San Angelo, Texas: Difference between revisions
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Revision as of 05:49, 23 October 2009
City of San Angelo | |
---|---|
Country | United States |
State | Texas |
County | Tom Green |
Government | |
• Type | Council-Manager |
• City Council | Mayor Pro Tem Jon Mark Hogg Emilio Perez-Jimenez Dwain Morrison Johnny Silvas Charlotte Farmer John David Fields |
• City Manager | Harold Dominguez |
Area | |
• Total | 150.9 km2 (58.2 sq mi) |
• Land | 144.8 km2 (55.9 sq mi) |
• Water | 6.1 km2 (2.3 sq mi) |
Elevation | 562 m (1,844 ft) |
Population (2009) | |
• Total | 91,880 |
• Density | 610.8/km2 (1,582/sq mi) |
Time zone | UTC-6 (CST) |
• Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
Area code | 325 |
FIPS code | 48-64472Template:GR |
GNIS feature ID | 1375953Template:GR |
Website | http://www.sanangelotexas.org |
San Angelo is a city in and the county seat of Tom Green County, Texas, United States,Template:GR in West Central Texas. As of 2009 according to an estimate published by the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total population of 91,880.[1] It is the 28th largest city in Texas. The San Angelo metropolitan area consists of Tom Green and Irion counties and had a population of 108,085 according to 2007 Census estimates.[2]
San Angelo is home to Angelo State University, historic Fort Concho, and Goodfellow Air Force Base.
Some common aliases or nicknames of San Angelo Include The River City, The Concho City, The Pearl of the Conchos, The Oasis of West Texas or many residents refer to it as simply "Angelo".[3]
History
In 1867 Fort Concho was established as one of a series of new forts designed to protect the frontier from hostile threats. The Fort was home to cavalry, infantry, and the famous Black Cavalry otherwise known as Buffalo Soldiers by Native Americans. The village of San Angela was established outside the fort at the juncture of the North and South Concho rivers by Bartholomew J. DeWittand. He named the village after his wife Carolina Angela. The name would change to San Angelo in 1883 on the insistence of the United States Postal Service as the original name was considered grammatically incorrect (Santa Angela or San Angelo would be grammatical). It soon became a center for farmers and settlers in the area, as well as a fairly lawless area filled with brothels, saloons and gambling houses.
The town grew quickly in the 1880s after becoming the county seat and especially after the Santa Fe Railroad arrived in 1888 and the Kansas City, Mexico and Orient in 1909. Making it a central transportation hub for the region. [4] The city saw further growth when a tuberculosis outbreak hit the United States in the early 1900s. Many felt the dry warm climate of San Angelo would benefit their health and came to the city for treatment.
In 1928, the city founded San Angelo College as a result of municipal election, founding one of the region's first institutes of higher education. The city had been passed over by the State Legislature to be the home of what would become Texas Tech University. San Angelo College, one of the first municipal colleges, has grown to become Angelo State University. The military returned to San Angelo during World War II with the founding of Goodfellow Air Force Base, which was assigned to train pilots at the time. San Angelo grew exponentially during the oil boom of the 1900s, when vast amounts of oil were found in the area and the city became a regional hub of the oil and gas industry[5][6]
Geography
San Angelo is located at 31°27′11″N 100°27′9″W / 31.45306°N 100.45250°WInvalid arguments have been passed to the {{#coordinates:}} function (31.453113, -100.452502).Template:GR According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 58.2 square miles (150.9 km²), of which, 55.9 square miles (144.8 km²) of it is land and 2.3 square miles (6.1 km²) of it (4.03%) is water.
San Angelo falls on the southwestern edge of the Edwards Plateau and the northeastern edge of the Chihuahuan desert at the juncture of the North and South Concho Rivers. The city has three lakes: Twin Buttes Reservoir, O.C. Fisher Reservoir, and Lake Nasworthy. The Middle Concho River joined the South Concho several miles upstream, but the junction has been obscured by the Twin Buttes dam.
