Corsicana, Texas | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Downtown Corsicana Texas | |
| Nickname: "903 Can, Tx "[citation needed] | |
| Motto: "Live, work, play!" | |
 Location withinNavarro County andTexas | |
| Coordinates:32°05′53″N96°29′10″W / 32.09806°N 96.48611°W /32.09806; -96.48611 | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Texas |
| County | Navarro |
| Government | |
| • Type | Council–manager |
| Area | |
• Total | 24.00 sq mi (62.17 km2) |
| • Land | 22.98 sq mi (59.53 km2) |
| • Water | 1.02 sq mi (2.64 km2) |
| Elevation | 423 ft (129 m) |
| Population (2020) | |
• Total | 25,109 |
| • Density | 1,092/sq mi (421.8/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| ZIP codes | 75109, 75110, 75151 |
| Area code | 903/430 |
| FIPS code | 48-17060[3] |
| GNIS feature ID | 2410235[2] |
| Website | cityofcorsicana.com |
Corsicana is a city in and thecounty seat ofNavarro County, Texas, United States. It is located onInterstate 45, 50 miles southeast ofDallas. Its population was 25,109 at the 2020census. Corsicana is considered an important agribusiness center.[4]
Founded in 1848, Corsicana was named byJosé Antonio Navarro after theMediterranean island ofCorsica, the birthplace of his father. He had died when Navarro and his many siblings were young.[5][6] The first school opened shortly afterwards in 1849.[7]
Women's groups have had a strong role throughout the history of the city. They established the Corsicana Female Literary Institute, a school that operated from 1857 through 1870. The first public library in Corsicana opened in 1901 by effort of the women's clubs of the city. A 1905 library matching gift byAndrew Carnegie gave the library a permanent home and its first full-time, professionally trained librarian. The library today is housed in a dedicated building downtown and boasts more than 52,283 books, 6,306 audio materials, 783 video materials, and 122 serial subscriptions.[8]
The CorsicanaYMCA was founded in 1884,[9] and has grown with patron funding. In its earliest days, it was supported byGeorge Taylor Jester (1847–1922), a wealthy dry-goods and cotton distributor, banker, and politician. He served aslieutenant governor of Texas (1895–1899), and his sonBeauford H. Jester served as governor (1947–1949).[10]
Oil was accidentally discovered in June, 1894, by the American Well and Prospecting Company, hired by the Corsicana Water Development Company, when oil seeped into anartesian well being drilled within the city limits. In October 1895, the first commercial oil well was drilled by the Corsicana Oil Development Company, founded by Ralph Beaton, H.G. Damon, and John Davidson. It was the first commercially significant oilfield find in Texas. A refinery was in operation by January 1899, through the efforts ofJoseph S. Cullinan. ThePowell oil field was discovered in 1900, a few miles east of Corsicana.Rotary drilling, used to drill water wells, was introduced to the oil industry by M.C. Baker and C.E. Baker, with tools manufactured by the American Well and Prospecting machine shop, owned by N.G. Johnson, E.H. Akin, and Charles Rittersbacker.[11][12][13][14][15]
DuringWorld War II, an airman flying school called Corsicana Air Field trained thousands of pilots.[16]
According to theUnited States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 21.7 square miles (56 km2), of which 1.0 square mile (2.6 km2) is covered by water.
Corsicana is home to the Lake Halbert dam and recreational park, and is less than 15 mi (24 km) fromRichland Chambers Reservoir, with recreational fishing, public boat ramps, and 330 mi (530 km) of tree-lined and green shorelines. Richland Chambers Reservoir is the third-largest lake by surface area and the eighth-largest reservoir by water volume in Texas.[17]
Corsicana has a moderatehumid subtropical climate.[18] The range of low-high average temperatures in January, April, July, and October is 34/55, 53/75, 73/95, and 55/79 °F, respectively.[19]
Corsicana rainfall averages 42.23 inches (1,073 mm) per year.[19] Leafy oak, pecan, magnolia, and walnut trees are common, and grasses grow tall and green. Rain is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year, with small, wetter peaks in May and October.[19]
| Climate data for Corsicana, TX 1991–2020, extremes 1893–present | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Record high °F (°C) | 89 (32) | 96 (36) | 95 (35) | 99 (37) | 104 (40) | 108 (42) | 113 (45) | 112 (44) | 112 (44) | 101 (38) | 91 (33) | 90 (32) | 113 (45) |
| Mean daily maximum °F (°C) | 57.7 (14.3) | 62.0 (16.7) | 68.7 (20.4) | 76.1 (24.5) | 83.0 (28.3) | 90.5 (32.5) | 94.9 (34.9) | 96.0 (35.6) | 90.0 (32.2) | 79.5 (26.4) | 67.7 (19.8) | 59.9 (15.5) | 77.4 (25.2) |
