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Grimes County, Texas

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Grimes County is a county located in southeastern Texas, United States. As of the 2020 census, its population was 29,268.[1] The seat of the county is Anderson.[2] The county was formed from Montgomery County in 1846.[3] It is named for Jesse Grimes, a signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence and early European-American settler of the county.[4]

Grimes County
County
The Grimes County Courthouse in Anderson
The Grimes County Courthouse in Anderson
Map of Texas highlighting Grimes County
Location within the U.S. state of Texas
Map of the United States highlighting Texas
Texas's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 30°33′N 95°59′W / 30.55°N 95.98°W / 30.55; -95.98
Country United States
State Texas
Founded1846
Named forJesse Grimes
SeatAnderson
Largest cityNavasota
Area
 • Total
802 sq mi (2,080 km2)
 • Land787 sq mi (2,040 km2)
 • Water14 sq mi (40 km2)  1.8%
Population
 (2020)
 • Total
29,268
 • Density36/sq mi (14/km2)
Time zoneUTC−6 (Central)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−5 (CDT)
Congressional district10th
Websitewww.co.grimes.tx.us

The Navasota and Brazos Rivers form the western boundary of the county. Eastern areas of the county are part of the watershed of the San Jacinto River.

History

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In the historic period, French and Spanish explorers encountered the Bidai Indians, who were mentioned in Spanish records from 1691. Like other tribes, they suffered high fatalities from new infectious diseases caught from the Spanish and joined with the remnants of other Native American people later in the historic period.

The area saw very little settlement by Europeans or creole Spanish during the century of Spanish colonial rule. However, after Mexico gained its independence, it invited settlers from the United States to come to eastern Texas. They were allowed them to practice their own religion, as long as they swore loyalty to the Mexican government.

A few historic buildings in Anderson, such as the Fanthorp Inn, date from this period, as well as some from the Republic of Texas and the early statehood years. For this reason, the town and nearby area have been designated the "Anderson Historic District", which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Anglo-American migration to what became Grimes County began in the 1820s, when it was part of Mexico. Early settlers were primarily from the South, especially Alabama, and many brought enslaved African Americans with them to work the land. The first cotton gin in Texas was built by Jared E. Groce, who arrived with 90 slaves and developed a cotton plantation near today's Hempstead, Texas.[5]

Texas achieved its independence in 1836, and settlers arrived in greater numbers from the United States. The fertile lowlands were initially used for cotton plantations, especially in the late antebellum period.[5]

Grimes County was organized in 1846, one year after the Republic of Texas agreed to be annexed by the United States. From 1850 to the Civil War, the White population steadily increased, since the newcomers continued to bring slaves, the African American population increased even faster. Planters continued to grow cotton and corn as commodity crops. By 1860, 4,852 White inhabitants were in the county, plus 5,468 slaves, who made up 53% of the population. The White population had doubled in the preceding decade, while the slave population had tripled. Grimes had a total of 505 slaveholding families in 1860, with 77 owning 20 slaves or more, that number considered the minimum for major planters. It was one of 17 counties in the state where slaveholders held on average, more than 10 slaves each.[5]

In such conditions, Whites were anxious after the emancipation of slaves, and also struggled with adapting to a free labor market. White violence rose after the war, and the Ku Klux Klan established a local chapter in 1868 to assert dominance. Federal troops were stationed in the area and the Freedman's Bureau had an office in the county. They were not successful in protecting freedmen, but the Bureau established schools in the area.[5]

Determined to crush Populist efforts and alliances with Republicans that resulted in victories in 1896 and 1898, White Democrats formed what became the White Man's Union, a secret, oath-bound organization that violently took over elections in 1900, after killing several Black Populist leaders. It selected all county officials until 1958.[5]

White violence continued after Reconstruction and into the early 20th century, when Whites committed 9 lynchings of Blacks in the county, part of racial terrorism to suppress the freedmen. Grimes and Freestone Counties had the same number of lynchings in this period, ranking as the fifth-highest totals in a state where lynchings were widespread and conducted in many counties.[6] The economy declined in the late 19th century, increasing social tensions.

In 1859, the Houston and Texas Central extended its line into the county. Anderson, the county seat, rejected it and was bypassed for Navasota, which soon surpassed it in size.[5] Anderson finally got a railroad in the early 1900s, but never caught up with Navasota. In the late 19th and 20th centuries, the Burlington Northern Santa Fe and the Union Pacific became the major railroads in the county.

In response to the violence and takeover by the White Man's Union, African Americans began to leave the county in large numbers. The population of the county declined markedly from 1900 to 1920, and after 1930 to 1980. These were periods of the Great Migration, as African Americans left Texas and other parts of the South to leave behind the oppression of Jim Crow and disenfranchisement, and seek better work. From 1940 on, many migrated to the West Coast for jobs in the expanding defense industry. Rural Whites also left the South for industrial cities.

