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Cedar Creek, Texas
Census-designated place
The Cedar Creek Community Center
Coordinates: 30°05′11″N 97°30′05″W / 30.08639°N 97.50139°W / 30.08639; -97.50139
Country	United States
State	Texas
County	Bastrop County
Elevation	423 ft (129 m)
Population
• Total	3,154
ZIP code	78612
GNIS feature ID	2805731

Cedar Creek is an census-designated place (CDP) 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 McKinney Roughs Nature Park, which features natural landscapes and an archaeological site.

History

Cedar Creek, Texas, traces its settlement back to 1832, 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. 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.

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. 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. Wicks and Wilson were arrested and charged with murder, while numerous African Americans faced arrests for lynching. In the subsequent years, a considerable number of African Americans were either killed or forced into exile from Cedar Creek.

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. 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.

Education

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

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. 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. According to the United States Census Bureau, Cedar Creek had a population of 3,154 in the 2020 census.

Cedar Creek and Bastrop County are situated within the Piney Woods ecosystem. The county boasts three public parks, with Cedar Creek Park being the inaugural public park in Bastrop County. Acquired from the BISD by county officials in 2008, Cedar Creek Park underwent development and improvements, funded by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA). Encompassing 37 acres (15 ha), 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.

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. 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. Along east SH 71 stands Ms. Pearl, recognized as the world's largest squirrel statue, positioned outside a family-owned pecan and gift shop.

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).

Demographics

Cedar Creek first appeared as a census designated place in the 2020 U.S. Census.