Neighborhoods
The Bluffs is an upscale neighborhood in western San Angelo. The Bluffs is built on a hill with homes on the hill being more expensive and homes on the lower level being less expensive. Located between FM 2288 and Arden Rd.
Santa Rita is in central San Angelo. Parts of Santa Rita are upscale while other parts are medium range. Santa Rita is located in the middle of three roads, Sherwood Way, Avenue N, and Bryant Blvd.
College Hills is a medium range housing area in southwest San Angelo between Beauregard Ave, Avenue N, and Knickerbocker Rd.
Goodfellow Base Housing upscale housing for Goodfellow AFB officers. The construction began in early 2008.
Trinity Ridge is a new subdivision in southwest San Angelo with medium scale homes.
Climate
San Angelo is located at the region where Central Texas meets West Texas weather. Temperatures occasionally reach the 100's in the summer, but because of low humidity never reach a high heat index. During winters, temperatures rarely drop below 30 degrees, and though the region does experience snow and sleet, they occur only several times a year. San Angelo averages 251 days of sunshine a year, and the average temperature is 64.9 degrees. The city sees an average rainfall of 20.45 inches.[7]
Climate data for San Angelo, Texas | |||||||||||||
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Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
Source: National Weather Service[8] |
Demographics
As of the censusTemplate:GR of 2000, there were 88,439 people, 34,006 households, and 22,409 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,582.2 people per square mile (610.8/km²). There were 37,699 housing units at an average density of 674.5/sq mi (260.4/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 77.10% White, 4.73% African American, 0.65% Native American, 0.95% Asian, 0.08% Pacific Islander, 13.96% from other races, and 2.53% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 33.15% of the population.
There were 34,006 households out of which 32.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.5% were married couples living together, 12.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.1% were non-families; 28.8% of all households were made up of individuals and 11.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.48 and the average family size was 3.08.
In the city, the population was spread out with 25.8% under the age of 18, 13.8% from 18 to 24, 26.9% from 25 to 44, 19.6% from 45 to 64, and 13.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females, there were 92.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.1 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $32,232, and the median income for a family was $38,665. Males had a median income of $27,532 versus $20,470 for females. The per capita income for the city was $17,289. About 11.6% of families and 15.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 21.3% of those under age 18 and 11.5% of those age 65 or over.
Transportation
San Angelo is served by San Angelo Regional Airport, which offers daily flights through American Eagle Airlines. Intrastate and interstate bus service is provided by the Kerrville Bus Co. and Sunset Stages from the downtown Union Bus Center, as Greyhound Bus providers. Both have regularly scheduled service to major cities in Texas and nationwide.[9]
The intracity public transportation is provided by the Concho Valley Transit District, with its 5 fixed bus routes, with transfers provided at the Santa Fe station. The bus service runs from 6:30am to 6:30pm, Monday through Saturday.[10] Taxi service is always available throughout the city by Red Ball Taxi & Shuttle, Checker Cab, All American Cab and Yellow Cab.[11]
Major highways
- U.S. Highway 67
- U.S. Highway 87
- U.S. Highway 277
- State Highway 208
- File:Loop 306.svg
- Houston Harte Expressway
Economy
San Angelo has frequently been listed as one of "Best Places for Business and Careers" by Forbes Magazine, peaking at 28th in 2002, as one of "The Best Small Towns".[12] As of 2009, the unemployment rate was 5.6%.[13]
The agricultural industry in San Angelo cannot be overstated. San Angelo’s "Producer’s Livestock Auction" is the nation’s largest for sheep and lambs, and among the top 5 in the nation for cattle auctions.[14] Though most agricultural work is done outside the city, over 600 people work in the cattle and lamb meat processing industry. Hundreds more work in agriculture supporting roles inside the city.[15] Two agricultural research centers are located in San Angelo. The Angelo State University Management Instruction and Research Center[16] and the Texas A&M Texas AgriLife Research and Extension Center at San Angelo.[17]
The telecommunication industry is a strong employer in San Angelo. Sitel has its largest call center in the world located in San Angelo, employing over 1,500 people[18]. Verizon employs approximately 1,000 people at its San Angelo call center.[19]. DCS, a recovery corporation, employs over 750 people in its San Angelo offices.[20] Blue Cross Blue Shield employs over 900 people locally.
