Charlie, Texas Explained

Official Name:Charlie, Texas
Settlement Type:Unincorporated community
Pushpin Map:Texas#USA
Pushpin Label:Charlie
Pushpin Label Position:top
Subdivision Type:Country
Subdivision Name:United States
Subdivision Type1:State
Subdivision Name1:Texas
Subdivision Type2:County
Subdivision Name2:Clay
Population As Of:2000
Population Total:65
Timezone:Central (CST)
Elevation Ft:945
Coordinates:34.0961°N -98.3156°W
Postal Code Type:ZIP
Postal Code:76305
Area Code:940
Blank Name:GNIS feature ID
Blank Info:1379535

Charlie is an unincorporated community in northern Clay County, Texas, United States. According to the Handbook of Texas, the community had a population of 65 in 2000. It is located within the Wichita Falls metropolitan area.

History

In 1878, the name Big Wichita Valley was given to the community when Henry T. Dunn constructed a store situated south of the Red River. Charlie Taylor bought the store from Dunn later, and the location became known as Charlie almost instantly. The store served as a well-liked commercial hub for county ranchers, farmers, and some Indians from the neighboring Indian Territory (later Oklahoma) for many years. A post office was established in the village in 1882. Charlie had more than 200 residents by the middle of the 1920s. However, the community's population fell after World War II and the Great Depression. After 1930, the Charlie post office closed. A population estimate of 65 people lived in the town in 2000, based on data from the early 1970s. The population went up to 90 in 2010.

On April 30, 2019, an EF1 tornado struck the town of Dean going north toward Charlie. Trees, two outbuildings, and a house were damaged. A mobile home was also unroofed.[1] A year later, on May 22, 2020, another tornado hit. Multiple storm chasers observed this tornado. Utility poles were damaged on FM 1740.[2]

Geography

Charlie is located at the intersection of Farm to Market Roads 810 and 171, 21miles northwest of Henrietta, 9miles northwest of Petrolia, and 18miles northeast of Wichita Falls in northwestern Clay County.[3]

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, Charlie has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.[4]

Education

Charlie is served by the Petrolia Independent School District.

Notable person

Notes and References

  1. National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office in Norman, Oklahoma. Texas Event Report: EF1 Tornado. National Centers for Environmental Information. 2019. December 21, 2019.
  2. National Centers for Environmental Information. Storm Events Database May 22, 2020. National Centers for Environmental Information. August 22, 2020.
  3. Web site: Charlie, Texas . Texas Escapes Online Magazine . 2024-06-10.
  4. http://www.weatherbase.com/weather/weather-summary.php3?s=594757&cityname=Charlie%2C+Texas%2C+United+States+of+America&units= Climate Summary for Charlie, Texas
  5. Web site: Charlie, Texas, clown after 3rd bullfighter title. The Oklahoman. Volney. Meece. December 2, 1983. January 10, 2022.