Huntsville, Texas

Huntsville, Texas
City

"Welcome to Huntsville, Home of Sam Houston"
Motto: Keep Huntsville Beautiful

Location of Huntsville, Texas
Coordinates: 30°43′20″N 95°33′12″W / 30.72222°N 95.55333°W / 30.72222; -95.55333Coordinates: 30°43′20″N 95°33′12″W / 30.72222°N 95.55333°W / 30.72222; -95.55333
Country United StatesUnited States
State TexasTexas
County Walker
Government
 • Type Council-Manager
 • City Council Mayor Andy Brauninger
Ronald Allen
Keith D. Olson
Don H. Johnson
Tish Humphrey
Lydia Montgomery
Joe Emmett
Joe Rodriquez
 • City Manager Matt Benoit
Area
 • Land 35.86 sq mi (92.87 km2)
Elevation 371 ft (113 m)
Population (2010)[1]
 • Total 138,548
 • Density 1,075.1/sq mi (415.0/km2)
Time zone Central (CST) (UTC-6)
 • Summer (DST) CDT (UTC-5)
ZIP code 77320, 77340-77344, 77348-77349
Area code(s) 936
FIPS code 48-35528
GNIS feature ID 1382049[2]
Website huntsvilletx.gov

Huntsville is a city in and the county seat of Walker County, Texas, United States.[3] The population is 38,548 as of the 2010 census. It is the center of the Huntsville micropolitan area.

It is located approximately seventy miles north of Houston in the East Texas Piney Woods on Interstate 45, which runs between Houston and Dallas. Huntsville is home to Sam Houston State University, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Huntsville State Park, the HEARTS Veterans Museum of Texas, located on Texas Veterans Memorial Parkway at Interstate 45, and the Texas Prison Museum, also on Highway 75 near Interstate 45. Huntsville served as the residence of Sam Houston, who is recognized in Huntsville by the Sam Houston Memorial Museum and a statue on Interstate 45.

History

Downtown Huntsville in the 1870s.
Downtown Huntsville in the 1870s.

The city had its beginning about 1836, when Pleasant and Ephraim Gray opened a trading post on the site. Ephraim Gray became first postmaster in 1837, naming it after his former home town, Huntsville[4] in Madison County, Alabama. (Incidentally, "Madison County" is also the name of an adjacent Texas county.)

Huntsville became the home of Sam Houston, who served as President of the Republic of Texas, Governor of the State of Texas, Governor of Tennessee, U.S. Senator, and Tennessee congressman. General Houston led the Texas Army in the Battle of San Jacinto - the decisive victory of the Texas Revolution. Houston has been noted for his life among the Cherokees of Tennessee, and - near the end of his life - for his opposition to the American Civil War, a position which was a very unpopular in his day. Located in Huntsville are two of Houston's homes, his grave, and the Sam Houston Memorial Museum. Houston's life in Huntsville is also commemorated by his namesake Sam Houston State University, and by a 70 ft (21 m)[5] statue. (The towering statue, "Tribute to Courage" by artist David Adickes, has been described as the world's largest statue of an American hero, and is easily viewed by travelers on Interstate 45.)

Huntsville was also the home of Samuel Walker Houston (1864–1945),[6] a prominent African-American pioneer in the field of education. He was born into slavery on February 12, 1864 to Joshua Houston, a slave owned by Sam Houston. Samuel W. Houston founded the Galilee Community School in 1907, which later became known as the Houstonian Normal and Industrial Institute, in Walker County, Texas.

In 1995, on the grounds of the old Samuel W. Houston Elementary School, the Huntsville Independent School District, along with the Huntsville Arts Commission[7] and the high school's Ex-Students Association, commissioned the creation of The Dreamers, a monument to underscore the contributions made by the black community in the growth and development of Huntsville and Walker County.

