Bee County, Texas
Encyclopedia
Bee County is a county located in the U.S. state
of Texas
. Bee County was founded December 8, 1857. As of 2010, the population was 31,861. Its county seat
is Beeville
. Bee County is named for Barnard E. Bee, Sr.
, a secretary of state of the Republic of Texas
.
The Beeville Micropolitan Statistical Area includes all of Bee County and partial of Refugio County, Texas.
William Charles Stephenson, originally from Buffalo
, New York
. The original courthouse, completed in 1912, cost $72,000. He also sculpted the "Justice Is Blind" monument (In his own words, an "Enlightened Justice") that tops the Courthouse; he intentionally chose the "non-blindfolded" concept. The structure uses the Chicago window style of a glass pane flanked by two narrow ones. It is classical with the grand portico
having Corinthian columns at the entry.
Stephenson also designed the Rialto Theater in Beeville, now used for special occasion, not the running of film
s, which is located close to the Joe Barnhart Library. He helped construct the death mask
of U.S. President William McKinley
, who was assassinated in Buffalo in 1901. Stephenson also designed the courthouse in McMullen County, Texas and many other buildings, grand homes, schools, churches, and commercial buildings in and around Beeville.
, the county has a total area of 880 square miles (2,279.2 km²), of which 880 square miles (2,279.2 km²) is land and 0 square mile (0 km²) (0.02%) is water. The Aransas River
forms in Bee County, southwest of Beeville
and north of Skidmore
.
of 2000, there were 32,359 people, 9,061 households, and 6,578 families residing in the county. The population density
was 37 people per square mile (14/km²). There were 10,939 housing units at an average density of 12 per square mile (5/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 67.85% White
, 9.90% Black
or African American
, 0.42% Native American
, 0.51% Asian
, 0.03% Pacific Islander
, 19.15% from other races
, and 2.13% from two or more races. 53.93% of the population were Hispanic
or Latino
of any race.
There were 9,061 households out of which 37.80% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.90% were married couples
living together, 14.80% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.40% were non-families. 23.70% of all households were made up of individuals and 9.90% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.74 and the average family size was 3.25.
In the county, the population was spread out with 23.40% under the age of 18, 13.30% from 18 to 24, 35.40% from 25 to 44, 17.80% from 45 to 64, and 10.20% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 32 years. For every 100 females there were 148.40 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 164.90 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $28,392, and the median income for a family was $32,967. Males had a median income of $26,473 versus $20,666 for females. The per capita income
for the county was $10,625. About 19.70% of families and 24.00% of the population were below the poverty line, including 33.80% of those under age 18 and 18.30% of those age 65 or over.
operates the Correctional Institutions Division Region IV Office on the grounds of Chase Field Naval Air Station in unincorporated
Bee County. In addition Garza East Unit and Garza West Unit
, transfer facilities, are co-located on the grounds of the naval air station, and the McConnell Unit is also in an unincorporated area in Bee County. The Beeville Distribution Center is on the grounds of the air station.
The following post-secondary institutions serve Bee County (and the surrounding area):
U.S. state
A U.S. state is any one of the 50 federated states of the United States of America that share sovereignty with the federal government. Because of this shared sovereignty, an American is a citizen both of the federal entity and of his or her state of domicile. Four states use the official title of...
of Texas
Texas
Texas is the second largest U.S. state by both area and population, and the largest state by area in the contiguous United States.The name, based on the Caddo word "Tejas" meaning "friends" or "allies", was applied by the Spanish to the Caddo themselves and to the region of their settlement in...
. Bee County was founded December 8, 1857. As of 2010, the population was 31,861. Its county seat
County seat
A county seat is an administrative center, or seat of government, for a county or civil parish. The term is primarily used in the United States....
is Beeville
Beeville, Texas
Beeville is a city in Bee County, Texas, United States. The population was 13,129 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Bee County...
. Bee County is named for Barnard E. Bee, Sr.
Barnard E. Bee, Sr.
Barnard Elliot Bee, Sr. was an early settler and political leader in the Republic of Texas.Barnard Bee was born in Charleston, South Carolina, the son of Thomas Bee who was a delegate to the Continental Congress. He studied law, and served on the staff of his brother-in-law, governor James...
, a secretary of state of the Republic of Texas
Republic of Texas
The Republic of Texas was an independent nation in North America, bordering the United States and Mexico, that existed from 1836 to 1846.Formed as a break-away republic from Mexico by the Texas Revolution, the state claimed borders that encompassed an area that included all of the present U.S...
.
The Beeville Micropolitan Statistical Area includes all of Bee County and partial of Refugio County, Texas.
Bee County Courthouse
The Bee County Courthouse was designed by the architectArchitect
An architect is a person trained in the planning, design and oversight of the construction of buildings. To practice architecture means to offer or render services in connection with the design and construction of a building, or group of buildings and the space within the site surrounding the...
