Editing West, Texas

{{For|the region of the state|West Texas}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2023}}
{{Infobox settlement
| official_name            = West, Texas
| settlement_type          = [[City]]
| nickname                 = Home of the Official [[Kolache]] of the Texas Legislature
| image_skyline            = CollageWest,TX.JPG
| imagesize                = 
| image_caption            = Top: [[Czech Stop and Little Czech Bakery|Czech Stop & Little Czech Bakery]], Bottom Left: Aerial view of the town of West, Texas&nbsp;— looking northeast, Bottom&nbsp;Right: View from Oak Street
| image_flag               = 
| image_seal               = 
| image_map                = TXMap-doton-West.PNG
| mapsize                  = 250px
| map_caption              = Location of West, Texas
| image_map1               = McLennan County West.svg
| mapsize1                 = 250px
| map_caption1             = 
| subdivision_type         = [[List of sovereign states|Country]]
| subdivision_name         = United States
| subdivision_type1        = [[U.S. state|State]]
| subdivision_name1        = [[Texas]]
| subdivision_type2        = [[List of counties in Texas|County]]
| subdivision_name2        = [[McLennan County, Texas|McLennan]]
<!-- government -->
| government_type          = 
| leader_title             = [[Mayor]]
| leader_name              = 
| leader_title1            = 
| leader_name1             = 
| established_title        = [[Municipal corporation|Incorporated]]
| established_date         = 1892
| established_title1       = <!-- [[Platted]] -->
| established_date1        = 
<!-- Area -->
| unit_pref                = Imperial
| area_footnotes           = <ref name="CenPopGazetteer2019">{{cite web|title=2019 U.S. Gazetteer Files|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2019_Gazetteer/2019_gaz_place_48.txt|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=August 7, 2020}}</ref>
| area_total_km2           = 4.30
| area_land_km2            = 4.30
| area_water_km2           = 0.00
| area_total_sq_mi         = 1.66
| area_land_sq_mi          = 1.66
| area_water_sq_mi         = 0.00
<!-- Population -->
| population_as_of         = [[2020 United States Census|2020]]
| population_footnotes     = <ref name="2010 Census">{{cite web | url=https://www.census.gov/popest/data/cities/totals/2011/files/SUB-EST2011-IP.csv | title =West, TX Census | author =United States Census Bureau | author-link =United States Census Bureau | publisher =census.gov | year =2011}}</ref>
| population_total         = 2531
| population_density_km2   = 694.12
| population_density_sq_mi = 1797.71
| timezone                 = [[North American Central Time Zone|Central (CST)]]
| utc_offset               = -6
| timezone_DST             = CDT
| utc_offset_DST           = -5
| elevation_footnotes      = <ref name=gnis/>
| elevation_ft             = 650
| coordinates              = {{coord|31|48|11|N|97|05|41|W|region:US_type:city|display=inline,title}}
| postal_code_type         = [[ZIP Code]]
| postal_code              = 76691<ref name="GR7">{{cite web|url=http://tools.usps.com/go/ZipLookupAction!input.action|title=USPS&nbsp;— Look Up a ZIP Code|access-date=2012-02-15|author=United States Postal Service|year=2012}}</ref>
| area_code                = [[Area code 254|254]], exchange 826
| blank_name               = [[Federal Information Processing Standard|FIPS code]]
| blank_info               = 48-77332 <ref name="GR2">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=2008-01-31|title=U.S. Census website}}</ref>
| blank1_name              = [[Geographic Names Information System|GNIS]] feature ID
| blank1_info              = 2412216<ref name=gnis>{{GNIS|2412216}}</ref>
| website                  = {{URL|https://www.cityofwest.com}}
}}

'''West''' is a city in [[McLennan County, Texas|McLennan County]], [[Texas]], United States.<ref name="GR4">{{cite web|url= http://geonames.usgs.gov/pls/gnispublic |title=Geographic Names Information System |access-date=2008-01-31 |publisher=[[United States Geological Survey]]}}</ref>  As of the [[2020 United States census|2020 census]], the city population was 2,531.<ref name="2010 Census"/><ref name="GR8">{{cite web |url= https://www.census.gov |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |access-date=2011-05-14 |title=U.S. Census website}}</ref>  It is named after Thomas West, the first postmaster of the city.<ref name="West-History">{{cite web|url=http://www.west-tx.com/history.asp |title=History of West |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120316085345/http://www.west-tx.com/history.asp |archive-date=March 16, 2012 }}</ref> The city is located in the north-central part of Texas, approximately {{convert|70|mi|km}} south of the [[Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex]], 20 miles north of [[Waco, Texas|Waco]] and 120 miles north of [[Austin, Texas|Austin]], the state's capital.

