary)". Weatherbase. Archived from the original on July 25, 2023. Retrieved January 1, 2024.
  28. ^ "Decennial Census of Population and Housing by Decade". United States Census Bureau.
  29. ^ a b "P2: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) - Cedar Creek CDP, Texas". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 26, 2024.

Bibliography[edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Cedar Creek, Texas.

30°5′11″N 97°30′5″W / 30.08639°N 97.50139°W / 30.08639; -97.50139

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