William Charles Stephenson, originally from Buffalo
Buffalo, New York
Buffalo is the second most populous city in the state of New York, after New York City. Located in Western New York on the eastern shores of Lake Erie and at the head of the Niagara River across from Fort Erie, Ontario, Buffalo is the seat of Erie County and the principal city of the...
, New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
. The original courthouse, completed in 1912, cost $72,000. He also sculpted the "Justice Is Blind" monument (In his own words, an "Enlightened Justice") that tops the Courthouse; he intentionally chose the "non-blindfolded" concept. The structure uses the Chicago window style of a glass pane flanked by two narrow ones. It is classical with the grand portico
Portico
A portico is a porch leading to the entrance of a building, or extended as a colonnade, with a roof structure over a walkway, supported by columns or enclosed by walls...
having Corinthian columns at the entry.
Stephenson also designed the Rialto Theater in Beeville, now used for special occasion, not the running of film
Film
A film, also called a movie or motion picture, is a series of still or moving images. It is produced by recording photographic images with cameras, or by creating images using animation techniques or visual effects...
s, which is located close to the Joe Barnhart Library. He helped construct the death mask
Death mask
In Western cultures a death mask is a wax or plaster cast made of a person’s face following death. Death masks may be mementos of the dead, or be used for creation of portraits...
of U.S. President William McKinley
William McKinley
William McKinley, Jr. was the 25th President of the United States . He is best known for winning fiercely fought elections, while supporting the gold standard and high tariffs; he succeeded in forging a Republican coalition that for the most part dominated national politics until the 1930s...
, who was assassinated in Buffalo in 1901. Stephenson also designed the courthouse in McMullen County, Texas and many other buildings, grand homes, schools, churches, and commercial buildings in and around Beeville.
Geography
According to the U.S. Census BureauUnited States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
, the county has a total area of 880 square miles (2,279.2 km²), of which 880 square miles (2,279.2 km²) is land and 0 square mile (0 km²) (0.02%) is water. The Aransas River
Aransas River
The Aransas River is a short river in south Texas in the United States. It drains an area of the south Texas coastal plains into the Gulf of Mexico. It rises in Bee County southwest of Beeville and north of Skidmore, from the confluence of three creeks: Olmos, Aransas, and Poesta...
forms in Bee County, southwest of Beeville
Beeville, Texas
Beeville is a city in Bee County, Texas, United States. The population was 13,129 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Bee County...
and north of Skidmore
Skidmore, Texas
Skidmore is a census-designated place in Bee County, Texas, United States. The population was 1,013 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Skidmore is located at ....
.
Major highways
U.S. Highway 59
U.S. Highway 181
State Highway 72State Highway 72 (Texas)State Highway 72 or SH 72 is a Texas state highway that runs from near Fowlerton to near Cuero.-History:SH 72 was originally proposed in 1926 from Kenedy to Carmine, absorbing previously designated SH 3B. By 1939, it had been readjusted, with the section north of Cuero transferred to U.S. Highway...
State Highway 202
Adjacent counties
- Karnes CountyKarnes County, TexasKarnes County is a county located in the U.S. state of Texas. As of 2000, the population was 15,446. Its county seat is Karnes City. Karnes County is named for Henry Karnes, a soldier in the Texas Revolution.-Geography:...
(north) - Goliad County (northeast)
- Refugio County (east)
- San Patricio County (southeast)
- Live Oak County (west)
Demographics
As of the censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there were 32,359 people, 9,061 households, and 6,578 families residing in the county. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 37 people per square mile (14/km²). There were 10,939 housing units at an average density of 12 per square mile (5/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 67.85% White
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 9.90% Black
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
or African American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.42% Native American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.51% Asian
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.03% Pacific Islander
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 19.15% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 2.13% from two or more races. 53.93% of the population were Hispanic
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
or Latino
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
of any race.
There were 9,061 households out of which 37.80% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.90% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 14.80% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.40% were non-families. 23.70% of all households were made up of individuals and 9.90% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.74 and the average family size was 3.25.
In the county, the population was spread out with 23.40% under the age of 18, 13.30% from 18 to 24, 35.40% from 25 to 44, 17.80% from 45 to 64, and 10.20% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 32 years. For every 100 females there were 148.40 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 164.90 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $28,392, and the median income for a family was $32,967. Males had a median income of $26,473 versus $20,666 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the county was $10,625. About 19.70% of families and 24.00% of the population were below the poverty line, including 33.80% of those under age 18 and 18.30% of those age 65 or over.
Government and infrastructure
The Texas Department of Criminal JusticeTexas Department of Criminal Justice
The Texas Department of Criminal Justice is a department of the government of the state of Texas. The TDCJ is responsible for statewide criminal justice for adult offenders, including managing offenders in state prisons, state jails and private correctional facilities, funding and certain...
operates the Correctional Institutions Division Region IV Office on the grounds of Chase Field Naval Air Station in unincorporated
Unincorporated area
In law, an unincorporated area is a region of land that is not a part of any municipality.To "incorporate" in this context means to form a municipal corporation, a city, town, or village with its own government. An unincorporated community is usually not subject to or taxed by a municipal government...