Despite its name, the city is not located within the region of [[West Texas]]; area residents sometimes call the community "West comma Texas" to avoid repetition.<ref name= Harriganwhereis>{{cite magazine |author=Harrigan, Stephen |url=https://www.texasmonthly.com/food/where-is-my-home/ |title=Where Is My Home? |magazine=[[Texas Monthly]] |date=March 2012 |access-date=2019-05-12}}</ref>

{{As of|2012}} it has one of the largest concentrations of [[Czech Texans]] of any city in the state.

==History==
The first settlers of northern McLennan County arrived in the 1840s. They were farm and ranch families drawn from the east by the rich lands made available by the government sale of land to build schools in Texas. The area farmers cultivated the land and grew cotton, wheat, and grain sorghum, and raised cattle. The farming community centered around a freshwater spring that became known as Bold Springs. In 1860, Bold Springs had a population of about 300 and provided services such as a blacksmith, churches, and a post office.<ref name="West-History"/>

The [[Missouri–Kansas–Texas Railroad]] was laid between [[Hillsboro, Texas|Hillsboro]] and [[Waco, Texas|Waco]] in the fall of 1881. The path of the railroad passed through land owned by Thomas West, who had moved to the area in 1859. He farmed land that he had purchased and served as postmaster of Bold Springs. A train depot and station was built on the land he sold to the railroad company and the land running beside the tracks was divided into small sections and sold to people wanting to start businesses. The new depot and station included a post office and since Mr. West served as postmaster the settlement became known as West's Station, later West Station, and finally its current name West. Mr. West opened the first [[general store]] and became a successful businessman as he later owned a hotel, a furniture store, and a bank.<ref name="West-History"/>

The railroad brought prosperity to the area during the 1880s. More businesses were opened and more surrounding land was purchased. [[Czech American|Czech immigrants]] came to the area, purchasing the rich lands to farm and start a fresh life in the new world. They also opened businesses, sharing their European culture. By the 1890s, the Czech businesses flourished in West.<ref name="West-History"/> On June 11, 1892, West was officially organized into a town. It had become the center of commerce for the area. There were cotton gins, grocery stores, churches, schools, and doctors' offices.<ref name="West-History"/>

The temporary city [[Crush, Texas]], located just three miles (5&nbsp;km) south of West, was the location of The Crash at Crush,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hmdb.org/marker.asp?marker=35909 |title=The Crash at Crush |access-date=2011-01-05 |work=hmdb.org}}</ref> a head-on collision between two locomotives that was staged on September 15, 1896, as a publicity stunt for the [[Missouri–Kansas–Texas Railroad]]. Over 30,000 spectators gathered at the crash site, named "crush" for MKT passenger agent [[William Crush]], who conceived the idea. About 4 p.m. the trains were sent speeding toward each other. Contrary to mechanics' predictions, the steam boilers exploded on impact, propelling pieces of metal into the crowd. Two people were killed and many others injured, including Jarvis Deane of Waco, who was photographing the event and lost an eye. Texas [[Historical marker|Historical Marker]] 5315, located on [[Interstate 35]] northbound [[frontage road]], between Mangrum and Wiggins Road, commemorates the event.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://atlas.thc.state.tx.us/viewform.asp?atlas_num=5309005315&site_name=Crash+at+Crush,+The&class=5000 |title=Crash at Crush, The |year=1976 |access-date=2011-01-05 |work=Texas Historical Commission}}</ref>

The turn of the century brought electricity, running water, and natural gas. The population of West and surrounding area grew.  Many of the descendants of the original settlers continue to farm the lands and run the businesses today. [[Czech language|Czech]] is still spoken by some of the older residents.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.west-tx.com/history.asp |title=Historic Town of West |access-date=2012-03-16 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120316085345/http://www.west-tx.com/history.asp |archive-date=2012-03-16 }}</ref>

===2013 explosion===
 <!--NOTE: This section is a short summary of the event. The details should be put in the main article at [[West Fertilizer Company explosion]] -->
{{main|West Fertilizer Company explosion}}
On April 17, 2013, a fire broke out at West Fertilizer Co., a fertilizer plant on the north side of town that stored [[ammonium nitrate]], a [[fertilizer]] that can be used as an explosive. The fire triggered two explosions milliseconds apart from one another. The massive blast killed 15 people,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dallasnews.com/news/texas/2013/04/25/west-plant-explosion-victims-known-for-willingness-to-help-others/|title=West plant explosion victims known for willingness to help others}}</ref> including 12 first responders, and injured at least 200. It destroyed nearby schools, an apartment complex, and a nursing home and damaged hundreds of homes in the surrounding area.

