Macdona, Texas

Coordinates: 29°19′14″N 98°41′50″W / 29.3204655°N 98.6972714°W / 29.3204655; -98.6972714
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Macdona, Texas
Coordinates: 29°19′14″N 98°41′50″W / 29.3204655°N 98.6972714°W / 29.3204655; -98.6972714
CountryUnited States
StateTexas
CountyBexar
Elevation630 ft (190 m)
GNIS feature ID2586958[1]

Macdona is an unincorporated community and census-designated place in Bexar County, Texas, United States.[1] As of the 2010 census, it had a population of 559.[2] Macdona lies along the Union Pacific rail line near Loop 1604 in southwest Bexar County. It is part of the San Antonio Metropolitan Statistical Area.

History[edit]

Macdona was named for George Macdona, an Englishman, who owned the townsite.[3] The first recorded sale of town lots was dated July 7, 1886.[3] The Macdona post office (78054) opened in 1886. On September 1, 1909, the Artesian Belt opened a 42-mile (68 km) line between Macdona and Christine.[4] In 2000, Macdona was reported to have 297 persons. The town is part of the 210 and 726 area code districts.

Climate[edit]

The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Macdona has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.[5]

2004 train derailment and chlorine gas poisoning[edit]

On June 28, 2004, a crash between BNSF and Union Pacific Railroad trains in Macdona resulted in the release of 9,400 US gallons (36,000 L; 7,800 imp gal) of liquid chlorine, which immediately vaporized into a cloud of chlorine gas that spread over a radius of at least 700 feet (210 m). Three people, the UP train conductor and two residents, died and at least 40 others were injured.[6]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Macdona, Texas
  2. ^ "Geographic Identifiers: 2010 Demographic Profile Data (G001): Macdona CDP, Texas". U.S. Census Bureau, American Factfinder. Archived from the original on February 12, 2020. Retrieved April 15, 2014.
  3. ^ a b Handbook of Texas Online - MACDONA, TX
  4. ^ Handbook of Texas Online – ARTESIAN BELT RAILROAD
  5. ^ Climate Summary for Macdona, Texas
  6. ^ Collision of Union Pacific Railroad train MHOTU-23 with BNSF Railway Company train MEAP-TUL-126-D with subsequent derailment and hazardous materials release, Macdona, Texas, June 28, 2004 (PDF). United States National Transportation Safety Board. 2006. OCLC 75276300.