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{{Short description|City in Texas, US}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=November 2023}} {{Use mdy dates|date=November 2023}}
{{For|the unincorporated community formerly known as Stephensville|Lannius, Texas}}{{Infobox settlement
{{Infobox settlement
| name = Stephenville | name = Stephenville
| settlement_type = City | settlement_type = City
| image_skyline = Downtown Stephenville 2024.jpg
| nickname = The "Ville"
| image_caption = Downtown Stephenville,Texas
| motto = <!-- Images -->
| image_skyline = Stephenville Texas City Hall 2017.jpg | image_map = TXMap-doton-Stephenville.PNG
| imagesize = | mapsize = 250px
| image_caption = Stephenville City Hall | map_caption = Location of Stephenville, Texas
| image_flag = | image_map1 = Erath County Stephenville.svg
| image_seal = <!-- Maps --> | mapsize1 = 250px
<!-- Location -->
| image_map = TXMap-doton-Stephenville.PNG
| subdivision_type = Country
| mapsize = 250px
| subdivision_name = United States
| map_caption = Location of Stephenville, Texas
| subdivision_type1 = State
| image_map1 = Erath County Stephenville.svg
| subdivision_name1 = ]
| mapsize1 = 250px
| subdivision_type2 = ]
| map_caption1 = <!-- Location -->
| subdivision_name2 = ]
| subdivision_type = Country
<!-- Government -->
| subdivision_name = United States
| government_type = ]
| subdivision_type1 = State
| subdivision_name1 = ] | leader_title = ]
| leader_name = Mayor
| subdivision_type2 = ]
<!-- Area -->
| subdivision_name2 = ]
| unit_pref = Imperial

| area_footnotes = <ref name="CenPopGazetteer2019">{{cite web|title=2019 U.S. Gazetteer Files|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2019_Gazetteer/2019_gaz_place_48.txt|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=August 7, 2020}}</ref>
<!-- Government -->| government_footnotes =
| area_total_km2 = 30.85
| government_type = ]
| leader_title = ] | area_land_km2 = 30.79
| area_water_km2 = 0.06
| leader_name = Mayor Doug Svien <br/> Mark McClinton <br/> Carla Trussell <br/> Brady Pendleton <br/> Rhett Harrison <br/> Alan Nix <br/> Sherry Zachery <br/> Brandon Huckabee
| area_total_sq_mi = 11.91
| leader_title1 = ]
| leader_name1 = Allen L. Barnes | area_land_sq_mi = 11.89
| established_title = | area_water_sq_mi = 0.02
<!-- Population -->
| established_date =
| population_as_of = ]
| website =
| population_total = 20897

| population_density_km2 = 556.1
<!-- Area -->| unit_pref = Imperial
| area_footnotes = <ref name="CenPopGazetteer2019">{{cite web|title=2019 U.S. Gazetteer Files|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2019_Gazetteer/2019_gaz_place_48.txt|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=August 7, 2020}}</ref>
| area_magnitude =
| area_total_km2 = 30.85
| area_land_km2 = 30.79
| area_water_km2 = 0.06
| area_total_sq_mi = 11.91
| area_land_sq_mi = 11.89
| area_water_sq_mi = 0.02

<!-- Population -->| population_as_of = ]
| population_footnotes =
| population_total = 20897
| pop_est_as_of =
| population_est =
| population_density_km2 = 556.1
| population_density_sq_mi = 1440.4 | population_density_sq_mi = 1440.4
<!-- General information -->

<!-- General information -->| timezone = ] | timezone = ]
| utc_offset = -6 | utc_offset = -6
| timezone_DST = CDT | timezone_DST = CDT
| utc_offset_DST = -5 | utc_offset_DST = -5
| elevation_footnotes = | elevation_footnotes = <ref name=gnis/>
| elevation_m = 388 | elevation_ft = 1342
| coordinates = {{coord|32|12|35|N|98|14|15|W|region:US_type:city|display=inline,title}}
| elevation_ft = 1273
| postal_code_type = ]s
| coordinates = {{coord|32|13|13|N|98|12|49|W|region:US_type:city|display=inline,title}}
| postal_code_type = ]s | postal_code = 76401-76402
| postal_code = 76401-76402 | area_code = ]
| area_code = ] | blank_name = ]
| blank_info = 48-70208<ref name="GR2">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=]|access-date=January 31, 2008|title=U.S. Census website}}</ref>
| blank_name = ]
| blank1_name = ] feature ID
| blank_info = 48-70208<ref name="GR2">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=]|access-date=January 31, 2008|title=U.S. Census website}}</ref>
| blank1_info = 2411977<ref name=gnis>{{GNIS|2411977}}</ref>
| blank1_name = ] feature ID
| website =
| blank1_info = 1347894<ref name="GR3">{{cite web|url=http://geonames.usgs.gov|access-date=January 31, 2008|title=US Board on Geographic Names|publisher=]|date=October 25, 2007}}</ref>
| footnotes =
| pop_est_footnotes =
}} }}


