What is Hamilton County and where is it located?

Hamilton County is a county situated on the Edwards Plateau within the U.S. state of Texas.

When was Hamilton County established?

Hamilton County was established in the year 1858 by the Sixth Texas Legislature.

Who is Hamilton County named after, and for what reason?

Hamilton County is named after James Hamilton Jr., who was a former governor of South Carolina and provided financial assistance to the Republic of Texas.

What is the county seat of Hamilton County?

The county seat of Hamilton County is the city of Hamilton.

What is the largest city in Hamilton County?

The largest city in Hamilton County is Hamilton, which also serves as the county seat.

What are the geographical coordinates for Hamilton County, Texas?

The geographical coordinates for Hamilton County, Texas are 31.7 degrees North latitude and 98.11 degrees West longitude.

What is the total area of Hamilton County, Texas?

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Hamilton County has a total area of 836 square miles (2,170 square kilometers).

What percentage of Hamilton County's total area is covered by water?

A very small portion of Hamilton County's total area, specifically 0.5 square miles (1.3 square kilometers), is covered by water, representing 0.06% of the total area.

What time zone does Hamilton County observe?

Hamilton County observes the Central Time Zone, which is UTC-6, and observes Central Daylight Time (CDT), UTC-5, during daylight saving time.

Which U.S. Congressional district includes Hamilton County, Texas?

Hamilton County is located within the 31st Congressional District of Texas.

What is the official website for Hamilton County?

The official website for Hamilton County is www.co.hamilton.tx.us.

Which indigenous peoples and Native American tribes historically inhabited the Hamilton County area?

The area now known as Hamilton County was first inhabited by indigenous peoples, and later by Native American tribes including the Tawakoni, Tonkawa, Waco, and Comanche.

Who were the first permanent White settlers in Hamilton County, and when did they arrive?

Robert Carter and his family were the first permanent White settlers in Hamilton County, arriving in 1854.

Which settlers established a community that eventually became the town of Hamilton?

Settlers James Rice, Henry Standefer, Frederic Bookerman, William Beauchamp, and Asa Langford formed a community in 1855 that later developed into the town of Hamilton.

Who is credited with founding the settlement that grew into Evant, Texas?

Asa Langford began Langford's Cove, which eventually developed into the present-day town of Evant.

From which existing Texas counties was Hamilton County formed?

Hamilton County was formed from portions of Comanche County, Bosque County, and Lampasas County.

What notable incident involving Native Americans occurred in 1867?

In 1867, Comanche raiders attacked a school where Ann Whitney was the teacher. She managed to help the students escape before she was killed by 18 Comanche arrows.

When was the Hico Old Settlers' Reunion first initiated?

The Hico community initiated the annual Hico Old Settlers' Reunion in 1882.

What was the agricultural focus in Hamilton County by 1900?

By 1900, cotton cultivation had become a significant agricultural activity, spreading across nearly 47,500 acres (192 km²) of county land.

Which railway lines were established in Hamilton County in the early 20th century, and where did they connect?

The Stephenville North and South Texas Railway connected Hamilton with Stephenville by 1907. In 1911, the St. Louis Southwestern Railway of Texas connected Hamilton with Gatesville and Comanche.

What was the impact of the Civil Works Administration in Hamilton County in 1934?

In 1934, the Civil Works Administration provided employment for 747 men in Hamilton County, who collectively earned approximately $2,000 per day.

Who was Ollie P. Roberts, and what claim did he make in Hico?

Ollie P. Roberts, also known by nicknames like Brushy Bill Roberts, was a resident of Hico in the late 1940s who claimed to be the outlaw Billy the Kid. This claim was based on a legend that Patrick F. Garrett had helped Billy the Kid fake his death.

What action did the Hico Chamber of Commerce take regarding the Billy the Kid claim?

In response to Ollie P. Roberts' claim of being Billy the Kid, the Hico Chamber of Commerce opened a Billy the Kid Museum.

What was the population of Hamilton County in the 2020 census?

As of the 2020 census, the population of Hamilton County was 8,222.

What was the population density of Hamilton County in 2020?

In 2020, the population density of Hamilton County was 9.83 people per square mile (3.80 people per square kilometer).

Describe the racial composition of Hamilton County in the 2000 census.

In the 2000 census, the racial makeup of Hamilton County was 93.81% White, 0.15% African American, 0.44% Native American, 0.15% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 4.36% from other races, and 1.05% from two or more races. Additionally, 7.41% of the population identified as Hispanic or Latino.

