Freeport, Texas
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Freeport is a city located in Brazoria County, Texas and is situated in East Texas. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 12,708. Freeport is about sixteen miles away from Angleton, Texas.
Dow Chemical is the major employer in Freeport, as the company operates a large chemical plant complex in Freeport.
Freeport is in the 14th U.S. Congressional District (http://nationalatlas.gov/printable/images/preview/congdist/tx14_109.gif) and is represented by Congressman Ron Paul.
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| Founded | 1912 | |
| County | Brazoria County | |
| Area - Total - Water | 34.4 km² (13.3 mi²) 3.6 km² (1.4 mi²) 10.54% | |
| Population (2000) | 12,708 | |
| Time zone | Central: UTC-6 | |
| Jim Phillips | ||
| Official Website (http://www.freeport.tx.us) | ||
| Contents |
History
Freeport was officially founded in November of 1912 by the Freeport Sulphur Company. The population was 300, however by 1929 that population grew to 3,500 and to 4,100 in 1939. Such a population growth also influenced a steady increase of economic expansion in Freeport.
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By 1937, a Freeport School District had been established which consisted of several segregated schools and twenty seven teachers. There were two white schools, one black school, and a high school.
Freeport's most substantial economic growth began with the construction of Dow Chemical facilities in the city during 1939. The company still provides the majority of economic resources for the community.
In July of 1957, Freeport merged with Velasco, Texas, the first capital of the short-lived Republic of Texas during the 19th century. Soon thereafter, Freeport's population numbered 11,619.
Freeport Main Street Program
A visit from former First Lady of Texas and current First Lady of the United States Laura Bush in the year 2000 started an initiative in Freeport called "The Main Street Program". The program is an attempt to revitalize the economy and entrepreneurial spirit throughout the city, specifically the downtown area.
The Freeport Main Street Program is a subprogram of The National Trust for Historic Preservation and in turn the Texas Historical Commission and is supervised by an advisory board.
Geography
TXMap-doton-Freeport.PNG
Location of Freeport, Texas
Freeport is located at 28°57'34" North, 95°21'25" West (28.959527, -95.356941)Template:GR.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 34.4 km² (13.3 mi²). 30.8 km² (11.9 mi²) of it is land and 3.6 km² (1.4 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 10.54% water.
Freeport is very near the Gulf of Mexico and is just a few miles away from both Surfside Beach and Quintana Beach. This continues to be Freeport's sole tourist attraction. About 50 miles Northwest of Freeport lies Houston, Texas.
Demographics
As of the censusTemplate:GR of 2000, there are 12,708 people, 4,163 households, and 3,097 families residing in the city. The population density is 413.0/km² (1,069.6/mi²). There are 4,841 housing units at an average density of 157.3/km² (407.5/mi²). The racial makeup of the city is 61.55% White, 13.38% African American, 0.56% Native American, 0.35% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 20.91% from other races, and 3.24% from two or more races. 52.05% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There are 4,163 households out of which 45.9% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.6% are married couples living together, 16.8% have a female householder with no husband present, and 25.6% are non-families. 21.6% of all households are made up of individuals and 7.9% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 3.05 and the average family size is 3.59.
In the city the population is spread out with 35.7% under the age of 18, 10.9% from 18 to 24, 28.4% from 25 to 44, 16.9% from 45 to 64, and 8.1% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 27 years. For every 100 females there are 100.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 97.2 males.
The median income for a household in the city is $30,245, and the median income for a family is $32,421. Males have a median income of $30,714 versus $17,028 for females. The per capita income for the city is $12,426. 22.9% of the population and 22.3% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 28.1% of those under the age of 18 and 7.2% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.
Education
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Schools in Freeport include Brazosport High School (Grades 9-12), Freeport Intermediate School (Grades 7-8), Lanier Middle School (Grades 5-6), O.A. Fleming Elementary School, Jane Long Elementary School, and Velasco Elementary School (Grades Pre-K-4). They are all maintained through the Brazosport Independent School District.
Since the late 1990's, several schools have been rebuilt or are currently being rebuilt due to old age. Such schools include Freeport Intermediate School, O.A. Fleming Elementary School, Velasco Elementary School, and Brazosport High School.
External links
- Freeport's Official Homepage (http://www.freeport.tx.us)
- Brazosport ISD's Official Homepage (http://www.brazosportisd.net/)
- Handbook of Texas: Freeport (http://www.tsha.utexas.edu/handbook/online/articles/FF/hef3.html)