The county remained mostly rural and agricultural until the late 20th century, which contributed to its continuing population losses. Timber harvesting and processing were part of early industry in the 20th century, but stock raising and dairy farms contributed more to the overall agricultural economy in the later 20th century, making up 93% of its revenues. In addition, crops have become more diversified.[5] Railroad restructuring in the late 20th century resulted in mergers among some lines. In the 21st century, State Highway 90 is the major north–south thoroughfare, and State Highways 30 and 105 run east–west. With some new manufacturing, population began to increase since the late 1970s. In 2014, the census estimated 27,172 people living in Grimes County. About 59.5% were Anglo, 22.6% were Hispanic, and 16.5% were African American.[5]

Geography

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According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 802 square miles (2,080 km2), of which 14 square miles (36 km2) (1.8%) is covered by water.[7]

Major highways

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Adjacent counties

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Demographics

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Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
18504,008—
186010,307157.2%
187013,21828.2%
188018,60340.7%
189021,31214.6%
190026,10622.5%
191021,205−18.8%
192023,1018.9%
193022,642−2.0%
194021,960−3.0%
195015,135−31.1%
196012,709−16.0%
197011,855−6.7%
198013,58014.6%
199018,82838.6%
200023,55225.1%
201026,60413.0%
202029,26810.0%
U.S. Decennial Census[8]
1850–2010[9] 2010[10] 2020[11]
Grimes County, Texas – Racial and ethnic composition
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 (NH = Non-Hispanic) Pop 2000[12] Pop 2010[10] Pop 2020[11] % 2000 % 2010 % 2020
White alone (NH) 14,772 16,133 16,910 62.72% 60.64% 57.78%
Black or African American alone (NH) 4,667 4,348 3,824 19.82% 16.34% 13.07%
Native American or Alaska Native alone (NH) 50 82 85 0.21% 0.31% 0.29%
Asian alone (NH) 61 61 102 0.26% 0.23% 0.35%
Pacific Islander alone (NH) 10 7 8 0.04% 0.03% 0.03%
Other race alone (NH) 8 16 84 0.03% 0.06% 0.29%
Mixed race or Multiracial (NH) 197 305 894 0.84% 1.15% 3.05%
Hispanic or Latino (any race) 3,787 5,652 7,361 16.08% 21.24% 25.15%
Total 23,552 26,604 29,268 100.00% 100.00% 100.00%

As of the 2000 census,[13] 23,552 people, 7,753 households, and 5,628 families were residing in the county. The population density was 30 people per square mile (12 people/km2). The 9,490 housing units had an average density of 12 units per square mile (4.6 units/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 71.79% White, 19.96% African American, 0.32% Native American, 0.30% Asian, 5.98% from other races, and 1.65% from two or more races. About 16.08% of the population were Hispanics or Latinos of any race.

Christianity is the primary religion in the county and Hinduism is the second.[14]

Of the 7,753 households, 34.6% had children under 18 living with them, 55.4% were married couples living together, 12.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.4% were not families. About 23.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.2% had someone living alone who was 65 or older. The average household size was 2.69, and the average family size was 3.18.

In the county, the age distribution was 24.8% under 18, 7.7% from 18 to 24, 29.8% from 25 to 44, 24.0% from 45 to 64, and 13.7% who were 65 or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 117.50 males. For every 100 females 18 and over, there were 124.00 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $32,280, and for a family was $38,008. Males had a median income of $30,138 versus $21,747 for females. The per capita income for the county was $14,368. About 13.8% of families and 16.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 20.4% of those under 18 and 18.1% of those 65 or over.

Government and infrastructure

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County government

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The Grimes County Commissioners Court is the primary decision-making body for the county government. The court is composed of the four county commissioners and is headed by the county judge, who oversees the day-to-day operation of the government. In addition to their policy-making duties, the four commissioners are responsible for road and bridge projects within their precincts.[15] The current county judge, Joe Fauth III, entered office in 2017.

The Grimes County sheriff is the top law enforcement official in the county. The sheriff holds primary law enforcement responsibility over the county's unincorporated areas, and several cities covered under various interlocal agreements. The current sheriff, Donald G. Sowell, has held the office since 1998.

Other elected county officials include:

  • The Grimes County district attorney is responsible for prosecuting criminal cases before the state district court.
  • The Grimes county attorney represents the county in legal matters.
  • The district clerk maintains district court records.
  • The county clerk maintains the official county records.
  • The county treasurer manages the county government's finances.
  • The county tax assessor-collector assesses and collects county property taxes and local fees.
  • The county court-at-law judge presides over the county's civil court.
  • The justices of the Peace preside over small-claims court matters in their precincts.
  • The county constables fill process-serving and peace-officer roles in their precincts.