The explosion, which measured as a 2.1 magnitude earthquake,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dallasnews.com/news/west-explosion/headlines/20130418-day-1-massive-explosion-at-fertilizer-plant-shakes-west-leaving-dozens-injured-trapped.ece|title=Day 1: Massive explosion at fertilizer plant shakes West, leaving dozens injured, trapped}}</ref> garnered much media attention. President [[Barack Obama ]] and Texas Gov. [[Rick Perry]] attended the memorial for first responders.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dallasnews.com/news/west-explosion/headlines/20130425-obama-honors-fallen-firefighters-at-west-memorial-service.ece|title=Obama honors fallen firefighters at West memorial service}}</ref>

A month-long investigation ruled the cause of the explosion undetermined because multiple possible causes could not be ruled out. The lingering possibilities include arson, an electrical glitch or a golf cart that overheated.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dallasnews.com/news/west-explosion/headlines/20130516-monthlong-probe-of-west-blast-finds-3-potential-causes.ece|title=Monthlong probe of West blast finds 3 potential causes}}</ref>

In 2016 the [[Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives]] concluded that the fire that caused the explosion was set deliberately.<ref>The Guardian, May 11, 2016 [https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/may/11/texas-fertilizer-plant-explosion-criminal-act explosion criminal act]</ref> However ATF never presented any evidence of arson. A comprehensive investigation by the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) publicized in 2016 did not find any evidence of foul play. The causes of the explosion and recommendations for prevention can be found in www.CSB.gov under West Fertilizer Company (Completed Investigations).

==Geography==

According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the city has a total area of {{convert|4.0|mi2|abbr=on}}, all land.  Most of the city is located on the east side of [[Interstate 35 in Texas|Interstate 35]].

===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, West has a [[humid subtropical climate]], abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.weatherbase.com/weather/weather-summary.php3?s=395914&cityname=West%2C+Texas%2C+United+States+of+America&units=|title=Climate Summary for West, Texas|work=Weatherbase}}</ref>

==Demographics==
{{US Census population
|align=left
|1900= 851
|1910= 1645
|1920= 1629
|1930= 1807
|1940= 1979
|1950= 2130
|1960= 2352
|1970= 2406
|1980= 2485
|1990= 2515
|2000= 2692
|2010= 2807
|align-fn=center
|footnote=[https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html U.S. Decennial Census]
|2020=2531}}

{| class="wikitable"
|+'''West racial composition as of 2020'''<ref>{{Cite web |title=Explore Census Data |url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?g=1600000US4877332&tid=DECENNIALPL2020.P2 |access-date=2022-05-24 |website=data.census.gov}}</ref><br> (NH = Non-Hispanic){{efn|Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos can be of any race.<ref>https://www.census.gov/ {{nonspecific|date=August 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=About the Hispanic Population and its Origin |url=https://www.census.gov/topics/population/hispanic-origin/about.html |website=www.census.gov |access-date=18 May 2022}}</ref>}}
!Race
!Number
!Percentage
|-
|[[Non-Hispanic or Latino whites|White]] (NH)
|1,955
|77.24%
|-
|[[Non-Hispanic or Latino African Americans|Black or African American]] (NH)
|76
|3.0%
|-
|[[Native Americans in the United States|Native American]] or [[Alaska Native]] (NH)
|8
|0.32%
|-
|[[Asian Americans|Asian]] (NH)
|2
|0.08%
|-
|[[Pacific Islander Americans|Pacific Islander]] (NH)
|1
|0.04%
|-
|Some Other Race (NH)
|5
|0.2%
|-
|[[Multiracial Americans|Mixed/Multi-Racial]] (NH)
|119
|4.7%
|-
|[[Hispanic and Latino Americans|Hispanic or Latino]]
|365
|14.42%
|-
|'''Total'''
|'''2,531'''
|
|}
As of the [[2020 United States census]], there were 2,531 people, 1,015 households, and 635 families residing in the city.

As of the [[census]] of 2010, 2,807 people, 1,045 households, and 698 families resided in the city.<ref name="2010 Census"/> The [[population density]] was 1,754.3 people per square mile (701.7/km). There were 1,219 housing units at an average density of {{convert|761.8|/sqmi|/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}.<ref name="West, TX General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010">{{cite web | url=https://www.census.gov | title =Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 2010 Demographic Profile Data | author =United States Census Bureau | author-link =United States Census Bureau | publisher =census.gov | year =2011}}</ref> The [[Race (United States Census)|racial makeup]] of the city was 89.0% White, 3.9% African American, 0.9% Native American, 0.2% Asian, 6.9% from other and two or more races.<ref name="West, TX General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010"/> Hispanics or Latinos of any race were 13.8% of the population.<ref name="West, TX General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010"/>  The majority of the White population is of [[Czech people|Czech]] descent (and West was officially designated "Home of the Official [[Kolache]] of the Texas Legislature" in 1997).<ref>In ''House Concurrent Resolution No. 185, 75th Legislature, Regular Session (1997)'', as documented by ''[https://www.tsl.state.tx.us/ref/abouttx/capitals.html Official Capital Designations]'', Texas State Library and Archives Commission, January 15, 2013.</ref>