What was the median age in Hamilton County in 2000?

The median age for Hamilton County in 2000 was 43 years.

What was the median income for households and families in Hamilton County in 2000?

In 2000, the median income for a household in Hamilton County was $31,150, and for a family, it was $39,494.

What was the per capita income in Hamilton County in 2000?

The per capita income for Hamilton County in 2000 was $16,800.

What percentage of families and the population in Hamilton County were below the poverty line in 2000?

In 2000, approximately 10.6% of families and 14.2% of the population in Hamilton County lived below the poverty line.

How did the population of Hamilton County change from 1860 to 1900?

Hamilton County experienced significant population growth between 1860 and 1900. Starting with 489 people in 1860, it grew to 6,365 by 1880, then slightly decreased to 6,313 in 1890, before surging to 13,520 by 1900.

What was the population trend in Hamilton County between 1950 and 1970?

The population of Hamilton County saw a decline between 1950 and 1970. It decreased from 10,660 in 1950 to 8,488 in 1960, and further down to 7,198 in 1970.

How has the population of Hamilton County changed since the 2010 census?

The population of Hamilton County was 8,517 in 2010, decreased to 8,222 in 2020, but an estimate for 2024 shows an increase to 8,644.

What were the percentages of Non-Hispanic White and Hispanic or Latino populations in Hamilton County in 2020?

In 2020, the Non-Hispanic White population constituted 82.77% of Hamilton County, while the Hispanic or Latino population (of any race) made up 12.71%.

To which designated market area does Hamilton County belong for media coverage?

Hamilton County is considered part of the Dallas-Fort Worth designated market area for media coverage.

Which Waco/Temple/Killeen market television stations also provide coverage for Hamilton County?

The Waco/Temple/Killeen market stations that provide coverage for Hamilton County include KCEN-TV, KWTX-TV, KXXV-TV, KWKT-TV, KNCT (TV), and KAKW-DT.

What are the cities listed within Hamilton County, Texas?

The cities listed within Hamilton County are Cranfills Gap (mostly in Bosque County), Hamilton (the county seat), and Hico.

Which town in Hamilton County is also partially located in another county?

Evant is a town that is partly located in Coryell County and partly in Hamilton County.

What is the census-designated place (CDP) in Hamilton County?

Carlton is designated as a census-designated place within Hamilton County.

Name three unincorporated communities in Hamilton County.

Three unincorporated communities in Hamilton County are Aleman, Fairy, and Gentry's Mill. Others include Indian Gap, Jonesboro, Olin, Pottsville, Shive, and Whiteway.

What is the status of McGirk in Hamilton County?

McGirk is listed as a ghost town within Hamilton County.

Which independent school districts serve students in Hamilton County?

The independent school districts serving Hamilton County include Cranfills Gap ISD, Evant ISD, Goldthwaite Consolidated ISD, Hamilton ISD, Hico ISD, and Jonesboro ISD.

What is Hamilton County's relationship with Central Texas College?

Hamilton County is included within the service area defined for Central Texas College by the Texas Education Code.

What subjects are depicted in the gallery images for Hamilton County?

The gallery images for Hamilton County feature a historical marker for the county, the gravestone of Brushy Bill Roberts (who claimed to be Billy the Kid), a statue of Billy the Kid in Hico, and the St. Olaf Kirke near Cranfills Gap.

How has Hamilton County generally voted in U.S. Presidential elections since the mid-20th century?

Hamilton County has shown a strong tendency to vote Republican in U.S. Presidential elections, particularly since the mid-20th century. For example, it voted Republican with significant margins in 2000, 2004, 2008, 2012, 2016, and 2020.

What was the voting trend for the Republican and Democratic parties in Hamilton County presidential elections between 1912 and 1948?

Between 1912 and 1948, Hamilton County predominantly voted Democratic, with percentages often exceeding 70% and sometimes reaching over 90%. The Republican vote share was generally much lower during this period, though it began to increase notably in the 1940s.

What was the outcome of the 2024 U.S. Senate election in Hamilton County?

In the 2024 U.S. Senate election, Hamilton County voters favored the Republican candidate, who received 82.68% of the vote, compared to the Democratic candidate's 15.18%.

What is the status of Cranfills Gap and Hico in relation to county boundaries?

Cranfills Gap is primarily located in Bosque County but extends into Hamilton County, while Hico is fully within Hamilton County.