Demographics

Historical population
Census Pop. %±
1850892—
18609395.3%
18701,60070.4%
18801,322−17.4%
18901,50914.1%
19002,48564.7%
19102,072−16.6%
19204,689126.3%
19305,0287.2%
19405,1081.6%
19509,82092.2%
196011,99922.2%
197017,61046.8%
198023,93635.9%
199027,92516.7%
200035,07825.6%
201038,5489.9%
Est. 201440,435[8]4.9%
U.S. Decennial Census
2011 estimate

As of the census of 2010, there were 35,078 people, 10,266 households, and 7,471 families residing in the city. The population density was 1438.3/km sq (10,135.1/mi sq). There were 11,508 housing units at an average density of 1143.8/km sq (1372.4/mi sq). The racial makeup of the city was 65.78% White, 26.14% African American, 0.33% Native American, 1.11% Asian, 0.07% Pacific Islander, 4.91% from Race (United States Census)other races, and 1.65% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 16.22% of the population.

There were 10,266 households out of which 25.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 37.0% were married couples living together, 12.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 46.7% were non-families. 30.8% of all households were made up of individuals and 7.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.31 and the average family size was 2.97.

In the city the population was spread out with 15.1% under the age of 18, 29.3% from 18 to 24, 30.8% from 25 to 44, 16.3% from 45 to 64, and 8.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 28 years. For every 100 females there were 152.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 163.8 males. The prison population is included in the city's population, which results in a significantly skewed sex ratio.

The median income for a household in the city was $27,075, and the median income for a family was $40,562. Males had a median income of $27,386 versus $22,908 for females. The per capita income for the city was $13,576. About 13.1% of families and 23.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 23.9% of those under age 18 and 14.7% of those age 65 or over.

Geography

Huntsville is located at 30°42′41″N 95°32′54″W / 30.71139°N 95.54833°W / 30.71139; -95.54833 (30.711254, -95.548373).[9]

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a land area of 35.86 square miles[10] in 2010.

At the area code level,[11] land area covers 559.661 sq. mi. and water area 7.786 sq. mi.

Huntsville is about 70 miles (110 km) north of Houston.[12]

Climate

The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Huntsville has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.[13]

Economy

The BOT Complex, the administrative headquarters of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Huntsville's largest employer as of 2005

As of 2005 the largest employer in Huntsville is the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, with 6,744 employees.[14] In 1996 the TDCJ had 5,219 employees in Huntsville. Robert Draper of the Texas Monthly described Huntsville as the "company town" of the TDCJ; he stated that the industry was "recession-proof" and that "It’s hard to find a person in Huntsville who doesn’t have at least an indirect affiliation with the prison system" since many businesses indirectly rely on the presence of the prison system.[15] As of 1996 the TDCJ employed over twice the number of people employed by the Sam Houston State University, the city's second-largest employer.[15]

As of 2005 Sam Houston State remained the second largest employer in Huntsville, with 2,458 employees.[14] The university has a strong role in the study of criminology.[15] The third largest employer is the Huntsville Independent School District, with 974 employees. The fourth largest employer, Huntsville Memorial Hospital, has 540 employees. 517 employees work for the fifth largest employer, Wal-Mart.[14]

As of 2007 Huntsville's average income is lower than the State of Texas' average income.[16]

As of 1996 many lawyers, accountants, and TDCJ white collar workers use bars and restaurants in Huntsville.[15]

Government and infrastructure

State representation

Texas Department of Criminal Justice

The Huntsville Unit, a Texas Department of Criminal Justice-operated prison in Huntsville, the home of the state's execution chamber

Huntsville has the headquarters of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ), the Texas agency that operates state correctional facilities for adults.[17][18] The state of Texas prison system had been headquartered in Huntsville since Texas's founding as a republic, and the TDCJ is the only major state agency not headquartered in Austin, the state capital.[19]

Several TDCJ prisons for men, including the Byrd Unit,[20] the Goree Unit,[21] the Huntsville Unit (home of the state's execution chamber),[22] and the Wynne Unit, are in the Huntsville city limits.[23] The Holliday Unit, a transfer unit, is in Huntsville.[24]

The TDCJ Central Region Warehouse and Huntsville Prison Store are located in the TDCJ headquarters complex.[25][26] The Food Service Warehouse is behind the Wynne Unit.[27] The TDCJ operates the Huntsville District Parole Office in Huntsville.[28]

As of 1996 the TDCJ director resided in a mansion across the street from the Huntsville Unit.[15]

Other state agencies

The Texas Forensic Science Commission is headquartered on the grounds of Sam Houston State University.[29]

Transportation

Greyhound Lines operates the Huntsville Station in Huntsville.[30] As of 2001 many former prisoners released from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice system use the station to travel to their final destinations.[17] The station is three blocks uphill from the Huntsville Unit, a point of release for prisoners exiting the TDCJ.[31]

Bruce Brothers Huntsville Regional Airport is in Huntsville.