'''Stephenville''' is a city in, and the ] of, ], United States.<ref name="GR6">{{cite web|url=http://www.naco.org/Counties/Pages/FindACounty.aspx|access-date=June 7, 2011|title=Find a County|publisher=National Association of Counties}}</ref> It is on the ], which forms nearby. Founded in 1854, it is home to ]. As of the ], the city's population was 20,847, and it is the principal city in the Stephenville Micropolitan Statistical Area. Stephenville is among several communities that call themselves the "Cowboy Capital of the World".<ref name="STVB">{{cite web |title=Stephenville – The Cowboy Capital of the World |url=https://visitstephenville.com/2020/09/01/stephenville-the-cowboy-capital-of-the-world/ |website=visitstephenville.com |publisher=Stephenville Tourism & Visitors Bureau |access-date=August 11, 2023}}</ref> '''Stephenville''' is a city and ] of ], United States.<ref name="GR6">{{cite web|url=http://www.naco.org/Counties/Pages/FindACounty.aspx|access-date=June 7, 2011|title=Find a County|publisher=National Association of Counties}}</ref> It is on the ], which forms nearby. Founded in 1854, it is home to ]. <ref name="STVB">{{cite web |date=September 2020 |title=Stephenville – The Cowboy Capital of the World |url=https://visitstephenville.com/2020/09/01/stephenville-the-cowboy-capital-of-the-world/ |access-date=August 11, 2023 |website=visitstephenville.com |publisher=Stephenville Tourism & Visitors Bureau}}</ref> Stephenville is a small town located in Central Texas, as of the ], the city's population was 20,847, and it is the principal city in the Stephenville Micropolitan Statistical Area. Stephenville is among several communities that call themselves the "Cowboy Capital of the World".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://visitstephenville.com/2020/09/01/stephenville-the-cowboy-capital-of-the-world/|title=
Stephenville – The Cowboy Capital of the World|website=visitstephenville.com}}</ref>


Stephenville is a small town located in East Texas. The founder of Stephenville is John M. Stephen, who came to Stephenville back in 1854


==History== ==History==
] ]
Stephenville is named after John M. Stephen, who settled there in 1854, and donated the land for the townsite laid out by ] when the county was organized in 1856. In the first two years of its settlement, the population increased to 776. The population then declined until 1871, because the townsite was in ] territory and raids were common, and because the hardships of the ] led citizens to leave. The population grew after Stephenville became an agriculture and livestock center. Coal mining also became important to the area in 1886, and was a major segment of the economy for the 30 years.<ref name="TSHA">{{cite web |last1=Young |first1=Dan M. |title=Stephenville, TX |url=https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/stephenville-tx |website=tshaonline.org |publisher=Texas State Historical Association |access-date=August 11, 2023}}</ref> Stephenville is founded by and named after John M. Stephen, who settled there in 1854, and donated the land for the townsite laid out by ] when the county was organized in 1856. In the first two years of its settlement, the population increased to 776. The population then declined until 1871, because the townsite was in ] territory and raids were common, and because the hardships of the ] led citizens to leave. The population grew after Stephenville became an agriculture and livestock center. Coal mining also became important to the area in 1886, and was a major segment of the economy for the 30 years.<ref name="TSHA">{{cite web |last1=Young |first1=Dan M. |title=Stephenville, TX |url=https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/stephenville-tx |website=tshaonline.org |publisher=Texas State Historical Association |access-date=August 11, 2023}}</ref>


