According to toppharmacyschools, Big Sandy, Texas is a small town located in the northeast corner of the state, just south of the Oklahoma border. It is situated at the junction of US Highway 271 and State Highway 155 in Upshur County. The town has a population of approximately 1,300 people and covers an area of about three square miles.
The geography of Big Sandy is mainly flat with rolling hills to the west and slightly higher elevations to the east. The land is mostly covered in grasslands with patches of trees scattered throughout. The climate is warm and humid during summer months, with temperatures ranging from 70-90 degrees Fahrenheit (21-32 Celsius). Winters are generally mild with temperatures hovering around 40 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit (4-10 Celsius).
Big Sandy’s main industry is agriculture, with cotton, corn, soybeans, wheat and hay being some of the most common crops grown in the area. Livestock production also plays an important role in providing income for many local farming families. Additionally, there are several small businesses located within town limits that offer goods and services to both residents and visitors alike.
The city itself features a historic downtown area which includes buildings that date back to the early 1900s. There are several churches here as well as a post office and library that serve as community hubs for locals. Additionally, there are several parks located nearby which provide plenty of outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking and camping for those who enjoy nature’s beauty.
Big Sandy may be small but it offers plenty for those who choose to call it home or visit for a day trip or weekend getaway. Its charming atmosphere combined with its convenient location makes it an ideal place to relax while still being close enough to larger cities such as Tyler or Longview should you need them for additional entertainment or shopping options.
History of Big Sandy, Texas
Big Sandy, Texas has a long and storied history that dates back to the late 1800s. The town was established in 1882 when a railroad line was built through the area. It was given its name by the railroad workers who found a large sandy area near the tracks, which would later become the site of the town.
The early settlers of Big Sandy were mainly ranchers and farmers who were attracted to the fertile land and open spaces of Upshur County. They quickly developed a thriving agricultural community with crops such as cotton, corn, soybeans and wheat being among some of their most successful harvests.
In addition to agriculture, Big Sandy also became an important transportation hub for travelers passing through the area on their way to other parts of Texas. It was not uncommon for travelers to stop in Big Sandy for meals or lodging before continuing on their journey. This helped to further develop local businesses such as hotels, restaurants and stores which served both locals and travelers alike.
By 1900, Big Sandy had become an important commercial center in Upshur County with several banks being established in town as well as a post office and library. The town also had its own newspaper called The Big Sandy News that ran from 1899-1921.
In 1915, an oil boom hit Big Sandy when oil was discovered near Lake O’ The Pines just outside of town limits. This sparked considerable growth for the city with many new businesses being established in order to meet increased demand due to oil production.
Big Sandy experienced another period of growth during World War II when it became home to Camp Maxey, an Army training facility that operated from 1942-1945. After World War II ended, Camp Maxey closed but much of its infrastructure remained in place which allowed Big Sandy’s population continued to grow steadily over time until it reached its current size today with approximately 1,300 residents living within city limits.
Economy of Big Sandy, Texas
Big Sandy, Texas is a small town with a population of just over 2,000 people. The economy of Big Sandy is primarily agricultural. The town is home to several large farms that produce corn, soybeans, wheat, and other crops. Additionally, there are several smaller family-owned farms that specialize in raising cattle and poultry. The local economy also benefits from the sale of these products to local stores and restaurants. Furthermore, the town has some light manufacturing businesses that employ a number of residents. These businesses produce items such as furniture and building supplies. Additionally, Big Sandy has a thriving tourism industry.
The town also has a vibrant retail sector. There are several shops and stores in the area that sell clothing, electronics, furniture, and other items. Additionally, there is a local farmer’s market that sells fresh produce from the local farms. Big Sandy also has a number of restaurants and bars that serve up regional cuisine such as barbecue and Tex-Mex dishes. The town has several small hotels and bed & breakfasts that cater to tourists who come to the area for recreational activities such as fishing, hunting, and horseback riding. Finally, Big Sandy is known for its strong sense of community spirit. There are several annual events such as the Fourth of July Parade and the Big Sandy Rodeo that bring people together from all over the county to celebrate their shared heritage.
Politics in Big Sandy, Texas
Big Sandy, Texas is a small town with a population of just over 2,000 people. It is located in Upshur County and has been part of the state since 1845. Politically, Big Sandy is a conservative area. It is part of the solidly Republican 23rd congressional district and voted overwhelmingly for Donald Trump in 2016. At the local level, Big Sandy has a mayor-council form of government, with five council members elected to four-year terms. The mayor is elected separately to a two-year term and serves as the chief executive officer of the town.
The current mayor is John Anderson who was elected in 2018 and has served as mayor since then. The Town Council meets once a month to discuss issues related to local governance such as zoning regulations, ordinances, and budget appropriations. The Town Council also acts as an advisory board for the mayor on matters related to public safety and infrastructure development projects. Additionally, they appoint members to various boards and commissions such as the Planning Commission and Parks & Recreation Commission which help guide policy decisions within their respective areas.
The citizens of Big Sandy are politically active in state elections as well; most recently voting to support Republican candidates for governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, comptroller of public accounts, and commissioner of agriculture in 2018. Furthermore, Big Sandy residents regularly participate in county-wide elections for positions such as sheriff and district attorney. All together this creates an environment where citizens are engaged in their local politics which helps ensure that their voices are heard on issues that affect them directly or indirectly.