Macdona, Texas Explained

Coordinates:29.3205°N -98.6973°W
Subdivision Type:Country
Subdivision Name:United States
Subdivision Type1:State
Subdivision Name1:Texas
Subdivision Type2:County
Subdivision Name2:Bexar
Unit Pref:US
Elevation Ft:630
Population Density Sq Mi:auto
Blank1 Name:GNIS feature ID
Blank1 Info:2586958

Macdona is an unincorporated community and census-designated place in Bexar County, Texas, United States. As of the 2010 census, it had a population of 559.[1] Macdona lies along the Union Pacific rail line near Loop 1604 in southwest Bexar County. It is part of the San Antonio Metropolitan Statistical Area.

History

Macdona was named for George Macdona, an Englishman, who owned the townsite.[2] The first recorded sale of town lots was dated July 7, 1886. The Macdona post office (78054) opened in 1886. On September 1, 1909, the Artesian Belt opened a 42miles line between Macdona and Christine.[3] In 2000, Macdona was reported to have 297 persons. The town is part of the 210 and 726 area code districts.

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

2004 train derailment and chlorine gas poisoning

On June 28, 2004, a crash between BNSF and Union Pacific Railroad trains in Macdona resulted in the release of of liquid chlorine, which immediately vaporized into a cloud of chlorine gas that spread over a radius of at least . Three people, the UP train conductor and two residents, died and at least 40 others were injured.[5]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Geographic Identifiers: 2010 Demographic Profile Data (G001): Macdona CDP, Texas. https://archive.today/20200212204450/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_DP/G001/1600000US4845576. dead. February 12, 2020. U.S. Census Bureau, American Factfinder. April 15, 2014.
  2. https://tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/hwm01 Handbook of Texas Online - MACDONA, TX
  3. https://tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/eqa07 Handbook of Texas Online – ARTESIAN BELT RAILROAD
  4. http://www.weatherbase.com/weather/weather-summary.php3?s=535227&cityname=Macdona%2C+Texas%2C+United+States+of+America&units= Climate Summary for Macdona, Texas
  5. Book: Collision of Union Pacific Railroad train MHOTU-23 with BNSF Railway Company train MEAP-TUL-126-D with subsequent derailment and hazardous materials release, Macdona, Texas, June 28, 2004. 2006. United States National Transportation Safety Board. 75276300.