Clear Springs, Texas Explained

Official Name:Clear Springs, Texas
Mapsize:250px
Mapsize1:250px
Pushpin Map:Texas#USA
Pushpin Label:Clear Springs
Subdivision Type:Country
Subdivision Name:United States
Subdivision Type1:State
Subdivision Name1:Texas
Subdivision Type2:County
Subdivision Name2:Guadalupe
Unit Pref:Imperial
Population As Of:2000
Timezone:Central (CST)
Utc Offset:-6
Timezone Dst:CDT
Utc Offset Dst:-5
Elevation M:190
Elevation Ft:623
Coordinates:29.6761°N -98.0597°W
Area Code:830
Blank1 Name:GNIS feature ID
Blank1 Info:1384862[1]

Clear Springs is a historic settlement in Guadalupe County, Texas, United States. It is part of the San Antonio Metropolitan Statistical Area. It shares its name with the nearby Clear Springs Air Force Base.

History

German settlers first immigrated to the area in the 1840s. Clear Springs was named for the natural springs water source for the settlement, which is now covered by Lake Dunlap. The location on which Clear Springs sits had been surveyed by James Bowie.

In 1873, a cotton gin and general store were built for the processing, storage, and sale of cotton and goods. Wagon loads of cotton were brought from the region to the gin be to be weighed, sold and processed. The community had a post office in 1874 and called the location Bernhardsville. In 1875, the name was officially changed to Clear Springs.

In the 1890s, Clear Springs hosted the general store, cotton gin, and a population of 100. The post office was closed in 1906; however, the residents stayed on to support the community. In later years, the store was incorporated into a dance hall and saloon. The dance hall became a local favorite, as it was the only establishment of the kind for several miles. Clear Springs had two businesses and a school in 1946. The school was consolidated with the New Braunfels school district in the 1950s. In 1990, several businesses as well as a church served a population of 60.

The historical Clear Springs Hall and Store now houses Clear Springs Restaurant. This establishment has tried to preserve the German small town heritage and historical atmosphere of the structure itself.

Clear Springs is located just off SH 46, at the intersection of SH 46 and FM 758, nine miles northwest of Seguin in northwestern Guadalupe County.[2]

Geography

Clear Springs is located at 29.6761°N -98.0597°W (29.6760591, -98.0597292.[3] This is about 30miles east of Downtown San Antonio and 50miles south of Austin.

References

  1. Web site: US Board on Geographic Names. 2008-01-31. United States Geological Survey. 2007-10-25.
  2. Vivian Elizabeth Smyrl, "CLEAR SPRINGS, TX (GUADALUPE COUNTY)," Handbook of Texas Online http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/hnc71, accessed July 20, 2012. Published by the Texas State Historical Association.
  3. Web site: US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990. United States Census Bureau. 2011-04-23. 2011-02-12.