| Mean daily minimum °F (°C) | 35.2 (1.8) | 39.3 (4.1) | 46.1 (7.8) | 53.0 (11.7) | 62.9 (17.2) | 70.7 (21.5) | 74.0 (23.3) | 73.6 (23.1) | 66.6 (19.2) | 55.1 (12.8) | 45.0 (7.2) | 37.6 (3.1) | 55.2 (12.9) |
| Record low °F (°C) | −5 (−21) | −4 (−20) | 12 (−11) | 29 (−2) | 31 (−1) | 41 (5) | 56 (13) | 53 (12) | 41 (5) | 27 (−3) | 19 (−7) | −1 (−18) | −5 (−21) |
| Averageprecipitation inches (mm) | 3.08 (78) | 3.27 (83) | 4.00 (102) | 4.03 (102) | 4.28 (109) | 3.77 (96) | 2.11 (54) | 2.48 (63) | 3.35 (85) | 4.99 (127) | 3.20 (81) | 3.67 (93) | 42.23 (1,073) |
| Average snowfall inches (cm) | 0.4 (1.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | trace | 0.7 (1.8) |
| Average precipitation days(≥ 0.01 in) | 7 | 8 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 82 |
| Average snowy days(≥ 0.1 in) | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Source: NWS Nowdata for Corsicana (Dallas/Fort Worth Area) | |||||||||||||
| Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1870 | 80 | — | |
| 1880 | 3,373 | 4,116.3% | |
| 1890 | 6,285 | 86.3% | |
| 1900 | 9,313 | 48.2% | |
| 1910 | 9,749 | 4.7% | |
| 1920 | 11,356 | 16.5% | |
| 1930 | 15,202 | 33.9% | |
| 1940 | 15,232 | 0.2% | |
| 1950 | 19,211 | 26.1% | |
| 1960 | 20,344 | 5.9% | |
| 1970 | 19,972 | −1.8% | |
| 1980 | 21,712 | 8.7% | |
| 1990 | 22,911 | 5.5% | |
| 2000 | 24,485 | 6.9% | |
| 2010 | 23,770 | −2.9% | |
| 2020 | 25,109 | 5.6% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census[20] | |||
As of the2020 census, Corsicana had 25,109 people, 8,752 households, and 5,643 families residing in the city. The median age was 34.1 years. 26.8% of residents were under the age of 18 and 15.3% of residents were 65 years of age or older. For every 100 females there were 93.3 males, and for every 100 females age 18 and over there were 89.3 males age 18 and over.[21][22]
96.8% of residents lived in urban areas, while 3.2% lived in rural areas.[23]
There were 8,752 households in Corsicana, of which 37.0% had children under the age of 18 living in them. Of all households, 42.0% were married-couple households, 17.9% were households with a male householder and no spouse or partner present, and 33.2% were households with a female householder and no spouse or partner present. About 27.8% of all households were made up of individuals and 12.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.[21]
There were 9,661 housing units, of which 9.4% were vacant. Among occupied housing units, 54.3% were owner-occupied and 45.7% were renter-occupied. The homeowner vacancy rate was 1.3% and the rental vacancy rate was 8.4%.[21]
| Race | Number | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| White | 11,268 | 44.9% |
| Black or African American | 4,885 | 19.5% |
| American Indian and Alaska Native | 234 | 0.9% |
| Asian | 248 | 1.0% |
| Native Hawaiian andOther Pacific Islander | 664 | 2.6% |
| Some other race | 4,106 | 16.4% |
| Two or more races | 3,704 | 14.8% |
| Hispanic or Latino (of any race) | 8,836 | 35.2% |
As of thecensus[3] of 2010, 23,770 people, 8,490 households, and 5,966 families were residing in the city. The population density was 1,048 inhabitants per square mile (405/km2). The 9,491 housing units averaged 461 per square mile (178/km2). Theracial makeup of the city was 58.1% White, 20.9% African American, 0.6% Native American, 0.7% Asian, 1.3% Pacific Islander, 16% from other races, and 2.4% from two or more races. Hispanics or Latinos of any race were 31.1% of the population.[25]
Of the 8,490 households, 28.8% had children under 18 living with them in 2010, 48.6% were married couples living together, 15.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.9% were not families. About 27.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.7% had someone living alone who was 65 or older. The average household size was 2.64, and the average family size was 3.21.
In the city, the population was distributed as 27.3% under 18, 12.6% from 18 to 24, 26.6% from 25 to 44, 18.6% from 45 to 64, and 15.0% who were 65 or older. The median age was 32 years. For every 100 females, there were 94.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.9 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $27,203, and for a family was $33,078. Males had a median income of $27,516 versus $19,844 for females. Theper capita income for the city was $14,001. About 17.4% of families and 22.3% of the population were below thepoverty line, including 29.4% of those under age 18 and 15.1% of those age 65 or over.