Stephenville was incorporated in 1889, with the arrival of the ]. In the 1890s, many of the buildings around the town square were built, ] opened, and the community's two newspapers merged to become the ''Empire-Tribune'', which is still in operation. In February 1907, the ] was chartered by Stephenville and ] business interests, which sold the line in 1910 to the ] system. In the 20th century, industry became an important part of Stephenville, and the population has steadily increased since the 1920s.<ref name="TSHA" /> Stephenville was incorporated in 1889, with the arrival of the ]. In the 1890s, many of the buildings around the town square were built, ] opened, and the community's two newspapers merged to become the ''Empire-Tribune'', which is still in operation. In February 1907, the ] was chartered by Stephenville and ] business interests, which sold the line in 1910 to the ] system. In the 20th century, industry became an important part of Stephenville, and the population has steadily increased since the 1920s.<ref name="TSHA" />


=== Stephenville lights ===
In January 2008, dozens of people in Stephenville reported seeing patterns of lights in the night sky. Some described it as a single large ].<ref> National Public Radio, "All Things Considered" – January 16, 2008.</ref><ref> Archival of "Dozens Claim They Spotted UFO in Texas] National Public Radio, "All Things Considered" – January 16, 2008."</ref> The ] issued a statement from the ] that jets from the ] were in military airspace designated for training during the time people reported seeing the lights.<ref name="CNN">{{cite web |last1=Mount |first1=Mike |title=UFOs? Nope. They were fighter jets, Air Force says |url=https://www.cnn.com/2008/US/01/23/airforce.ufo/index.html |publisher=] |access-date=August 11, 2023}}</ref> The F-16s had been engaged in training maneuvers and dropping counter-measure flares used to confuse heat-seeking missiles.<ref name="SI">{{cite web |last1=McGaha |first1=James |last2=Nickell |first2=Joe |title=Alien Lights? At Phoenix, Stephenville, and Elsewhere: A Postmortem |url=https://skepticalinquirer.org/2015/03/alien-lights-at-phoenix-stephenville-and-elsewhere-a-postmortem/ |website=skepticalinquirer.org |publisher=] From: Volume 39, No. March 2 / April 2015 |access-date=August 11, 2023}}</ref> Following news reports of the UFO sighting, "media calls came from all over the world", and local police Constable Lee Roy Gaitan gave more than 100 interviews. The town reacted in a "UFO frenzy"; T-shirts proclaiming the town "Alien Capital of the World" and "Erath County -- the New Roswell", were rushed into production, and the local high school suddenly received $7,000 for college scholarships.<ref name="LAtimes">{{cite web |last1=Gellene |first1=Denise |title=How UFOs took over a town |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2008-jun-14-sci-ufo14-story.html |work=] |access-date=August 11, 2023}}</ref>
In January 2008, dozens of people in Stephenville reported seeing patterns of lights in the night sky, which were eventually discovered to have been caused by a military training maneuver. Some described it as a single large ].<ref> National Public Radio, "All Things Considered" – January 16, 2008.</ref><ref> Archival of "Dozens Claim They Spotted UFO in Texas] National Public Radio, "All Things Considered" – January 16, 2008."</ref> The ] issued a statement from the ] that jets from the ] were in military airspace designated for training during the time people reported seeing the lights.<ref name="CNN">{{cite web |last1=Mount |first1=Mike |title=UFOs? Nope. They were fighter jets, Air Force says |url=https://www.cnn.com/2008/US/01/23/airforce.ufo/index.html |publisher=] |access-date=August 11, 2023}}</ref> The F-16s had been engaged in training maneuvers and dropping counter-measure flares used to confuse heat-seeking missiles.<ref name="SI">{{cite web |last1=McGaha |first1=James |last2=Nickell |first2=Joe |title=Alien Lights? At Phoenix, Stephenville, and Elsewhere: A Postmortem |url=https://skepticalinquirer.org/2015/03/alien-lights-at-phoenix-stephenville-and-elsewhere-a-postmortem/ |website=skepticalinquirer.org |date=March 2015 |publisher=] From: Volume 39, No. March 2 / April 2015 |access-date=August 11, 2023}}</ref> Following news reports of the UFO sighting, "media calls came from all over the world", and local police Constable Lee Roy Gaitan gave more than 100 interviews. The town reacted in a "UFO frenzy"; T-shirts proclaiming the town "Alien Capital of the World" and "Erath County -- the New Roswell", were rushed into production, and the local high school suddenly received $7,000 for college scholarships.<ref name="LAtimes">{{cite web |last1=Gellene |first1=Denise |title=How UFOs took over a town |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2008-jun-14-sci-ufo14-story.html |work=] |date=June 14, 2008 |access-date=August 11, 2023}}</ref>