Bee County. In addition Garza East Unit and Garza West Unit
Garza West Unit
Garza West Unit is a correctional transfer unit on the grounds of Chase Field Industrial Complex in unincorporated Bee County, Texas, United States, east of the city of Beeville...
, transfer facilities, are co-located on the grounds of the naval air station, and the McConnell Unit is also in an unincorporated area in Bee County. The Beeville Distribution Center is on the grounds of the air station.
Cities and towns
- BeevilleBeeville, TexasBeeville is a city in Bee County, Texas, United States. The population was 13,129 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Bee County...
- Blue Berry HillBlue Berry Hill, TexasBlue Berry Hill is a census-designated place in Bee County, Texas, United States. The population was 982 at the 2000 census. It is considered part of Beeville, Texas and has no services of its own. Drinking water and garbage services are provided by the city of Beeville. The U.S...
- MineralMineral, TexasMineral is an unincorporated community in northwestern Bee County, Texas, United States. It lies along local roads northwest of the city of Beeville, the county seat of Bee County. Its elevation is 335 feet . Although Mineral is unincorporated, it has a post office, with the ZIP code of...
- NormannaNormanna, TexasNormanna is a census-designated place in Bee County, Texas, United States. The population was 121 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Normanna is located at ....
- PawneePawnee, TexasPawnee is a census-designated place in Bee County, Texas, United States. The population was 201 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Pawnee is located at ....
- PettusPettus, TexasPettus is a census-designated place in Bee County, Texas, United States. The population was 608 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Pettus is located at ....
- SkidmoreSkidmore, TexasSkidmore is a census-designated place in Bee County, Texas, United States. The population was 1,013 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Skidmore is located at ....
- TuletaTuleta, TexasTuleta is a census-designated place in Bee County, Texas, United States. The population was 292 at the 2000 census.Tuleta is on State Highway 181 twelve miles north of Beeville in north Bee County. It was founded by Peter Unzicker, a Mennonite minister, who brought a colony of Mennonites from...
- TulsitaTulsita, TexasTulsita is a census-designated place in Bee County, Texas, United States. The population was 20 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Tulsita is located at .According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of , all of it land....
- TynanTynan, TexasTynan is a census-designated place in Bee County, Texas, United States. The population was 301 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Tynan is located at ....
Education
The following school districts serve Bee County:- Beeville Independent School DistrictBeeville Independent School DistrictBeeville Independent School District is a public school district based in Beeville, Texas .Beeville serves central Bee County, including the city of Beeville and the unincorporated community of Blue Berry Hill....
- Mathis Independent School DistrictMathis Independent School DistrictMathis Independent School District is a public school district based in Mathis, Texas .Located in San Patricio County, small portions of the district extend into Live Oak and Bee counties...
(partial) - Pawnee Independent School DistrictPawnee Independent School DistrictPawnee Independent School District is a public school district based in the community of Pawnee, Texas .Located in Bee County, a small portion of the district extends into Karnes County....
(partial, K-8) - Pettus Independent School DistrictPettus Independent School DistrictPettus Independent School District is a public school district based in the community of Pettus, Texas .In addition to Pettus, the district serves the communities of Tuleta, Tulsita, and Normanna...
(partial) - Refugio Independent School DistrictRefugio Independent School DistrictRefugio Independent School District is a public school district based in Refugio, Texas .Located in Refugio County, a small portion of the district extends into Bee and Victoria counties....
(partial) - Skidmore-Tynan Independent School DistrictSkidmore-Tynan Independent School DistrictSkidmore-Tynan ISD is a school district which serves Skidmore and Tynan, Texas . The district is home to three schools: Skidmore-Tynan High School, Skidmore-Tynan Junior High School, and Skidmore-Tynan Elementary School.The Superintendent of Schools is Dr...
(partial) - Three Rivers Independent School DistrictThree Rivers Independent School DistrictThree Rivers Independent School District is a public school district based in Three Rivers, Texas .Located in Live Oak County, the district extends into a small portion of Bee County....
(partial)
The following post-secondary institutions serve Bee County (and the surrounding area):
- Coastal Bend CollegeCoastal Bend CollegeCoastal Bend College is a community college which has its main campus in Beeville, Texas, and which operates branch campuses in Alice, Kingsville, and Pleasanton, Texas....
See also
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Bee County, Texas
External links
- Bee County government
- Bee County in Handbook of Texas Online at the University of TexasUniversity of Texas at AustinThe University of Texas at Austin is a state research university located in Austin, Texas, USA, and is the flagship institution of the The University of Texas System. Founded in 1883, its campus is located approximately from the Texas State Capitol in Austin...
. - Historic Bee County materials, hosted by the Portal to Texas History.
- Beeville History