2020 census

See also

• List of unincorporated communities in Texas

References

1. ^ U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Cedar Creek, Texas
2. James, Vicki Lyn (September 26, 2013). "All About Cedar Creek: Cedar Creek a special community with history". Austin American-Statesman. Archived from the original on December 31, 2023.
3. ^ Marks, Paula Mitchell (1952). "Cedar Creek, TX (Bastrop County)". Texas State Historical Association. Archived from the original on July 25, 2023. Retrieved December 31, 2023.
4. Moore 1977, p. 213.
5. ^ Zelade 2011, p. 135-137.
6. Kuehler Walters, Katherine (September 12, 2023). "Chase, Frederick K. (ca. 1862–1893)". Texas State Historical Association. Archived from the original on January 1, 2024.
7. "Historic Communities". Bastrop County Historical Society. Archived from the original on November 12, 2023. Retrieved December 31, 2023.
8. "District Boundary/Attendance Map". Bastrop Independent School District. Archived from the original on January 23, 2017. Retrieved January 1, 2024.
9. "Cedar Creek Elementary School Attendance Boundary" (PDF). Bastrop Independent School District. Archived (PDF) from the original on February 2, 2017.
10. "Bastrop ISD Attendance Boundaries" (PDF). Bastrop Independent School District. Archived (PDF) from the original on April 18, 2023.
11. ^ Finch, Permenter & Bigley 2022, p. 64-70.
12. Texas Secretary of State 2000, p. 9723.
13. "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 December 31, 2023.
14. "Cedar Creek CDP, Texas". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on January 1, 2024. Retrieved January 1, 2024.
15. ^ Acosa, Sarah (April 3, 2013). "46-acre Cedar Creek Park is Bastrop's first county park". Austin American-Statesman. Archived from the original on December 31, 2023.
16. "Our Parks". Bastrop County. 2016. Archived from the original on June 8, 2023.
17. "Bastrop County Parks 101" (PDF). Bastrop County. Archived (PDF) from the original on December 31, 2023. Retrieved December 31, 2023.
18. "Opportunity Bastrop County" (PDF). Bastrop County. Lower Colorado River Authority. p. 5. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 16, 2020.
19. "Parque Cedar Creek" (PDF) (in Spanish). Bastrop County. 2020. Archived (PDF) from the original on October 21, 2020. Retrieved December 31, 2023.
20. "Park Features Include". Cedar Creek Park Association. Archived from the original on March 26, 2012.
21. "McKinney Roughs Nature Park". Lower Colorado River Authority. Archived from the original on October 28, 2023. Retrieved December 26, 2023.
22. "From Hunter-Gatherers to Pioneers, The Colorful History of McKinney Roughs". Lower Colorado River Authority. 2002. Archived from the original on August 3, 2002.
23. Sevilla, Andy (June 14, 2018). "Hyatt Regency in Bastrop County named 'best family-friendly hotel'". Austin American-Statesman. Archived from the original on December 26, 2023.
24. O'Connell, Chris (August 18, 2023). "Take a Texas road trip to world's only pecan pie vending machine". MySA. Archived from the original on August 24, 2023.
25. Finan, Kristin (September 23, 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 July 6, 2022. Retrieved January 1, 2024.
26. Herrera, Andrés (July 24, 2024). "Ms. Pearl". Handbook of Texas Online. Texas State Historical Association. Archived from the original on July 26, 2024.
27. "Cedar Creek, Texas (Weather Summary)". Weatherbase. Archived from the original on July 25, 2023. Retrieved December 31, 2023.
28. "Cedar Creek, Texas (Weather Averages Summary)". Weatherbase. Archived from the original on July 25, 2023. Retrieved January 1, 2024.
29. "Decennial Census by Decade". United States Census Bureau.
30. "1900 Census of Population - Population of Texas By Counties And Minor Civil Divisions" (PDF). United States Census Bureau.
31. "1910 Census of Population - Supplement for Texas" (PDF). United States Census Bureau.
32. "1920 Census of Population - Number of Inhabitants - Texas" (PDF). United States Census Bureau.
33. "1930 Census of Population - Number of Inhabitants - Texas" (PDF). United States Census Bureau.
34. "1940 Census of Population - Number of Inhabitants - Texas" (PDF). United States Census Bureau.
35. "1950 Census of Population - Number of Inhabitants - Texas" (PDF). United States Census Bureau.
36. "1960 Census of Population - Number of Inhabitants - Texas" (PDF). United States Census Bureau.
37. "1970 Census of Population - Number of Inhabitants - Texas" (PDF). United States Census Bureau.
38. "1980 Census of Population - Number of Inhabitants - Texas" (PDF). United States Census Bureau.
39. "1990 Census of Population - Population and Housing Unit Counts - Texas" (PDF). United States Census Bureau.
40. "2000 Census of Population - Population and Housing Unit Counts - Texas" (PDF). United States Census Bureau.
41. ^ "2010 Census of Population - Population and Housing Unit Counts - Texas" (PDF). United States Census Bureau.
42. ^ "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.
43. "2020 Geography Changes". United States Census Bureau.

Bibliography

• Moore, Bill (1977). Bastrop County, 1691–1900. Nortex Press. ISBN 089015127X.
• Finch, Jackie Sheckler; Permenter, Paris; Bigley, John (2022). Day Trips from Austin: Getaway Ideas for the Local Traveler. Rowman & Littlefield. ISBN 9781493065820. OCLC 1334890202.
• Texas Secretary of State (2000). Texas Register. Vol. 25. Austin, Texas: Office of the Secretary of State. OCLC 2309724.
• Zelade, Richard (2011). Lone Star Travel Guide to Central Texas. Taylor Trade Publications. ISBN 9781589796089. OCLC 1050358656.

External links

Media related to Cedar Creek, Texas at Wikimedia Commons

v t e Municipalities and communities of Bastrop County, Texas, United States
County seat: Bastrop
Cities	Bastrop Elgin‡ Mustang Ridge‡ Smithville
CDPs	Camp Swift Cedar Creek Circle D-KC Estates McDade Paige Red Rock Rosanky Wyldwood
Other communities	Alum Creek Bateman Butler Colorado Elysium Hills Prairie Jeddo Kovar Pettytown‡ Rockne Salem Sayersville Snailbrook String Prairie Swiftex Upton Utley Watterson
Ghost towns	Flower Hill Grassyville McDuff Oak Hill Phelan Pin Oak Sand
Footnotes	‡This populated place also has portions in an adjacent county or counties
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• Census-designated places in Bastrop County, Texas
• Census-designated places in Texas