Cedar Creek, Texas
Unincorporated area
The Cedar Creek Community Center
The Cedar Creek Community Center
CountryUnited States
StateTexas
CountyBastrop County
Population
 (2020)
 • Total3,154
ZIP code78612

Cedar Creek is an unincorporated community in Bastrop County, Texas, United States. It is located about 11 miles (18 km) west of the city of Bastrop. The community takes its name from Cedar Creek, a tributary of the Colorado River that is close to the area. Cedar Creek is home to Bastrop County's inaugural public park and McKinney Roughs Nature Park, featuring both natural landscapes and archaeological sites.

History

Cedar Creek, Texas, traces its settlement back to 1832,[1] when Addison Litton, a Missouri native, was awarded a league of black prairie on both sides of the creek. With his wife Mary Owen Litton, an Alabama native, the Litton family established their residence. They were soon joined by other early settlers, including Jesse Billingsley and John Day Morgan, who played a key role in establishing the town's first cabin.[2][3] In January 1842, a Methodist preacher held a large ceremony at the Litton's house, marking the establishment of the church as an important element within the community. A decade later, in 1852, postmaster Elisha Billingsley inaugurated the first local post office. By 1855, the Presbyterian church was organized in the area.[2]

Cedar Creek witnessed an African American population surge post the American Civil War, with their influence expanding through the 1870s and 1880s during the Reconstruction era.[2][4] In May 1888, Orange Weeks (Wicks) and Ike Wilson, both African American men, were elected as peace of justice and constable for the Cedar Creek precinct. Subsequently, racial tensions heightened in June 1889 during a court case involving an assault and battery charge against Andy (Andie) Litton, a young white man. The court date escalated into a violent confrontation between armed white and black groups, resulting in four casualties—two white men and two black men.[4] Wicks and Wilson were arrested and charged with murder, while numerous African Americans faced arrests for lynching.[5] In the subsequent years, a considerable number of African Americans were either killed or forced into exile from Cedar Creek.[4]

By 1884, Cedar Creek had a population of 600 residents and served as a significant shipping point for cotton and produce. The Central Texas Normal Academy, the local school, concluded its inaugural school year that same year with an enrollment of 101 students.[6] However, by 1896, the population decreased to 250. The introduction of oil drilling activities in 1913 marked a new era for Cedar Creek. In 1928, an oil pool was discovered at the Yost farm, approximately 4 mi (6.4 km) from Cedar Creek. Although not a major pool, the Yost oilfield produced commercial quantities in the mid-1940s. The population reached 300 during the 1940s but gradually declined over subsequent years. In 1984, Cedar Creek had 145 residents and six businesses, and this figure remained unchanged in 1990. In 2000, the population saw a slight increase to 200.[2]

Education

Cedar Creek schools are within the Bastrop Independent School District (BISD), which serves other communities throughout Bastrop County.[7] Students in the Cedar Creek area attend Cedar Creek Elementary School,[8] Cedar Creek Intermediate School, Cedar Creek Middle School, and Cedar Creek High School.[9]

Geography and landmarks

Cedar Creek, Texas, is an unincorporated community in Bastrop County, Texas, United States. It is located 11 mi (18 km) west of Bastrop, the county seat.[10] It is at the intersection of Texas State Highway 21 (SH 21) and Farm to Market Road 535 (FM 535), south of the Texas State Highway 71 (SH 71) that connects Bastrop with Austin, the state capital.[11][12] According to the United States Census Bureau, Cedar Creek had a population of 3,154 in the 2020 census.[13]

Cedar Creek and Bastrop County are situated within the Piney Woods ecosystem.[10] The county boasts three public parks, with Cedar Creek Park being the inaugural public park in Bastrop County.[14][15] Acquired from the BISD by county officials in 2008,[14] Cedar Creek Park underwent development and improvements, funded by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA).[16] Encompassing 37 acres (15 ha),[17] this park offers amenities such as football, soccer, and baseball fields, basketball and sand volleyball courts, a playscape, nature trails, historic sites, picnic tables, and a butterfly garden.[18][19]

In addition, Cedar Creek is home to McKinney Roughs Nature Park, a 1,100 acres (450 ha) nature park and archaeological site with a 17.6 mi (28.3 km) trail system.[20][21] Adjacent to the park is the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa, a 405 acres (164 ha) luxurious resort that shares the Colorado River with McKinney Roughs.[22] Along east SH 71 stands Ms. Pearl,[23] recognized as the world's largest squirrel statue, positioned outside a family-owned pecan and gift shop.[24][25]

Climate

Climate is characterized by relatively high temperatures and evenly distributed precipitation throughout the year. The Köppen Climate Classification subtype for this climate is "Cfa" (Humid Subtropical Climate).[26]

Climate data for Cedar Creek
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 17
(63) 		18
(64) 		23
(73) 		26
(79) 		31
(87) 		34
(93) 		34
(94) 		36
(97) 		32
(90) 		28
(82) 		23
(73) 		18
(64) 		27
(80)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) 3
(38) 		4
(40) 		9
(48) 		13
(56) 		18
(65) 		22
(71) 		23
(73) 		23
(73) 		19
(67) 		13
(55) 		8
(47) 		3
(38) 		13
(56)
Average precipitation mm (inches) 64
(2.5) 		64
(2.5) 		76
(3) 		58
(2.3) 		110
(4.5) 		91
(3.6) 		58
(2.3) 		51
(2) 		76
(3) 		99
(3.9) 		84
(3.3) 		66
(2.6) 		900
(35.5)
Source: Weatherbase[27]

Demographics

Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
20203,154—
U.S. Decennial Census[28]
2020[29]

For statistical purposes, the United States Census Bureau first listed Cedar Creek as a census-designated place (CDP) prior to the 2020 census.