==Geography== ==Geography==


According to the ], the city has an area of {{convert|11.89|sqmi|km2}}, of which {{convert|11.89|sqmi|km2}} are land and {{convert|0.04|sqmi|km2}} is covered by water. According to the ], the city has an area of {{convert|11.89|sqmi|km2}}, of which {{convert|11.89|sqmi|km2}} are land and {{convert|0.04|sqmi|km2}} is covered by water.{{Citation needed|date=July 2024}}


Stephenville is served by three major US highways – ], ], and ] (the last of which joins US Hwy 377). Stephenville is served by three major US highways – ], ], and ] (the last of which joins US Hwy 377).{{Citation needed|date=July 2024}}


===Climate=== ===Climate===


The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. According to the ] system, Stephenville has a ], ''Cfa'' on climate maps.<ref></ref> The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. According to the ] system, Stephenville has a ], with the abbreviation ''Cfa''.<ref></ref>


{{Weather box {{Weather box
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| |
|} |}
As of the ], the town had a population of 20.9k people with a median age of 25.7 and a median household income of $48,602. 95.5% of residents are U.S. citizens. Over one year, it's median household income grew from $47,161 to $48,602, a 3.06% increase. Ethic groups in Stephenville include White (Non-Hispanic) (75.6%), White (Hispanic) (12.7%), Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) (3.29%), Other (Hispanic) (2.68%), and Two+ (Non-Hispanic) (2.11%). No households reported speaking a non-English language at home as their primary shared language. This does not consider potential multi-lingual situations, but only the primary self-reported language spoken by all members of the household. Universities include Tarleton State University (3,536 degrees awarded in 2021). In 2020, the median property value was $153,400, and the homeownership rate was 45.9%. The average reported commute time was 16.1 minutes, and average car ownership was 2 cars per household.<ref name="DataUSA">{{cite web |title=Stephenville, TX |url=https://datausa.io/profile/geo/stephenville-tx/ |website=datausa.io |publisher=] |access-date=August 11, 2023}}</ref> As of the ], the town had a population of 20.9k people with a median age of 25.7 and a median household income of $48,602. 95.5% of residents are U.S. citizens. Over one year, it's median household income grew from $47,161 to $48,602, a 3.06% increase. Ethnic groups in Stephenville include White (Non-Hispanic) (75.6%), White (Hispanic) (12.7%), Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) (3.29%), Other (Hispanic) (2.68%), and Two+ (Non-Hispanic) (2.11%). No households reported speaking a non-English language at home as their primary shared language. This does not consider potential multi-lingual situations, but only the primary self-reported language spoken by all members of the household. Universities include Tarleton State University (3,536 degrees awarded in 2021). In 2020, the median property value was $153,400, and the homeownership rate was 45.9%. The average reported commute time was 16.1 minutes, and average car ownership was 2 cars per household.<ref name="DataUSA">{{cite web |title=Stephenville, TX |url=https://datausa.io/profile/geo/stephenville-tx/ |website=datausa.io |publisher=] |access-date=August 11, 2023}}</ref>


==Education== ==Education==
Stephenville is served by the ], and two colleges: ] and ].{{Citation needed|date=July 2024}}

===Public library===

* Stephenville Public Library<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.stephenvilletx.gov/city-services/library/|publisher=City of Stephenville|access-date=April 12, 2018|title=Library}}</ref>

===Public schools===

* ]
** ] (grades 9–12)
** Henderson Jr. High School (grades 7–8)
** Gilbert Intermediate School (grades 5–6)
** Hook Elementary School (grades 3–4)
** Chamberlin Elementary School (grades 1–2)
** Central Elementary School (grades Pre-K–K)
** Huston Academy (grades 7–12) (previously Erath Excels! Academy)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hustonacademy.com/|publisher=Huston Academy|access-date=April 12, 2018|title=Huston Academy}}</ref>

===Postsecondary education===

* ] (member of the ])
* ] (Erath County Center)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rangercollege.edu/our-campuses/erath-county-center/|publisher=]|access-date=April 12, 2018|title=Erath County Center}}</ref>