Texas Department of Criminal Justice facilities

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The Texas Department of Criminal Justice operates the O.L. Luther Unit and the Wallace Pack Unit in an unincorporated area in Grimes County.[16] In addition, the Pack Warehouse is located in an unincorporated area near the Pack Unit.[17]

United States presidential election results for Grimes County, Texas[18]
Year Republican Democratic Third party(ies)
No.  % No.  % No.  %
2024 11,197 79.69% 2,734 19.46% 120 0.85%
2020 9,432 75.98% 2,833 22.82% 149 1.20%
2016 7,065 74.11% 2,194 23.01% 274 2.87%
2012 6,141 71.40% 2,339 27.19% 121 1.41%
2008 5,562 66.83% 2,704 32.49% 56 0.67%
2004 5,263 65.54% 2,713 33.79% 54 0.67%
2000 4,197 61.70% 2,450 36.02% 155 2.28%
1996 2,564 44.97% 2,584 45.33% 553 9.70%
1992 2,402 38.64% 2,594 41.72% 1,221 19.64%
1988 2,820 50.52% 2,735 49.00% 27 0.48%
1984 3,365 58.50% 2,370 41.20% 17 0.30%
1980 2,087 45.35% 2,440 53.02% 75 1.63%
1976 1,473 35.51% 2,656 64.03% 19 0.46%
1972 2,243 66.44% 1,116 33.06% 17 0.50%
1968 1,076 30.52% 1,473 41.79% 976 27.69%
1964 1,014 31.23% 2,229 68.65% 4 0.12%
1960 1,053 37.90% 1,713 61.66% 12 0.43%
1956 1,281 53.96% 1,079 45.45% 14 0.59%
1952 1,557 53.32% 1,362 46.64% 1 0.03%
1948 336 19.53% 901 52.38% 483 28.08%
1944 137 6.95% 1,559 79.14% 274 13.91%
1940 298 9.32% 2,899 90.62% 2 0.06%
1936 136 6.84% 1,851 93.06% 2 0.10%
1932 153 6.88% 2,065 92.89% 5 0.22%
1928 701 37.37% 1,175 62.63% 0 0.00%
1924 177 7.55% 2,136 91.09% 32 1.36%
1920 214 14.77% 1,027 70.88% 208 14.35%
1916 108 8.69% 1,108 89.14% 27 2.17%
1912 35 3.33% 941 89.45% 76 7.22%

Communities

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Cities

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Census-designated places

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Unincorporated communities

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Education

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School districts:

Blinn College is the designated community college for all of the county.[19]

Notable residents

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  • Actor Chuck Norris lives near Navasota, the county's largest city, where he and his wife opened a bottled-water production facility. He starred in the television series Walker, Texas Ranger.[20]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Grimes County, Texas". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 30, 2022.
  2. ^ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Archived from the original on May 31, 2011. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  3. ^ "Grimes County". The Handbook of Texas Online. June 15, 2010. Retrieved May 12, 2015.
  4. ^ "Grimes County - Named After Jesse Grimes". Stopping Points Historical Markers & Points of Interest. Retrieved July 24, 2018.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h Grimes County from the Handbook of Texas Online
  6. ^ Lynching in America/Summary by County (3rd edition) Archived October 23, 2017, at the Wayback Machine, p. 9, Equal Justice Initiative, 2017, Montgomery, Alabama
  7. ^ "2010 Census Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. August 22, 2012. Retrieved April 27, 2015.
  8. ^ "Decennial Census of Population and Housing by Decades". US Census Bureau.
  9. ^ "Texas Almanac: Population History of Counties from 1850–2010" (PDF). Texas Almanac. Archived (PDF) from the original on October 9, 2022. Retrieved April 27, 2015.
  10. ^ a b "P2 Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2010: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) - Grimes County, Texas". United States Census Bureau.
  11. ^ a b "P2 Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) - Grimes County, Texas". United States Census Bureau.
  12. ^ "P004: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2000: DEC Summary File 1 – Grimes County, Texas". United States Census Bureau.
  13. ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved May 14, 2011.
  14. ^ Wilson, Reid. The second-largest religion in each state, Washington Post, June 4, 2014.
  15. ^ "Texas County Commissioner". Texas Association of Counties. Retrieved March 29, 2019.
  16. ^ "Pack Unit Archived 2010-07-25 at the Wayback Machine." Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Retrieved on May 22, 2010.
  17. ^ "Pack Warehouse Archived 2010-07-12 at the Wayback Machine." Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Retrieved on May 22, 2010.
  18. ^ Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved July 24, 2018.
  19. ^ Texas Education Code Sec. 130.168. BLINN JUNIOR COLLEGE DISTRICT SERVICE AREA.
  20. ^ "Chuck Norris and wife open new bottled water production facility in Navasota". KBTX-TV. January 10, 2017. Retrieved November 17, 2017.
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30°33′N 95°59′W / 30.55°N 95.98°W / 30.55; -95.98

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