2020 census

Cedar Creek, Texas - Demographic Profile
(NH = Non-Hispanic)
Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos may be of any race.
Race / Ethnicity Pop 2020[29] % 2020
White alone (NH) 893 28.31%
Black or African American alone (NH) 136 4.31%
Native American or Alaska Native alone (NH) 14 0.44%
Asian alone (NH) 16 0.51%
Pacific Islander alone (NH) 0 0.00%
Other race alone (NH) 16 0.51%
Mixed race or Multiracial (NH) 89 2.82%
Hispanic or Latino (any race) 1,990 63.09%
Total 3,154 100.00%

See also

References

  1. ^ James, Vicki Lyn (26 September 2013). "All About Cedar Creek: Cedar Creek a special community with history". Austin American-Statesman. Archived from the original on 31 December 2023.
  2. ^ a b c d Marks, Paula Mitchell (1952). "Cedar Creek, TX (Bastrop County)". Texas State Historical Association. Archived from the original on 25 July 2023. Retrieved 31 December 2023.
  3. ^ Moore 1977, p. 213.
  4. ^ a b c Zelade 2011, p. 135-137.
  5. ^ Kuehler Walters, Katherine (12 September 2023). "Chase, Frederick K. (ca. 1862–1893)". Texas State Historical Association. Archived from the original on 1 January 2024.
  6. ^ "Historic Communities". Bastrop County Historical Society. Archived from the original on 12 November 2023. Retrieved 31 December 2023.
  7. ^ "District Boundary/Attendance Map". Bastrop Independent School District. Archived from the original on 23 January 2017. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
  8. ^ "Cedar Creek Elementary School Attendance Boundary" (PDF). Bastrop Independent School District. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2 February 2017.
  9. ^ "Bastrop ISD Attendance Boundaries" (PDF). Bastrop Independent School District. Archived (PDF) from the original on 18 April 2023.
  10. ^ a b Finch, Permenter & Bigley 2022, p. 64-70.
  11. ^ Texas Secretary of State 2000, p. 9723.
  12. ^ "Environmental Assessment: SH 71 at FM 1209; From CR 206 to SH 21 (CSJ: 0265-03-041)" (PDF). Texas Department of Transportation Austin District. March 2019. p. 4. Retrieved 31 December 2023.
  13. ^ "Cedar Creek CDP, Texas". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on 1 January 2024. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
  14. ^ a b Acosa, Sarah (3 April 2013). "46-acre Cedar Creek Park is Bastrop's first county park". Austin American-Statesman. Archived from the original on 31 December 2023.
  15. ^ "Our Parks". Bastrop County. 2016. Archived from the original on 8 June 2023.
  16. ^ "Bastrop County Parks 101" (PDF). Bastrop County. Archived (PDF) from the original on 31 December 2023. Retrieved 31 December 2023.
  17. ^ "Opportunity Bastrop County" (PDF). Bastrop County. Lower Colorado River Authority. p. 5. Archived from the original (PDF) on 16 October 2020.
  18. ^ "Parque Cedar Creek" (PDF) (in Spanish). Bastrop County. 2020. Archived (PDF) from the original on 21 October 2020. Retrieved 31 December 2023.
  19. ^ "Park Features Include". Cedar Creek Park Association. Archived from the original on 26 March 2012.
  20. ^ "McKinney Roughs Nature Park". Lower Colorado River Authority. Archived from the original on 28 October 2023. Retrieved 26 December 2023.
  21. ^ "From Hunter-Gatherers to Pioneers, The Colorful History of McKinney Roughs". Lower Colorado River Authority. 2002. Archived from the original on 3 August 2002.
  22. ^ Sevilla, Andy (14 June 2018). "Hyatt Regency in Bastrop County named 'best family-friendly hotel'". Austin American-Statesman. Archived from the original on 26 December 2023.
  23. ^ O'Connell, Chris (18 August 2023). "Take a Texas road trip to world's only pecan pie vending machine". MySA. Archived from the original on 24 August 2023.
  24. ^ Finan, Kristin (23 September 2018). "Want to visit the World's Tallest Squirrel Statue? It's located just outside of Austin". Austin American-Statesman. Archived from the original on 6 July 2022. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
  25. ^ "Fun Facts: Get To Know MS. Pearl, the Giant Squirrel". Berdoll Pecan Candy and Gift Company. Archived from the original on 19 September 2023.
  26. ^ "Cedar Creek, Texas (Weather Summary)". Weatherbase. Archived from the original on 25 July 2023. Retrieved 31 December 2023.
  27. ^ "Cedar Creek, Texas (Weather Averages Summary)". Weatherbase. Archived from the original on 25 July 2023. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
  28. ^ "Decennial Census of Population and Housing by Decade". US Census Bureau.
  29. ^ a b "P2: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) - Cedar Creek CDP, Texas". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved 26 January 2024.

Bibliography

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