Major highways

Culture

Captain Joe Byrd Cemetery, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice cemetery for deceased prisoners who are not reclaimed by their families

In September 2009, the Huntsville Cultural District was designated by the Texas Commission on the Arts as one of the first seven state cultural districts.

The Huntsville Cultural District encompasses a variety of facilities and attractions including: Museums and Art Galleries Artist Studios and Workshops Historic Homes and Sites Theaters and Performances Cultural Events and Festivals

The Cultural District is home to some of the finest historical architecture in Texas. Enhancing the downtown buildings are murals by world-renowned artist Richard Haas. You can also tour artistically unique homes built from recycled materials that were created by Dan Phillips of Phoenix Commotion. You can enjoy self-guided walking and driving tours, art activities, music-theater-dance performances, shopping, antiquing, and unique eateries.

Cultural offerings in Huntsville include: SHSU's College of Fine Arts and Mass Communication, The Wynne Home Arts Center, Old Town Theatre, Sam Houston Memorial Museum, General Sam Houston Folk Festival, and Huntsville Community Theatre.

Ruth Massingill and Ardyth Broadrick Sohn, authors of Prison City: Life with the Death Penalty in Huntsville, Texas, said that Huntsville shares several traits with other small towns. For instance many insiders include members of Huntsville's founding families who still reside in Huntsville. They also said "Disagreement is a well-established Huntsville Tradition."[32] The authors say that debate is a significant part of the leadership agenda, and that the residents of Huntsville disagree about capital punishment.[33]

Since Huntsville has a well-known reputation as a location of executions, Huntsville has a negative reputation in Europe.[34] Huntsville has often been referred to as the "Death Penalty capital of the world".[34]

Media

Newspapers

The Huntsville Item is the community's newspaper.

The Houstonian is the SHSU student newspaper.

Radio

KHVL 104.9 FM/1490 AM Music From The 60's, 70's and 80's

KSAM 101.7 FM New County Music

KSHU 90.5 FM College-Sam Houston State

Education

Primary and secondary schools

The City of Huntsville is served by the Huntsville Independent School District (HISD).

By 2007 a Huntsville community report stated that over 50% of the HISD students are "classified as economically disadvantaged"; this is a higher percentage than the overall state percentage. As of 2007 over 18% of the students do not graduate from high school.[16]

List of Schools (by education level)

Preschool/Pre-K

1. Gibbs Pre-K Center

Elementary School(s)

1. Estella Stewart Elementary School

2. Huntsville Elementary School

3. Samuel W. Houston Elementary School

4. Scott E Johnson Elementary School

Intermediate School(s)

1. Huntsville Intermediate School

Middle School(s)

1. Mance Park Middle School

High School(s)

1. Huntsville High School

Private School(s)

1. Alpha Omega Academy (PreK-12)

2. Tomorrow's Promise, The Montessori School of Huntsville (PreK-12)

3. Summit Christian Academy (PreK-12)

A very small portion of the city of Huntsville is within the New Waverly ISD.

Colleges and universities

The city has Sam Houston State University. It also served as the first location for Austin College.

Public libraries

The 7,000 square feet (650 m2) Huntsville Public Library opened on Sunday September 24, 1967 after the group "Friends for a Huntsville Public Library" had campaigned for the opening of a public library.[35]

Adult prisoner education

The Windham School District, which provides educational services to prisoners in the TDCJ, is headquartered in Building B in the Wynne Unit in Huntsville.[36][37]

Tourism

Huntsville has several tourist attractions. They include an art tour, a downtown walking tour, Sam Houston's grave, the Sam Houston Memorial Museum, the Sam Houston Woodland Home, and a folk and cowboy music festival held every April.[16]