==Notable people== ==Notable people==
Line 356: Line 320:
* ],<ref>{{cite news |title=Houston's Briles set to interview at Baylor |url=http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/headline/sports/5330659.html |work=Houston Chronicle }}</ref> former football coach at Baylor University * ],<ref>{{cite news |title=Houston's Briles set to interview at Baylor |url=http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/headline/sports/5330659.html |work=Houston Chronicle }}</ref> former football coach at Baylor University
* ] Recording artist, cofounder of ] born in Stephenville * ] Recording artist, cofounder of ] born in Stephenville
* Bradley Cadenhead, founder of ], the name of which refers to Stephenville’s ZIP codes.
* ], American country rock band
* ] (newspaper writer), born in Stephenville * ] (newspaper writer), born in Stephenville
* ],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.yourstephenvilletx.com/news/20181125/storyteller-erath-native-exploring-expanse-of-possibilities-in-film-world|title=Storyteller: Erath native exploring 'expanse of possibilities' in film world|last=Wilson|first=Mark|website=Stephenville Empire-Tribune|language=en|access-date=2019-07-16}}</ref> television producer and writer * ],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.yourstephenvilletx.com/news/20181125/storyteller-erath-native-exploring-expanse-of-possibilities-in-film-world|title=Storyteller: Erath native exploring 'expanse of possibilities' in film world|last=Wilson|first=Mark|website=Stephenville Empire-Tribune|language=en|access-date=2019-07-16}}</ref> television producer and writer
* ], professional baseball player, graduated from Stephenville High School<ref>{{Cite web|last=Wilson|first=Mark|title=Holt honored with retirement of SHS baseball jersey No. 1|url=https://www.yourstephenvilletx.com/sports/20200102/holt-honored-with-retirement-of-shs-baseball-jersey-no-1|access-date=2021-08-11|website=Stephenville Empire-Tribune|language=en}}</ref> * ], professional baseball player, graduated from Stephenville High School<ref>{{Cite web|last=Wilson|first=Mark|title=Holt honored with retirement of SHS baseball jersey No. 1|url=https://www.yourstephenvilletx.com/sports/20200102/holt-honored-with-retirement-of-shs-baseball-jersey-no-1|access-date=2021-08-11|website=Stephenville Empire-Tribune|language=en}}</ref>
* ], singer-songwriter, lived on a Stephenville ranch.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.texasmonthly.com/articles/ty-murrays-saddle-house/|title=Ty Murray's Saddle House|work=Texas Monthly|date=January 20, 2013|access-date=April 25, 2018}}</ref>
* ], American country rock band
* ], singer-songwriter, lived on a Stephenville ranch while married to ].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.texasmonthly.com/articles/ty-murrays-saddle-house/|title=Ty Murray's Saddle House|work=Texas Monthly|date=January 20, 2013|access-date=April 25, 2018}}</ref> She refers to the town in the song "Stephenville, TX".
* ], NFL quarterback * ], NFL quarterback
* ], world champion bull rider<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.star-telegram.com/sports/article237187043.html |title=Jess Lockwood wins second Professional Bull Riders title in 3 years at World Finals |work=Star-Telegram|access-date=Nov 12, 2019 }}</ref> * ], world champion bull rider<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.star-telegram.com/sports/article237187043.html |title=Jess Lockwood wins second Professional Bull Riders title in 3 years at World Finals |work=Star-Telegram|access-date=Nov 12, 2019 }}</ref>
* ], professional ] ] * ], world champion bull rider
* ],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www-stage.pbr.com/en/about/officers.aspx |title=Professional Bull Riders – PBR Officers |access-date=May 18, 2017 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222191216/http://www-stage.pbr.com/en/about/officers.aspx |archive-date=February 22, 2014 }}</ref> world champion rodeo cowboy * ], world champion rodeo cowboy<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www-stage.pbr.com/en/about/officers.aspx |title=Professional Bull Riders – PBR Officers |access-date=May 18, 2017 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222191216/http://www-stage.pbr.com/en/about/officers.aspx |archive-date=February 22, 2014 }}</ref>
* ], newspaperman, founder of '']'', editor, managing editor, or special writer at "more than a dozen Texas dailies and weeklies." West End Cemetery<ref name="Nixon">{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/?clipping_id=19556720&fcfToken=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJmcmVlLXZpZXctaWQiOjM5NzkxNTk5MSwiaWF0IjoxNTU0NjA4NTYyLCJleHAiOjE1NTQ2OTQ5NjJ9.g8sYKoPF93l05M2pRKS_i3DlmYYd_T8ANWxQsr4movU|title=Constitution's Founder Fought for Georgia with Pen and Sword|newspaper=The Atlanta Constitution|first=Raymond B.|last=Nixon|date=June 17, 1945|access-date=April 7, 2019}}</ref> * ], newspaperman, founder of '']''<ref name="Nixon">{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/?clipping_id=19556720&fcfToken=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJmcmVlLXZpZXctaWQiOjM5NzkxNTk5MSwiaWF0IjoxNTU0NjA4NTYyLCJleHAiOjE1NTQ2OTQ5NjJ9.g8sYKoPF93l05M2pRKS_i3DlmYYd_T8ANWxQsr4movU|title=Constitution's Founder Fought for Georgia with Pen and Sword|newspaper=The Atlanta Constitution|first=Raymond B.|last=Nixon|date=June 17, 1945|access-date=April 7, 2019}}</ref>
* ], professional football player * ], professional football player

