Crawford, Texas
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| Crawford, Texas | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Crawford |
| Settlement type | City |
| Nickname | "The President's Hometown" |
| Pushpin label | Crawford |
| Coordinates | 31, 32, 5, N... |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | United States |
| Subdivision type1 | State |
| Subdivision type2 | County |
| Subdivision name1 | Texas |
| Subdivision name2 | McLennan |
| Established title | Founded |
| Established date | 1890s |
| Established title2 | Incorporated |
| Established date2 | 1991 |
| Government type | Council–manager government |
| Leader title | Mayor |
| Leader name | Kenneth Coker |
| Area total km2 | 3.20 |
| Area total sq mi | 1.24 |
| Area land km2 | 3.20 |
| Area land sq mi | 1.24 |
| Area water km2 | 0.00 |
| Area water sq mi | 0.00 |
| Elevation m | 217 |
| Elevation ft | 712 |
| Population total | 887 |
| Population as of | 2020 |
| Population density km2 | 277.19 |
| Population density sq mi | 715.32 |
| Timezone | Central (CST) |
| Utc offset | -6 |
| Timezone DST | CDT |
| Utc offset DST | -5 |
| Postal code type | ZIP code |
| Postal code | 76638 |
| Area code | 254 |
| Blank name | FIPS code |
| Blank info | 48-17576 |
| Blank1 name | GNIS feature ID |
| Blank1 info | 1333606 |
| Website | http://www.cityofcrawford.net/ |
Crawford, Texas is a small city located in western McLennan County in the U.S. state of Texas. It gained international prominence as the chosen site of the Prairie Chapel Ranch, the ranch owned by former President George W. Bush and former First Lady Laura Bush. The community, situated within the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex statistical area, maintains a quiet, rural character centered around its historic downtown and local agriculture.
History
The town's origins trace to the late 19th century, following the expansion of the Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe Railway through the region. It was named for F. M. Crawford, a railroad construction contractor, and a post office was established in 1892. Early economic activity revolved around cotton farming and related ginning operations. For much of its existence, it remained a small, unincorporated community. A significant transformation began in 1999 when then-Governor George W. Bush purchased land nearby, leading to the construction of his Western White House. This event triggered rapid growth, culminating in its official incorporation as a city in 1991. The presence of the Bush family attracted global media attention, particularly during the Presidency of George W. Bush, with visits from world leaders like Vladimir Putin, Tony Blair, and King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 1.24 square miles, all of it land. It is positioned approximately 20 miles west of Waco and about 100 miles south of Dallas. The terrain is characterized by rolling plains typical of the Texas Blackland Prairies, with the North Bosque River flowing nearby. The climate is classified as humid subtropical, featuring hot summers and mild winters. The famous Prairie Chapel Ranch, encompassing over 1,500 acres, lies just outside the city limits and includes a man-made lake and extensive native prairie restoration projects.
Demographics
As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 887, representing growth from previous counts due to its incorporation and associated development. The racial makeup was predominantly Non-Hispanic White, with smaller percentages of Hispanic or Latino, African American, and Native American residents. The median household income has historically been above the state average, influenced by the affluence of newer developments and the economic impact of the Secret Service and associated security presence during the Bush Administration. Housing patterns show a mix of older homes in the original town site and larger, modern estates in the surrounding countryside.
Government
Crawford operates under a Council–manager government system. The city is led by a mayor and a five-member city council, all elected at-large, who set policy and appoint a professional city manager to oversee daily operations. The city provides basic municipal services including law enforcement through the Crawford Police Department, which works in coordination with the McLennan County Sheriff's Office. For federal representation, the city is part of Texas's 17th congressional district, represented in the U.S. House by Pete Sessions, and in the State Senate by Brian Birdwell.
Education
Public education is served by the Crawford Independent School District, which operates Crawford Elementary School, Crawford Middle School, and Crawford High School. The district's athletic teams, known as the Crawford Pirates, have achieved notable success in University Interscholastic League competitions, particularly in six-man football and baseball. There are no institutions of higher education within the city; residents typically attend colleges in Waco, such as Baylor University or McLennan Community College. The district and community maintain a close relationship, with many local events centered around school activities.
Notable people
The most famous residents are former President George W. Bush and former First Lady Laura Bush, who maintain their Prairie Chapel Ranch as a primary residence. Other notable individuals with connections to the area include Karl Rove, a senior advisor and Deputy Chief of Staff to President Bush, who owned a home there during the administration. Professional baseball player Mike Adams, a pitcher for the Texas Rangers and other Major League Baseball teams, is a graduate of Crawford High School. John Dramani Mahama, former President of Ghana, also visited the town during a diplomatic meeting with President Bush.
Category:Cities in Texas Category:Cities in McLennan County, Texas Category:Populated places established in the 1890s