Of the 1,045 households, 35.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.6% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 15.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.9% were non family households.<ref name="West, TX General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010"/> About 31.7% of all households were made up of individuals living alone, and 33.0% were households with an individual who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.45 and the average family size was 3.1.<ref name="West, TX General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010"/>

In the city, the population was distributed as 28.3% of those who are 19 years and younger, 10.8% from 20 to 29, 25.0% from 30 to 49, 14.8% from 50 to 64, and 21.0% who were 65 years of age or older.<ref name="West, TX General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010"/>  The median age was 38.9 years.<ref name="West, TX General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010"/>  West has a 53% female and 47% male population.<ref name="West, TX General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010"/>

The median income for a household in the city was $35,929, and for a family was $44,485.<ref name="2010 Census ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS">{{cite web | url=http://factfinder.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?pid=ACS_11_5YR_DP03 | archive-url=https://archive.today/20200212211753/http://factfinder.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?pid=ACS_11_5YR_DP03 | url-status=dead | archive-date=2020-02-12 | title =SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS 2007-2011 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates | author =United States Census Bureau | author-link =United States Census Bureau | publisher =census.gov | year =2011}}</ref> Males had a median income of $31,055 versus $27,917 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the city was $18,850.<ref name="2010 Census ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS"/> About 13.8% of families and 18.3% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 28.0% of those under age 18 and 13.9% of those age 65 or over.<ref name="2010 Census ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS"/>

It is part of the [[Waco, Texas|Waco]] [[Waco metropolitan area|Metropolitan Statistical Area]].

==Area events==
[[File:West June 2016 28 (Czech Stop and Little Czech Bakery).jpg|thumb|The [[Czech Stop and Little Czech Bakery]] in West]]
Westfest<ref>[http://www.westfest.com WestFest]</ref> is a [[Czech American#Festivals|festival]] celebrating the city's large [[Czech American|Czech]] population and their heritage.

==Education==
The city of West is served by the [[West Independent School District]], and is home to the [[West High School (West, Texas)|West High School]] Trojans.

==Infrastructure==
[[Interstate 35 in Texas|Interstate 35]] and [[Union Pacific Railroad]] pass through the city.

==Notable people==

* [[Cliff Bartosh]], former [[left-handed]] [[relief pitcher]] in [[Major League Baseball]]
* [[Buster Chatham]], baseball player
* [[Joe Eisma]], comic book artist for [[Image Comics]], [[DC Comics]], and [[Archie Comics]]
* [[James Hand (musician)|James "Slim" Hand]], country-western artist, performer and actor
* [[Ray Kubala]], American football player
* [[Scott Podsednik]], [[Major League Baseball]] [[outfielder]]

==Gallery==
<gallery widths="220px" heights="165px" class="center">
Image:City Hall in West, TX IMG 4905.JPG|The City Hall and Police Department in West
Image:Restored rail depot in West, TX IMG 4902.JPG|Restored railroad depot in West
Image:Log Cabin Fellowship, West, TX IMG 4903.JPG|"His Offer Still Stands":  Log Cabin Fellowship church in West 
Image:WS Downtown West (1 of 1).jpg|Village Shoppe and Bakery in downtown West
Image:Downtown West, Texas(1 of 1).jpg|Downtown West, Texas
Image:WS Downtown West 4 (1 of 1).jpg|Downtown West, Texas
Image:WS Downtown West 5 (1 of 1).jpg|Restaurant and historic Best Theater
Image:WS Downtown West 3 (1 of 1).jpg|Downtown West, Texas
Image:WS Downtown West 2 (1 of 1).jpg|Old bank building in downtown West, Texas
File:West June 2016 01 (Picha's Czech-American Restaurant).jpg|Picha's [[Czech-American]] Restaurant
File:Czech Stop sign at checkout.png|Czech sign at the Czech Stop
File:West TX Czech decoration on east size of I35.png|Czech-themed art on the east side I-35 
</gallery>

==See also==
{{Portal|Texas}}
* [[Operation Last Call]]

==References==
{{Reflist|2}}
{{notelist}}

==External links==
{{commons category|West, Texas}}
* [http://www.west-tx.com City of West]

{{McLennan County, Texas}}
{{Texas}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:West, Texas| ]]
[[Category:Cities in Texas]]
[[Category:Czech-American culture in Texas]]
[[Category:Ethnic enclaves in Texas]]
[[Category:Czech communities in the United States]]
[[Category:Cities in McLennan County, Texas]]
[[Category:Populated places established in 1881]]
[[Category:1881 establishments in Texas]]