==Notes==
{{notelist}}


==References== ==References==
{{reflist}} {{reflist}}
{{notelist}}


==External links== ==External links==
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{{Erath County, Texas}} {{Erath County, Texas}}
{{Texas}}
{{Texas county seats}} {{Texas county seats}}
{{Authority control}} {{Authority control}}

Latest revision as of 05:22, 14 December 2024

City in Texas, US

For the unincorporated community formerly known as Stephensville, see Lannius, Texas.City in Texas, United States
Stephenville
City
Downtown Stephenville,TexasDowntown Stephenville,Texas
Location of Stephenville, TexasLocation of Stephenville, Texas
Location of Stephenville
Coordinates: 32°12′35″N 98°14′15″W / 32.20972°N 98.23750°W / 32.20972; -98.23750
CountryUnited States
StateTexas
CountyErath
Government
 • TypeCouncil-Manager
 • City CouncilMayor
Area
 • Total11.91 sq mi (30.85 km)
 • Land11.89 sq mi (30.79 km)
 • Water0.02 sq mi (0.06 km)
Elevation1,342 ft (409 m)
Population
 • Total20,897
 • Density1,440.4/sq mi (556.1/km)
Time zoneUTC-6 (Central (CST))
 • Summer (DST)UTC-5 (CDT)
ZIP codes76401-76402
Area code254
FIPS code48-70208
GNIS feature ID2411977
WebsiteStephenville, Texas

Stephenville is a city and county seat of Erath County, Texas, United States. It is on the North Bosque River, which forms nearby. Founded in 1854, it is home to Tarleton State University. Stephenville is a small town located in Central Texas, as of the 2020 census, the city's population was 20,847, and it is the principal city in the Stephenville Micropolitan Statistical Area. Stephenville is among several communities that call themselves the "Cowboy Capital of the World".

History

Presbyterian Church at the Stephenville Historical Museum

Stephenville is founded by and named after John M. Stephen, who settled there in 1854, and donated the land for the townsite laid out by George B. Erath when the county was organized in 1856. In the first two years of its settlement, the population increased to 776. The population then declined until 1871, because the townsite was in Comanche territory and raids were common, and because the hardships of the American Civil War led citizens to leave. The population grew after Stephenville became an agriculture and livestock center. Coal mining also became important to the area in 1886, and was a major segment of the economy for the 30 years.

Stephenville was incorporated in 1889, with the arrival of the Fort Worth and Rio Grande Railway. In the 1890s, many of the buildings around the town square were built, Tarleton State University opened, and the community's two newspapers merged to become the Empire-Tribune, which is still in operation. In February 1907, the Stephenville North and South Texas Railway was chartered by Stephenville and Hamilton business interests, which sold the line in 1910 to the St. Louis Southwestern Railway of Texas system. In the 20th century, industry became an important part of Stephenville, and the population has steadily increased since the 1920s.

Stephenville lights

In January 2008, dozens of people in Stephenville reported seeing patterns of lights in the night sky, which were eventually discovered to have been caused by a military training maneuver. Some described it as a single large unidentified flying object. The Air Force Reserve issued a statement from the NAS Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base that jets from the 457th Fighter Squadron were in military airspace designated for training during the time people reported seeing the lights. The F-16s had been engaged in training maneuvers and dropping counter-measure flares used to confuse heat-seeking missiles. Following news reports of the UFO sighting, "media calls came from all over the world", and local police Constable Lee Roy Gaitan gave more than 100 interviews. The town reacted in a "UFO frenzy"; T-shirts proclaiming the town "Alien Capital of the World" and "Erath County -- the New Roswell", were rushed into production, and the local high school suddenly received $7,000 for college scholarships.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has an area of 11.89 square miles (30.8 km), of which 11.89 square miles (30.8 km) are land and 0.04 square miles (0.10 km) is covered by water.

