Mexia, Texas

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Mexia (pronounced "muh-hay-uh" (IPA mə heə )or "muh-hair" or a blend of both) is a city in Limestone County, Texas, United States. The population was 6,563 at the 2000 census.

The city motto, based on a local joke involving widespread mispronunciation of the city's name (see below; the most common mispronunciation is "mex-ee-uh", similar to Mexico), is "A great place, no matter how you pronounce it".

Named after General José_Antonio_Mexía, a Hispanic hero for the Republic of Texas Army during the Texas Revolution, the town was founded near his estate. Nearby attractions include Fort Parker Historical recreation, the Confederate Reunion grounds, and Mexia State School, which began as a prisoner of war camp for members of Field Marshal Erwin Rommel's Afrika Corps during World War II.

Mexia hosts a large Juneteenth celebration every year.

1 Geography
2 Demographics
3 History
4 Education
5 Popular Joke regarding Pronunciation
6 External links

[edit] Geography

Mexia is located at 31°40′54″N, 96°28′52″W (31.681734, -96.481167)^GR1.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 13.3 km² (5.2 mi²), none of which is covered with water.

[edit] Demographics

As of the census^GR2 of 2000, there were 6,563 people, 2,427 households, and 1,660 families residing in the city. The population density was 492.0/km² (1,273.9/mi²). There were 2,750 housing units at an average density of 206.2/km² (533.8/mi²). The racial makeup of the city was 55.90% White, 31.68% African American, 0.23% Native American, 0.20% Asian, 10.67% from other races, and 1.33% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 17.90% of the population.

There were 2,427 households out of which 36.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.7% were married couples living together, 19.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.6% were non-families. 28.1% of all households were made up of individuals and 15.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.63 and the average family size was 3.21.

In the city the population was spread out with 30.1% under the age of 18, 10.0% from 18 to 24, 25.0% from 25 to 44, 18.5% from 45 to 64, and 16.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females there were 84.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 77.5 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $22,785, and the median income for a family was $29,375. Males had a median income of $26,479 versus $18,138 for females. The per capita income for the city was $12,235. About 20.8% of families and 22.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 28.5% of those under age 18 and 15.2% of those age 65 or over.

[edit] History

Mexia made national news in 1981 when three young black men drowned in Lake Mexia after being taken into custody by law enforcement officers who believed the men had smoke marijuana during the annual Juneteenth celebration. Carl Baker, 19; Anthony Freeman, 18; and Steven Booker, 19, drowned after a boat used to transport them across the lake, which was also occupied by three officers, capsized less than 100 feet from shore. Initial reports were that the three men had been handcuffed but those reports were unfounded.

More recently the town is know for one of its most famous celebrities, Anna Nicole Smith. It was at Jim's Krispy Fried Chichen in 1985 that Smith met Billy Smith. The couple married and Anna gave birth to a son, the late Daniel Wayne Smith. The couple divorced in 1987.

[edit] Education

Mexia is zoned to schools in the Mexia Independent School District [1].

Schools include:

A.B. McBay Elementary School
R.Q. Sims Intermediate School
Mexia Junior High School
Mexia High School

In Mexia football is very important. Especially when it comes to playing the Groesbeck Goats. The Mexia Blackcats have beat the Groesbeck Goats in football for 8 years straight! The town is very proud of the football team for their accomplishments! Go Blackcats!!!

[edit] Popular Joke regarding Pronunciation

A popular local joke recalls two individuals (commonly Aggies) passing through town, arguing over the correct pronunciation of the city (one arguing for "muh-hay-uh" – the proper pronunciation; the other insisting on "mex-ee-uh" – the incorrect one). They stop in at a local eating establishment to settle the matter, asking, "how do you pronounce the name of this place?" The proprietor (waitress is also used in some versions) responds, "Deh-ree Kween."