Macdona, Texas
Coordinates: 29°19′14″N 98°41′50″W / 29.3204655°N 98.6972714°W / 29.3204655; -98.6972714
CountryUnited States
StateTexas
CountyBexar
Elevation
[1]
630 ft (190 m)
GNIS feature ID2586958[1]

Macdona is an unincorporated community and census-designated place in Bexar County, Texas, United States.[1] As of the 2010 census, it had a population of 559.[2] Macdona lies along the Union Pacific rail line near Loop 1604 in southwest Bexar County. It is part of the San Antonio Metropolitan Statistical Area.

History

Macdona was named for George Macdona, an Englishman, who owned the townsite.[3] The first recorded sale of town lots was dated July 7, 1886.[3] The Macdona post office (78054) opened in 1886. On September 1, 1909, the Artesian Belt opened a 42-mile (68 km) line between Macdona and Christine.[4] In 2000, Macdona was reported to have 297 persons. The town is part of the 210 and 726 area code districts.

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, Macdona has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.[5]

2004 train derailment and chlorine gas poisoning

On June 28, 2004, a crash between BNSF and Union Pacific Railroad trains in Macdona resulted in the release of 9,400 US gallons (36,000 L; 7,800 imp gal) of liquid chlorine, which immediately vaporized into a cloud of chlorine gas that spread over a radius of at least 700 feet (210 m). Three people, the UP train conductor and two residents, died and at least 40 others were injured.[6]

References

  1. ^ a b c U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Macdona, Texas
  2. ^ "Geographic Identifiers: 2010 Demographic Profile Data (G001): Macdona CDP, Texas". U.S. Census Bureau, American Factfinder. Archived from the original on February 12, 2020. Retrieved April 15, 2014.
  3. ^ a b Handbook of Texas Online - MACDONA, TX
  4. ^ Handbook of Texas Online – ARTESIAN BELT RAILROAD
  5. ^ Climate Summary for Macdona, Texas
  6. ^ Collision of Union Pacific Railroad train MHOTU-23 with BNSF Railway Company train MEAP-TUL-126-D with subsequent derailment and hazardous materials release, Macdona, Texas, June 28, 2004 (PDF). United States National Transportation Safety Board. 2006. OCLC 75276300.
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