Christoval, Texas facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Christoval, Texas
CDP
Location of Christoval, Texas
Country	United States
State	Texas
County	Tom Green
Area
• Total	1.3 sq mi (3.4 km2)
• Land	1.3 sq mi (3.4 km2)
• Water	0.0 sq mi (0.0 km2)
Elevation	2,037 ft (621 m)
Population  (2020)
• Total	482
• Density	371/sq mi (141.8/km2)
Time zone	UTC-6 (Central (CST))
• Summer (DST)	UTC-5 (CDT)
ZIP code	76935
Area code(s)	325
FIPS code	48-14872
GNIS feature ID	1354482

Christoval is a census-designated place (CDP) in Tom Green County, Texas, United States. Its population was 504 at the 2010 census. It is part of the San Angelo, Texas, metropolitan statistical area.

Geography

Christoval is located at 31°11′51″N 100°29′36″W / 31.19750°N 100.49333°W / 31.19750; -100.49333 (31.197614, -100.493296). It is situated about 20 miles south of San Angelo in southern Tom Green County around the area of Loop 110, U.S. Highway 277, and Ranch to Market Road 2084.

According to the United States Census Bureau in 2000, the CDP has a total area of 1.2 sq mi (3.1 km²), all land. Prior to the 2010 census, the CDP gained area, increasing to a total area of 1.3 sq mi (3.4 km²), all land as before.

The South Concho River runs through Christoval, and serves as a water supply to the surrounding area. It was the location of a resort from the 1930s to the early 1960s, near where U.S. 277 crosses the river.

History

The community, which has also been known as South Concho and Delong, is said to be named after early settler Christopher Columbus Doty. A post office was established in 1889, and a local school was operating by 1901. By 1914, Christoval had an estimated population of 200, two general stores, and a newspaper – the Christoval Observer. Through the 1930s, a Baptist encampment was held annually that attracted as many as 10,000 persons to the South Concho River area, and the mineral waters in nearby Christoval also attracted visitors and settlers.

On September 17, 1936, a devastating flood hit the South Concho River. The flood destroyed the Baptist encampment facility, and parts of Christoval. Several people were killed in the flood, as they were swept away by the rapidly rising water. Following the flood, the encampment facilities were never rebuilt, and the property eventually became a public park.

Playland Park was a popular local attraction from the 1950s through the 1980s. The park offered public access to the river, as well as boat rentals, a rope bridge, tree swings, and a concession stand. At its peak in the 1970s, the facility had amusement park rides and a small train. The facility was closed in the 1980s due to liability concerns and smaller crowds. Today, Pugh River Park and the historic, low-water river crossing on Loop 110 offer public access to the South Concho River.

The population peaked at approximately 500 in the 1930s before declining to about 400 in the mid-1950s, and 200 by the mid-1970s. The rerouting of U.S. Highway 277 in 1987 was expected to bring a further decline, but the population was not significantly impacted by the change. In 2000, 29 businesses were operating in Christoval.

Notable people

Christoval is the hometown of Jack Pardee, a former American football linebacker and the only head coach to lead teams in college football, the NFL, the United States Football League, and the Canadian Football League. Pardee was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame as a player in 1986. He was an All-American linebacker at Texas A&M University and a two-time All-Pro with the Los Angeles Rams (1963) and the Washington Redskins (1971).

Christoval is also hometown to reality TV personality Colby Donaldson, who appeared in several seasons of the CBS show Survivor.

Local attractions

The South Concho River runs through Christoval, and around three-quarters of a mile of riverfront is part of a public park. The shoreline in this area is covered by large oak trees, and the trees have rope swings for visitors. This park, known as Pugh River Park, has visitors from across West Texas each weekend. Crowds over 500 people are not uncommon on the weekends in the summer.

Public access to the South Concho River is also available at the Mineral Wells crossing, about a mile north of Christoval.

Each Memorial Day weekend, the community of Christoval holds Old Toenail Trail days, which attracts visitors from around the region. Festivities include live music, parades, and food and craft vendors.

Demographics

2020 census

As of the 2020 United States census, there were 482 people, 93 households, and 55 families residing in the CDP.

Education

Public education in the community of Christoval is provided by the Christoval Independent School District.

See also

In Spanish: Christoval (Texas) para niños