Stephenville is served by three major US highways – US Highway 377, US Highway 281, and US Highway 67 (the last of which joins US Hwy 377).

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, Stephenville has a humid subtropical climate, with the abbreviation Cfa.

Climate data for Stephenville, Texas (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1921–1932, 1941–present)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °F (°C) 87
(31) 		96
(36) 		95
(35) 		103
(39) 		103
(39) 		109
(43) 		111
(44) 		110
(43) 		110
(43) 		103
(39) 		92
(33) 		89
(32) 		111
(44)
Mean maximum °F (°C) 78.2
(25.7) 		82.3
(27.9) 		86.3
(30.2) 		90.8
(32.7) 		94.3
(34.6) 		97.9
(36.6) 		101.5
(38.6) 		101.8
(38.8) 		97.8
(36.6) 		92.2
(33.4) 		83.3
(28.5) 		78.7
(25.9) 		103.5
(39.7)
Mean daily maximum °F (°C) 59.1
(15.1) 		63.1
(17.3) 		70.4
(21.3) 		78.6
(25.9) 		85.6
(29.8) 		93.1
(33.9) 		97.3
(36.3) 		97.6
(36.4) 		90.2
(32.3) 		80.5
(26.9) 		68.8
(20.4) 		60.5
(15.8) 		78.7
(25.9)
Daily mean °F (°C) 45.0
(7.2) 		49.0
(9.4) 		56.4
(13.6) 		64.4
(18.0) 		72.7
(22.6) 		80.4
(26.9) 		84.0
(28.9) 		83.6
(28.7) 		76.3
(24.6) 		66.0
(18.9) 		54.9
(12.7) 		46.8
(8.2) 		65.0
(18.3)
Mean daily minimum °F (°C) 30.9
(−0.6) 		34.9
(1.6) 		42.4
(5.8) 		50.2
(10.1) 		59.9
(15.5) 		67.6
(19.8) 		70.6
(21.4) 		69.6
(20.9) 		62.5
(16.9) 		51.5
(10.8) 		41.1
(5.1) 		33.1
(0.6) 		51.2
(10.7)
Mean minimum °F (°C) 19.0
(−7.2) 		21.4
(−5.9) 		25.8
(−3.4) 		35.3
(1.8) 		45.4
(7.4) 		59.0
(15.0) 		65.3
(18.5) 		63.4
(17.4) 		50.1
(10.1) 		36.1
(2.3) 		25.9
(−3.4) 		20.0
(−6.7) 		15.0
(−9.4)
Record low °F (°C) −2
(−19) 		0
(−18) 		9
(−13) 		25
(−4) 		36
(2) 		51
(11) 		50
(10) 		50
(10) 		33
(1) 		21
(−6) 		11
(−12) 		−8
(−22) 		−8
(−22)
Average precipitation inches (mm) 1.84
(47) 		2.16
(55) 		2.82
(72) 		2.91
(74) 		4.97
(126) 		3.33
(85) 		1.99
(51) 		2.96
(75) 		3.32
(84) 		3.32
(84) 		2.33
(59) 		2.18
(55) 		34.13
(867)
Average snowfall inches (cm) 0.4
(1.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.3
(0.76) 		0.7
(1.8)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 in) 6.1 6.4 7.7 5.8 7.9 6.0 4.9 5.2 5.9 7.1 5.7 5.6 74.3
Average snowy days (≥ 0.1 in) 0.3 0.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.2 0.7
Source: NOAA

Demographics

Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
1860120—
1880725—
189090925.4%
19001,902109.2%
19102,56134.6%
19203,89151.9%
19303,9441.4%
19404,76820.9%
19507,15550.1%
19607,3592.9%
19709,27726.1%
198011,88128.1%
199013,50213.6%
200014,92110.5%
201017,12314.8%
202020,89722.0%
U.S. Decennial Census
Historical House Museum in Stephenville is an 1869 Victorian home with period furnishings and relics of area history, and a carriage house and a reconstructed log cabin.