San Angelo serves as the regional medical center for West Central Texas. Shannon Medical Center[21] and Community Medical Center[22] employ over 3,000 in San Angelo, and provide services to a large region of West Central Texas.
The manufacturing industry has seen huge hits to city since the 1990s; however, many large employers still remain, including Ethicon, Conner Steel and Hircshfield Steel.[23] Martifer, a Portuguese conglomerate, is building a wind-turbine tower manufacturing plant, which is expected to be completed in late 2009.[24]
Goodfellow Air Force Base and Angelo State University are also large institutional employers in the City.
Culture
San Angelo has a rich cultural scene for a city its size. The San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts opened in 1999 in downtown San Angelo on the banks of the Concho River, built with local limestone and end grain Texas mesquite. It brings in over 85,000 visitors a year and is home to the National Ceramic Competition.[25] The Chicken Farm Art Center, located in northwest San Angelo, was founded in 1971. It houses an eclectic group of 15 artists' studios.[26] Downtown San Angelo is home to many various Art galleries. The San Angelo Art walk, held every third Thursday, includes a viewing of the various downtown art galleries in downtown San Angelo. These include The Kendall Art Gallery, Ruiz Studio, Black Swan Gallery, The Glass Prism, Bonnie Beesley Rug Gallery and the Wool 'n Cotton Shop, as well as other public art venues. A free trolley service is available to the public.[27]
The San Angelo Symphony was founded in 1949. It plays several events a year, its feature event being on July 3. Over 20,000 people regularly attend that performance.[28] Angelo Civic Theater, the oldest civic theater in Texas, was founded in 1885 to raise funds for a town clock at the county courthouse. In 1969‚ a fire destroyed the school building the theater was housed in, so it produced its plays at various locations for 13 years, until it purchased the 230 seat Parkway Theater in 1980. Each year the theater presents 5 in-house plays, as well as one traveling summer play to 15,000 people.[29] Angelo State University, through "The Arts at ASU", puts on 6 plays a year open to the general public. The plays range from dinner theaters and Theater at the Round to conventional theater productions.[30] The San Angelo Civic Ballet was founded in 1983. The feature production is the annual "Nutcracker" production.[31]
Education
Almost all of San Angelo is in the San Angelo Independent School District. Small parts of San Angelo are served by the Wall Independent School District (southeast San Angelo) and the Grape Creek Independent School District (northwest San Angelo). There are two main high schools, Central and Lake View,four middle schools and twenty-one elementary schools within San Angelo city limits. The school district as a whole was ranked as Academically Acceptable by the Texas Education Agency in 2009.[32] There are six private schools in operation in the city, certified through the 12th grade, which include the Angelo Catholic School, Cornerstone Christian School, Gateway Christian Academy, Trinity Lutheran School, Ambleside School of San Angelo and TLCA, which is now a Charter school.[33]
San Angelo is home to Angelo State University. The University, founded in 1928, has approximately 6,500 students from every county in Texas, 40 states and 24 countries. It offers almost 100 different undergraduate programs and 23 graduate programs, including 1 doctoral program. The university is divided into five colleges, Business, Education, Liberal and Fine Arts, Nursing and Allied Health, Sciences, and Graduate Studies. It is a member of the Texas Tech University System.[34][35]
San Angelo has a branch of Howard College based in Big Springs, Texas. The San Angelo campus has more than 2,000 students. The two year school prepares students academically for transfer to a four year university and concentrates in technical and occupational fields of study that lead to certificates and/or associate in applied science degrees.[36]
San Angelo is also the home of the oldest continuously-owned private career college in Texas (third oldest in America). American Commercial College is a private vocational training institution that is accredited by the national, Accrediting Commission for Independent Colleges and Schools, and is approved by the Texas Workforce Commission. Its mission is fast-tracked, no-nonsense training leading to quick entrance to the job market. American Commercial Colleges have six campuses serving Texas and Louisiana.
