Fowlerton, Texas

Fowlerton is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in La Salle County, Texas, United States. Its population was 55 at the 2010 census.[2] As of 2014, the town consisted of several streets (actually, narrow dirt roads) criss-crossing at 90° angles and running several blocks each, but with only a handful of houses scattered among the entire network of roadways, with a number of these collapsed and uninhabitable. In their midst is a Baptist church. Across the highway stands a sturdy, two-story post office building (apparently with upstairs living quarters), also a roadside café and a small farming-ranching supply business in more modest one-story quarters, comprising the entire nonresidential district.

Fowlerton, Texas
Census-designated place
Location of Fowlerton, Texas
Coordinates: 28°27′53″N 98°48′42″W
Country	United States
State	Texas
County	La Salle
Area [1]
• Total	2.18 sq mi (5.64 km^2)
• Land	2.17 sq mi (5.62 km^2)
• Water	0.004 sq mi (0.01 km^2)
Elevation	322 ft (98 m)
Population  (2010)[2]
• Total	55
• Density	25/sq mi (9.8/km^2)
Time zone	UTC−6 (Central (CST))
• Summer (DST)	UTC−5 (CDT)
ZIP Code	78021
Area code(s)	830
FIPS code	48-27144[3]
GNIS feature ID	1336131[4]

History

Fowlerton is named for two brothers who settled the community about 1910. By 1914, Fowlerton peaked in population at around 1,000, and had telephone service. Farmers faced droughts and low prices. The Fowler brothers had described themselves as "colonizers" and widely advertised the town. They soon faced lawsuits from disgruntled settlers. By 1925, the population had declined to about 600, and never recovered. The San Antonio, Uvalde and Gulf Railroad, now part of Union Pacific, brought only temporary prosperity to Fowlerton.[5]

Geography

Fowlerton is located in northeastern La Salle County at 28°27′53″N 98°48′42″W (28.464840, -98.811642).[6] It is bordered to the east by McMullen County. Texas State Highway 97 passes through the community, leading north 29 miles (47 km) to Charlotte and west 27 miles (43 km) to Cotulla. Texas State Highway 72 leaves Highway 97 2 miles (3 km) north of Fowlerton and leads east 39 miles (63 km) to Three Rivers. San Antonio is 75 miles (121 km) north of Fowlerton, Corpus Christi is 114 miles (183 km) to the southeast, and Laredo is 100 miles (160 km) to the southwest.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the Fowlerton CDP has a total area of 2.2 square miles (5.6 km²), of which 0.004 square miles (0.01 km²), or 0.22%, are water. The Frio River runs along the northern edge of the community, leading east to the Nueces River at Three Rivers.

Demographics

As of the census[3] of 2000, 62 people and 18 families, and 28 households were residing in the Fowlerton CDP. The population density was 28.5 people per mi² (11.0/km²). The 45 housing units averaged 20.7/mi² (8.0/km²). The racial makeup of the CDP was 95.16% White and 4.84% from other races. Hispanics or Latinos of any race were 24.19% of the population.

Of the 28 households, 25.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.7% were married couples living together, 3.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.7% were not families. About 35.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.21, and the average family size was 2.89.

In the CDP, the age distribution was 25.8% under 18, 1.6% from 18 to 24, 22.6% from 25 to 44, 33.9% from 45 to 64, and 16.1% who were 65 or older. The median age was 46 years. For every 100 females, there were 87.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 76.9 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $19,107, and for a family was $23,750. Males had a median income of $0 versus $40,417 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $16,497. No families and 8.5% of the population were living below the poverty line, including no one under 18 or over 64.

Education

Fowlerton is served by the Cotulla Independent School District, but most pupils transfer to McMullen County High School in Tilden.

Climate

The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. According to the Köppen climate classification, Fowlerton has a humid subtropical climate, Cfa on climate maps.[7]

References

1. "2019 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 7, 2021.
2. "Total Population: 2010 Census DEC Summary File 1 (P1), Fowlerton CDP, Texas". data.census.gov. U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved January 7, 2021.
3. "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved 2008-01-31.
4. "US Board on Geographic Names". United States Geological Survey. 2007-10-25. Retrieved 2008-01-31.
5. "Hugh Hemphill, "San Antonio Uvalde and Gulf Railroad"". txtransportationmuseum.org. Retrieved April 27, 2013.
6. "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990". United States Census Bureau. 2011-02-12. Retrieved 2011-04-23.
7. Climate Summary for Fowlerton, Texas