Notable people

See also

Footnotes

  1. ↑ "2010 Census Redistricting Data (Public Law 94-171) Summary File". American FactFinder. United States Census Bureau. Retrieved 21 October 2012.
  2. ↑ "US Board on Geographic Names". United States Geological Survey. 2007-10-25. Retrieved 2008-01-31.
  3. ↑ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Retrieved 2011-06-07.
  4. ↑ Gannett, Henry (1905). The Origin of Certain Place Names in the United States. Govt. Print. Off. p. 164.
  5. ↑ Huntville Statue & Visitors Center, www.samhoustonstatue.org. Retrieved 2010-02-09.
  6. ↑ Handbook of Texas Online accessed 2007-04-29.
  7. ↑ Art Tour of Huntsville accessed 2007-04-29. Archived September 29, 2007 at the Wayback Machine
  8. ↑ "Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Incorporated Places: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 2014". Retrieved June 4, 2015.
  9. ↑ "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990". United States Census Bureau. 2011-02-12. Retrieved 2011-04-23.
  10. ↑ "Huntsville (city), Texas Quickfacts"
  11. ↑ "Huntsville, TX". zipareacode.net. Retrieved 3 June 2015.
  12. ↑ "Karla Faye Tucker's last hours?" CNN. February 3, 1998. Retrieved on September 29, 2010.
  13. ↑ "Huntsville, Texas Köppen Climate Classification (Weatherbase)". Weatherbase. Retrieved 3 June 2015.
  14. 1 2 3 Massingill and Sohn 22.
  15. 1 2 3 4 5 Draper, Robert. "The Great Texas Prison Mess" (Archive). Texas Monthly. May 1996. Retrieved on January 19, 2016.
  16. 1 2 3 Massingill and Sohn 26.
  17. 1 2 "Huntsville Prison Blues." National Public Radio. September 10, 2001. Retrieved on December 2, 2009.
  18. ↑ "LIVINGSTON NAMED EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF STATE’S CRIMINAL JUSTICE AGENCY." Texas Department of Criminal Justice. July 28, 2005. Retrieved on December 2, 2009.
  19. ↑ Ryckman, Lisa Levitt. "Article: A RECORD YEAR FOR EXECUTIONS IN TEXAS HUNTSVILLE RESIDENTS PREFER NOT TO DISCUSS THE DEATHS.(News/National/International)." Rocky Mountain News. August 31, 1997. Retrieved on August 25, 2010.
  20. ↑ "Byrd Unit." Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Retrieved on May 10, 2010.
  21. ↑ "Goree Unit." Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Retrieved on May 10, 2010.
  22. ↑ "Huntsville Unit." Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Retrieved on May 10, 2010.
  23. ↑ "Wynne Unit." Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Retrieved on May 10, 2010.
  24. ↑ "Holliday Unit." Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Retrieved on July 13, 2010.
  25. ↑ "Central Region Warehouse." Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Retrieved on May 22, 2010.
  26. ↑ "Huntsville Prison Store." Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Retrieved on May 22, 2010.
  27. ↑ "Food Service Warehouse." Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Retrieved on May 22, 2010.
  28. ↑ "Parole Division Region I." Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Retrieved on May 15, 2010.
  29. ↑ "Contact Us." Texas Forensic Science Commission. Retrieved on July 23, 2010.
  30. ↑ "Huntsville Station." Greyhound Lines. Retrieved on May 7, 2010.
  31. ↑ Nowell, Scott. "Doing Time." Houston Press. September 18, 2003. 1. (Print article version). Retrieved on September 23, 2010.
  32. ↑ Massingill and Sohn 15.
  33. ↑ Massingill and Sohn 16.
  34. 1 2 Massingill and Sohn 17.
  35. ↑ "About the Library." Huntsville Public Library. Retrieved on May 30, 2010.
  36. ↑ "Contact Information." Windham School District. Retrieved on January 1, 2010.
  37. ↑ "Travel Regulations for Employees" 7.28-4. Windham School District. September 1, 2005. Page 5 of 15. Retrieved on January 1, 2010.
  38. ↑ "Wrap-ups: Texas start for ousted Thai leader". Houston Chronicle. Retrieved 3 June 2015.

References

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Huntsville, Texas.

Cultural attractions

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