Parks and recreation
The San Angelo Park system was created in 1903. The city currently has 32 parks with over 375 acres of developed land. The department maintains a 33 acre municipal golf course along the river, 25 playgrounds and 25 sports practice fields. The "crown jewels" of the parks departments are the parks that make up the 10 miles of river frontage on the Concho River winding through downtown and beyond. The parks feature many plazas, public art displays and numerous water features.[37] The city is home to the International Water Lily Collection. The park contains over 300 varieties of water lilies, one of the largest collections in the world.[38] The San Angelo Nature Center features over 120 live mammals, reptiles and amphibians native to West Texas. It provides an opportunity to see native West Texas wildlife and native flora.[39] The city also provides several municipal parks on Lake Nasworthy, one of three lakes surrounding the city, which include Twin Buttes Reservoir and O.C. Fisher Reservoir.
San Angelo is also home to San Angelo State Park. The 7,677 acre park is owned and maintained by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. It is located on the shores of the O.C. Fisher Reservoir. There are many activities available within the park, including camping, picnicking, and swimming, as well as hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding on over 50 miles of developed trails. The park is home to 350 species of birds and about 50 species of mammals, showcasing the Official State of Texas Longhorn herd.[40]
Historic Fort Concho, a National Historic Landmark, is maintained by the city of San Angelo. It was founded in 1867 by the United States Army to protect settlers and maintain vital trade routes. It frequently experienced skirmishes with the then hostile Comanche tribe. Today, the restored site is home to several museums, and is open to visitors Tuesday through Sunday.[41]
Sports
San Angelo is currently home to two professional sports teams.
The San Angelo Stampede Express is an Indoor football team which was founded in 2003. They play in the Indoor Football League. Their home games are played in the 5,260 seat San Angelo Coliseum. Their regular playing season starts in April and ends in July. Ticket prices range typically from 11-25 dollars a person for adults.[42]
The San Angelo Colts are a minor league baseball team and a member of United League Baseball. The first professional team to use the Colts name was founded in 1922. The current version of the team began in 2000. Their games are played at Foster Field, a facility that seats 4,200 and was built in 1999. Ticket prices range from 6-9 dollars for adults.[43]
All Angelo State University games are open to the public. The school is a member of the NCAA Division II Lone Star Conference. The school competes in baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, soccer, softball, track & field, and volleyball. Ticket prices vary according to the sport.[44]
Media
Newspapers
The San Angelo Standard-Times is the primary daily newspaper of the city of San Angelo and the surrounding West Central Texas area.
Television
- KSAN-TV (NBC)
- KLST (CBS)
- KERA-TV (PBS)
- KTXS-TV (ABC)
- KIDY (Fox)
- KIDZ-LP (My Network TV)
- KEUS-LP (Univision)
- KANG-CA (TeleFutura)
- K45HW (Multimedios Television)
Radio
- KCRN 93.3 FM (Christian)
- KCLL 100.1 FM (Oldies)
- KCOR 1350 AM (Spanish Talk)
- KDCD 92.9 FM (Country)
- KELI 98.7 FM (Variety Hits)
- KGKL-AM 960 AM (News/Talk)
- KGKL-FM 97.5 FM (Country)
- KIXY-FM 94.7 FM (Top 40)
- KKSA 1260 AM (News/Talk)
- KGNZ 90.9 FM (Christian)
- KKCN 103.1 FM (Country)
- KNRX 96.5 FM (Classic Rock)
- KMDX 106.1 FM (Top 40)
- KMEO 91.9 FM (Christian)
- KSJT 107.5 FM (Spanish Pop/Rock)
- KUTX 90.1 FM (NPR - KUT Austin repeater)
- KWFR 101.9 FM (Classic/Modern Rock)
- WXK33 (NOAA Weather Radio)
Notable residents
- Crawford Goldsby (also known as "Cherokee Bill") was born in Fort Concho (across the Concho River from what was then San Angelo) on February 8, 1876.