What does the symbol '‡' indicate for certain communities listed for Hamilton County?

The symbol '‡' indicates that a populated place, such as Evant and Jonesboro, has portions located in an adjacent county as well as Hamilton County.

Hamilton County Texas Wiki: Hamilton County, Texas: A Deep Dive into its Geography, History, and Demographics

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Introduction

Location & Foundation

Hamilton County is situated on the Edwards Plateau in the U.S. state of Texas. Established in 1858 by the Sixth Texas Legislature, it was named in honor of James Hamilton Jr., a former governor of South Carolina recognized for his financial contributions to the Republic of Texas.^[4] The county seat, Hamilton, was designated in the same year.^[2]

County Seat & Governance

The county seat and largest city is Hamilton. The Hamilton County Courthouse, a historic structure added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980, stands as a testament to the county's heritage.^{[Image Placeholder: Hamilton County Courthouse]}

Geographic Context

Positioned within Central Texas, Hamilton County spans approximately 836 square miles (2,170 km²), with a minimal water coverage of 0.06%.^[10] Its location is highlighted on maps of Texas and the United States.^{[Image Placeholder: Texas Map]}^{[Image Placeholder: US Map]}

Historical Trajectory

Indigenous and Early Settlers

The region was initially inhabited by indigenous peoples, followed by various Native American tribes including the Tawakoni, Tonkawa, Waco, and Comanche.^[5] Anglo settlers began arriving in 1854, establishing communities that would form the basis of present-day towns like Hamilton and Evant.^[3]

Frontier Challenges

The period following Texas's independence was marked by ongoing interactions with Native American tribes. A notable incident in 1867 involved a Comanche raid on a schoolhouse, resulting in the tragic death of teacher Ann Whitney while protecting her students.^[6]^[7]

Economic Development

By the turn of the 20th century, cotton cultivation was a significant agricultural activity. The arrival of railways, such as the Stephenville North and South Texas Railway in 1882 and the St. Louis Southwestern Railway of Texas in 1911, connected Hamilton to larger markets and facilitated economic growth.^[8]

Local Legends

In the mid-20th century, Hico gained notoriety when Ollie P. Roberts, known as "Brushy Bill" Roberts, claimed to be the legendary outlaw Billy the Kid. This claim led to the establishment of a Billy the Kid Museum in Hico, drawing attention to the county's folklore.^[9]

Geographic Landscape

Area and Dimensions

Hamilton County encompasses a total area of 836 square miles (2,170 km²). Land constitutes 836 square miles (2,170 km²), while water bodies cover 0.5 square miles (1.3 km²), representing 0.06% of the total area.^[10]

Transportation Networks

Key transportation arteries serving Hamilton County include U.S. Highway 84, U.S. Highway 281, State Highway 6, State Highway 22, State Highway 36, and State Highway 220, facilitating connectivity within the region and beyond.^{[Icon Placeholder: US 84]}^{[Icon Placeholder: US 281]}^{[Icon Placeholder: TX 6]}^{[Icon Placeholder: TX 22]}^{[Icon Placeholder: TX 36]}^{[Icon Placeholder: TX 220]}

Adjacent Counties

Hamilton County shares borders with several neighboring counties: Erath County to the north, Bosque County to the northeast, Coryell County to the southeast, Lampasas County to the south, Mills County to the southwest, and Comanche County to the northwest.^{[List Placeholder: Adjacent Counties]}

Demographic Profile

Population Trends

As of the 2020 census, Hamilton County's population was 8,222, reflecting a slight decrease from the 2010 census figure of 8,517.^[15] The county experienced significant growth in the late 19th century, with fluctuations in population throughout the 20th and early 21st centuries.^[13]

Historical Population
Census	Population	%±
1860	489	—
1870	733	49.9%
1880	6,365	768.3%
1890	6,313	−0.8%
1900	13,520	114.2%
1910	15,315	13.3%
1920	14,676	−4.2%
1930	13,523	−7.9%
1940	13,303	−1.6%
1950	10,660	−19.9%
1960	8,488	−20.4%
1970	7,198	−15.2%
1980	8,297	15.3%
1990	7,733	−6.8%
2000	8,229	6.4%
2010	8,517	3.5%
2020	8,222	−3.5%
2024 (est.)	8,644	5.1%

Racial and Ethnic Composition

The demographic makeup of Hamilton County, based on the 2020 census, shows a predominantly White population, with a notable Hispanic or Latino segment. The table below details the racial and ethnic distribution.