2020 census

Stephenville racial composition
(NH = Non-Hispanic)
Race Number Percentage
White (NH) 14,257 68.23%
Black or African American (NH) 1,122 5.37%
Native American or Alaska Native (NH) 98 0.47%
Asian (NH) 279 1.34%
Pacific Islander (NH) 6 0.03%
Some Other Race (NH) 44 0.21%
Mixed/Multi-Racial (NH) 749 3.58%
Hispanic or Latino 4,342 20.78%
Total 20,897

As of the 2020 United States census, the town had a population of 20.9k people with a median age of 25.7 and a median household income of $48,602. 95.5% of residents are U.S. citizens. Over one year, it's median household income grew from $47,161 to $48,602, a 3.06% increase. Ethnic groups in Stephenville include White (Non-Hispanic) (75.6%), White (Hispanic) (12.7%), Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) (3.29%), Other (Hispanic) (2.68%), and Two+ (Non-Hispanic) (2.11%). No households reported speaking a non-English language at home as their primary shared language. This does not consider potential multi-lingual situations, but only the primary self-reported language spoken by all members of the household. Universities include Tarleton State University (3,536 degrees awarded in 2021). In 2020, the median property value was $153,400, and the homeownership rate was 45.9%. The average reported commute time was 16.1 minutes, and average car ownership was 2 cars per household.

Education

Stephenville is served by the Stephenville Independent School District, and two colleges: Tarleton State University and Ranger College.

Notable people

Notes

  1. 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 can be of any race.

References

  1. "2019 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved August 7, 2020.
  2. ^ U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Stephenville, Texas
  3. "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
  4. "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  5. "Stephenville – The Cowboy Capital of the World". visitstephenville.com. Stephenville Tourism & Visitors Bureau. September 2020. Retrieved August 11, 2023.
  6. "Stephenville – The Cowboy Capital of the World". visitstephenville.com.
  7. ^ Young, Dan M. "Stephenville, TX". tshaonline.org. Texas State Historical Association. Retrieved August 11, 2023.
  8. Dozens Claim They Spotted UFO in Texas National Public Radio, "All Things Considered" – January 16, 2008.
  9. NPR archive link, archived August 7, 2023. Archival of "Dozens Claim They Spotted UFO in Texas] National Public Radio, "All Things Considered" – January 16, 2008."
  10. Mount, Mike. "UFOs? Nope. They were fighter jets, Air Force says". CNN. Retrieved August 11, 2023.
  11. McGaha, James; Nickell, Joe (March 2015). "Alien Lights? At Phoenix, Stephenville, and Elsewhere: A Postmortem". skepticalinquirer.org. Skeptical Inquirer From: Volume 39, No. March 2 / April 2015. Retrieved August 11, 2023.
  12. Gellene, Denise (June 14, 2008). "How UFOs took over a town". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved August 11, 2023.
  13. Climate Summary for Stephenville, Texas
  14. "NOWData – NOAA Online Weather Data". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved November 11, 2023.
  15. "Summary of Monthly Normals 1991–2020". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved November 11, 2023.
  16. "Census of Population and Housing". Census.gov. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
  17. "Explore Census Data". data.census.gov. Retrieved May 21, 2022.
  18. https://www.census.gov/
  19. "About the Hispanic Population and its Origin". census.gov. Retrieved May 18, 2022.
  20. "Stephenville, TX". datausa.io. Data USA. Retrieved August 11, 2023.
  21. Hernandez, Lezlie (September 2, 2021). "Spotlight on Jessie G. Beach, Smithsonian Department of Paleobiology Staff Member". Smithsonian Libraries and Archives.
  22. "Houston's Briles set to interview at Baylor". Houston Chronicle.
  23. Wilson, Mark. "Storyteller: Erath native exploring 'expanse of possibilities' in film world". Stephenville Empire-Tribune. Retrieved July 16, 2019.
  24. Wilson, Mark. "Holt honored with retirement of SHS baseball jersey No. 1". Stephenville Empire-Tribune. Retrieved August 11, 2021.
  25. "Ty Murray's Saddle House". Texas Monthly. January 20, 2013. Retrieved April 25, 2018.
  26. "Jess Lockwood wins second Professional Bull Riders title in 3 years at World Finals". Star-Telegram. Retrieved November 12, 2019.
  27. "Professional Bull Riders – PBR Officers". Archived from the original on February 22, 2014. Retrieved May 18, 2017.
  28. Nixon, Raymond B. (June 17, 1945). "Constitution's Founder Fought for Georgia with Pen and Sword". The Atlanta Constitution. Retrieved April 7, 2019.

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County seat: Stephenville
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