- Frank "Bring'em Back Alive" Buck lived in San Angelo in the 1940s and 1950s.
- Jazz musician Jack Teagarden lived in San Angelo.
- College Football Hall of Fame member Pierce Holt attended Angelo State University and was a member of the San Francisco 49ers and Atlanta Falcons in the 1990s. He was a two-time Pro-Bowl selection.
- Actor Fess Parker grew up on a ranch near San Angelo.
- Pop singer Paula DeAnda was born in San Angelo in 1989.
- Former Major Leaguer David Hulse attended San Angelo Central High School and went on to play for the Texas Rangers and Milwaukee Brewers in the 1990s.
- Four-time Cy Young Award-winning baseball pitcher Greg Maddux was born in San Angelo.
- Musician Ernest Tubb, a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, worked for several years in San Angelo, and had a daily live music show on a local radio station prior to going to Nashville.
- Robert Nason Beck (1928 - 2008), pioneer researcher of the uses of radioactive materials like technetium-99 for medical imaging using Positron Emission Tomography, was born and has family in San Angelo.[45]
- Award-winning western writer and roustabout Elmer Kelton (1926-2009) lived in San Angelo.
- Former tennis player Cliff Richey, who won 10 singles titles in the 1970s, was born in San Angelo and currently lives there.
- Matthew McConaughey owns a ranch nearby and frequently shops in San Angelo. [40]
- Los Lonely Boys is an American Grammy-winning musical group from San Angelo that plays Tex-Mex rock with elements of blues, soul, country, and Tejano.
- Monty McCutchen American professional basketball referee in the National Basketball Association.
- Pulitzer Prize nominee and Texas A&M University professor Joe Feagin was born in San Angelo.
- Shea Morenz graduate of San Angelo Central, former University of Texas quarterback, who was drafted by the New York Yankees
- Former Screaming Trees guitarist Gary Lee Conner now resides in San Angelo.
References
- ^ San Angelo Continues growth trend
- ^ "Annual Estimates of the Population of Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical Areas: April 1, 2000 to July 1, 2007 (CBSA-EST2007-01)" (CSV). 2007 Population Estimates. United States Census Bureau, Population Division. 2008-03-27. Retrieved 2008-03-29.
{{cite web}}
: Check date values in:|date=
(help) - ^ [1]
- ^ Duke, Escal F. "San Angelo, Texas (from The Handbook of Texas Online)". Retrieved 2009-03-14.
- ^ [2]
- ^ [3]
- ^ [4]
- ^ National Weather Service San Angelo
- ^ [5]
- ^ [6]
- ^ [7]
- ^ [8]
- ^ [9]
- ^ [10]
- ^ [11]
- ^ [12]
- ^ [13]
- ^ [14]
- ^ [15]
- ^ [16]
- ^ [17]
- ^ [18]
- ^ [19]
- ^ [20]
- ^ [21]
- ^ [22]
- ^ [23]
- ^ [24]
- ^ [25]
- ^ [26]
- ^ [27]
- ^ 11 Schools Exceptional
- ^ [28]
- ^ [29]
- ^ [30]
- ^ [31]
- ^ [32]
- ^ [33]
- ^ [34]
- ^ [35]
- ^ [36]
- ^ [37]
- ^ [38]
- ^ [39]
- ^ See obituary in The New York Times, August 18, 2008