Hamilton County, Texas – Racial and ethnic composition
Race / Ethnicity (NH = Non-Hispanic)	Pop 2000	Pop 2010	Pop 2020	% 2000	% 2010	% 2020
White alone (NH)	7,498	7,495	6,805	91.12%	88.00%	82.77%
Black or African American alone (NH)	11	38	32	0.13%	0.45%	0.39%
Native American or Alaska Native alone (NH)	34	31	37	0.41%	0.36%	0.45%
Asian alone (NH)	12	31	36	0.15%	0.36%	0.44%
Pacific Islander alone (NH)	4	1	2	0.05%	0.01%	0.02%
Other race alone (NH)	1	3	17	0.01%	0.04%	0.21%
Multiracial (NH)	59	55	248	0.72%	0.65%	3.02%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)	610	863	1,045	7.41%	10.13%	12.71%
Total	8,229	8,517	8,222	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%

Household and Income Data

In 2000, the county had 3,374 households with an average size of 2.37 persons. The median household income was $31,150, with males earning a median of $26,703 and females $20,192. Approximately 10.6% of families and 14.2% of the population lived below the poverty line.^[17]

Media Landscape

Market Reach

Hamilton County is primarily associated with the Dallas-Fort Worth designated market area (DMA). It also receives coverage from stations in the Waco-Temple-Killeen market due to its geographic proximity.^{[List Placeholder: Media Outlets]}

Communities

Municipalities

The county includes several incorporated cities and towns, as well as census-designated places and unincorporated communities.

Cities

Hamilton (County Seat)
Hico

Town

Evant (partially in Coryell County)

Census-Designated Place

Carlton

Unincorporated Communities

Aleman
Fairy
Gentry's Mill
Indian Gap
Jonesboro (partially in Coryell County)
Olin
Pottsville
Shive
Whiteway

Ghost Towns

McGirk

Note: Communities marked with '‡' also have portions in adjacent counties.

Educational Institutions

School Districts

Hamilton County is served by multiple independent school districts, ensuring educational services for its residents.

Cranfills Gap Independent School District
Evant Independent School District
Goldthwaite Consolidated Independent School District
Hamilton Independent School District
Hico Independent School District
Jonesboro Independent School District

The county also falls within the service area of Central Texas College.^[20]

Visual Archive

Historical Markers and Landmarks

Key sites and points of interest within Hamilton County are documented through historical markers and notable landmarks.

Hamilton County historical marker ^{[Image Placeholder: Historical Marker]}
Gravestone of Brushy Bill Roberts, claimant to be Billy the Kid ^{[Image Placeholder: Brushy Bill Roberts Grave]}
Billy the Kid statue in Hico ^{[Image Placeholder: Hico Billy the Kid Statue]}
St. Olaf Kirke, near Cranfills Gap ^{[Image Placeholder: St. Olaf Kirke]}

Political Landscape

Presidential Election Results

Hamilton County has historically shown a strong preference for the Republican Party in presidential elections, particularly in recent decades.

United States Presidential Election Results for Hamilton County, Texas
Year	Republican	Democratic	Third Party(ies)
1912	67 (5.42%)	992 (80.26%)	177 (14.32%)
1916	201 (13.76%)	1,231 (84.26%)	29 (1.98%)
1920	422 (25.24%)	1,075 (64.29%)	175 (10.47%)
1924	202 (8.68%)	2,035 (87.45%)	90 (3.87%)
1928	927 (48.38%)	989 (51.62%)	0 (0.00%)
1932	164 (6.21%)	2,474 (93.64%)	4 (0.15%)
1936	202 (9.47%)	1,929 (90.48%)	1 (0.05%)
1940	655 (22.42%)	2,263 (77.45%)	4 (0.14%)
1944	344 (13.77%)	1,790 (71.63%)	365 (14.61%)
1948	478 (20.44%)	1,725 (73.75%)	136 (5.81%)
1952	2,130 (61.77%)	1,313 (38.08%)	5 (0.15%)
1956	1,709 (60.11%)	1,124 (39.54%)	10 (0.35%)
1960	1,592 (58.17%)	1,136 (41.51%)	9 (0.33%)
1964	1,006 (32.92%)	2,048 (67.02%)	2 (0.07%)
1968	1,266 (44.67%)	1,116 (39.38%)	452 (15.95%)
1972	1,931 (73.79%)	685 (26.18%)	1 (0.04%)
1976	1,176 (36.88%)	1,981 (62.12%)	32 (1.00%)
1980	1,683 (51.52%)	1,526 (46.71%)	58 (1.78%)
1984	2,118 (65.01%)	1,130 (34.68%)	10 (0.31%)
1988	1,718 (55.67%)	1,355 (43.91%)	13 (0.42%)
1992	1,232 (37.80%)	1,100 (33.75%)	927 (28.44%)
1996	1,493 (49.26%)	1,200 (39.59%)	338 (11.15%)
2000	2,447 (72.48%)	878 (26.01%)	51 (1.51%)
2004	2,856 (76.57%)	845 (22.65%)	29 (0.78%)
2008	2,876 (76.12%)	863 (22.84%)	39 (1.03%)
2012	2,918 (82.15%)	591 (16.64%)	43 (1.21%)
2016	3,060 (84.53%)	479 (13.23%)	81 (2.24%)
2020	3,616 (83.11%)	641 (14.73%)	94 (2.16%)
2024	3,809 (85.02%)	625 (13.95%)	46 (1.03%)