The housing stock in 2007 consisted of 12,313 houses and condominiums.[26] About two-thirds were owner-occupied, and one-third rented.[26] The median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos in 2007 was $87,955.[26] The median amount of real estate property taxes paid for housing units in 2007 was $912.[26]
Today's downtown supports an active performing-arts community, with year-round live theater, art exhibits, and music performances in a corner of downtown anchored by the Warehouse Living Arts Center and the Palace Theater. Also, an art contest was started in 2018.Downtown also features the historic State National Bank building (built in 1926), several coffeeshops and eateries, an art gallery, several bric-à-bracoutlets, and many brick-faced storefronts of historical interest.
A green park a short walk from the county courthouse downtown has meandering creeks and walking, jogging, and biking trails. Other amenities include lighted tennis courts, a children's play area with a retired fire truck, spray park, and designated skate area. At one end of the community park is the town YMCA, with a year-round indoor pool, basketball courts, cardio- and free-weight equipment, and instructor-led fitness workshops.
The town has several museums: Pioneer Village, located by Jester Park, offers reconstructed buildings and artifacts from the early historical period of the area. A museum is dedicated toLefty Frizzell, a Nashville singer born in town during the late 1920s.
The Cook Education Center, located on theNavarro College campus, is a multifaceted venue offering event space, gift shop, a planetarium, Civil War museum, and Western Art gallery. The planetarium is among the largest in Texas, featuring a 60-foot (18 m) dome and 200 seats. The planetarium offers narrated astronomical shows and 70 mm film for nominal admission.
The center is also home to the Pearce Collections Museum, which boasts a collection of Civil War memorabilia and a Western Art gallery featuring a number of renowned Western artists. The Cook Education Center hosts the annual Navarro College Foundation fundraiser Elegance, which benefits scholarship programs for Navarro College students. The Navarro College Performing Arts Department stages several musical recitals and two staged plays a year at the Dawson Auditorium on the west side of town.
TheTexas Youth Commission and later theTexas Department of Juvenile Justice formerly operated theCorsicana Residential Treatment Center in the city.
Oil City Iron Works, Inc., today a ductile and gray ironfoundry, was started in 1866 to make parts for the owner's cotton gin.[27]Wolf Brand Chili, a national brand named for the owner's pet wolf, Kaiser Bill, started in 1895 as a downtown by-the-bowl lunch wagon.[28] Wolf Brand Chili was made in Corsicana until 1986. Corsicana is best known as the home of theCollin Street Bakery, which has been makingfruitcakes since 1896.
Today's economy no longer relies on oil and gas. Major employers includeRussell Stover Candies and Collin Street Bakery, Guardian Industries (glass), Corsicana Bedding, andKohl's distribution centers, Navarro Regional hospital (160+ beds), Trinity/Mother Francis Health System, and the Texas State Home.[29] There are several 24/7 pharmacies, grocery stores and chain department stores scattered about the town. College Park Mall is an enclosed shopping mall that primarily houses a clothing store.
Corsicana was the home ofTradewest, a coin-arcade and video game company founded in 1986. Tradewest was known for publishing such Nintendo Entertainment System classics as "Double Dragon" and "Battletoads". Tradewest was acquired byWMS Industries in 1994, becoming Williams Entertainment briefly before becoming Midway Home Entertainment in 1996 after the spin-off ofMidway Games. The Corsicana offices were closed by Midway in late 2002.
.jpg)
Corsicana is home toNavarro College, which offersassociate degrees and is also a satellite facility ofTexas A&M University-Commerce, through which students can receivebachelor's and graduate degrees.Navarro College came to international prominence in 2020 owing to its dominant coedcheerleading team, which was featured that year in the Netflix docuseriesCheer. centering on the team's preparation for theNational Cheerleaders Association national championships inDaytona Beach, Florida.[30][31] The cheerleading squad is currently coached byMonica Aldama, who, since 2000, has led the Bulldogs to 14 championships in their division, as well as five "Grand National" designations (for the highest overall score in competition that year).
TheCorsicana Independent School District (CISD) has an enrollment over 6,500 students. Five CISD schools have been lauded by the Texas Education Agency (TEA): Bowie, Fannin, Carroll, and Navarro Elementary Schools and Drane Intermediate School all achieved "recognized" status.
Collins Middle School and Corsicana High School were rated "academically acceptable" by the TEA. The CISD received Academically Acceptable status from the state.
Corsicana also has one private school,James L. Collins Catholic School, for kindergarten through eighth grade. Founded in 1953 by a bequest from its namesake benefactor, the school today has an enrollment of 270 students.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link){{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
Municipalities and communities ofNavarro County, Texas,United States | ||
|---|---|---|
| Cities |  | |
| Towns | ||
| Unincorporated communities | ||
| Ghost town | ||
| Footnotes | ‡This populated place also has portions in an adjacent county or counties | |
| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
| Geographic | |
| Other | |