Senate Election Results

The recent U.S. Senate election results also indicate a strong Republican leaning in Hamilton County.

United States Senate Election Results for Hamilton County, Texas
Year	Republican	Democratic	Third Party(ies)
2024	3,699 (82.68%)	679 (15.18%)	96 (2.15%)

References

Source Citations

This section lists the sources used for the information presented on this page.

External Resources

Official and Informational Links

Further information about Hamilton County can be found through these official and academic resources.

Official Hamilton County Website (opens in new tab) [Archived]
Hamilton County entry in the Handbook of Texas Online (opens in new tab)

Authority Control

Identifiers

Unique identifiers linking to external databases for cataloging and information retrieval.

VIAF: 155931831 (opens in new tab)
WorldCat: E39PBJfrH6rGc3jf3WVYWKYgKd (opens in new tab)
U.S. Library of Congress: n80002524 (opens in new tab)
Israel National Library: 987007557354705171 (opens in new tab)
National Archives and Records Administration (NARA): 10040049 (opens in new tab)
Yale University Library: 1a3222fe-602f-4322-9b65-304ba1dc9eca (opens in new tab)

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References

Handbook of Texas, Hamilton County

Texas Escapes, Details of Comanche Attack

Texas Education Code, Section 130.171, "Central Texas College District Service Area".

A full list of references for this article are available at the Hamilton County, Texas Wikipedia page

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Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not professional advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional consultation regarding geography, history, demographics, or any other subject matter. Always refer to official sources and consult with qualified professionals for specific needs.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

Hamilton County, Texas

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Introduction ℹ️

📍 Location & Foundation

🏛️ County Seat & Governance

🗺️ Geographic Context

Historical Trajectory 📜

🌍 Indigenous and Early Settlers

⚔️ Frontier Challenges

🚂 Economic Development

🤠 Local Legends

Geographic Landscape 🏞️

📏 Area and Dimensions

🛣️ Transportation Networks

↔️ Adjacent Counties

Demographic Profile 📊

📈 Population Trends

👥 Racial and Ethnic Composition

🏠 Household and Income Data

Media Landscape 📺

📡 Market Reach

Communities 🏘️

🏙️ Municipalities

Cities

Town

Census-Designated Place

Unincorporated Communities

Ghost Towns

Educational Institutions 🎓

🏫 School Districts

Visual Archive 🖼️

📸 Historical Markers and Landmarks

Political Landscape 🗳️

🇺🇸 Presidential Election Results

🏛️ Senate Election Results

References 📚

🔗 Source Citations

External Resources 🌐

🔗 Official and Informational Links

Authority Control 🎛️

ID Identifiers

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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📜 References

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Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Introduction

Location & Foundation

County Seat & Governance

Geographic Context

Historical Trajectory

Indigenous and Early Settlers

Frontier Challenges

Economic Development

Local Legends

Geographic Landscape

Area and Dimensions

Transportation Networks

Adjacent Counties

Demographic Profile

Population Trends

Racial and Ethnic Composition

Household and Income Data

Media Landscape

Market Reach

Communities

Municipalities

Educational Institutions

School Districts

Visual Archive

Historical Markers and Landmarks

Political Landscape

Presidential Election Results

Senate Election Results

References

Source Citations

External Resources

Official and Informational Links

Authority Control

Identifiers

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice