Bridgeport is a city located in Wise County, Texas. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 4,309.
Bridgeport is located at 33°12'35" North, 97°45'39" West (33.209844, -97.760908).
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 9.7 km2 (3.7 mi2). 9.6 km2 (3.7 mi2) of it is land and 0.1 km2 (0.04 mi2) of it is water. The total area is 0.54% water.
As of the census of 2000, there are 4,309 people, 1,383 households, and 1,023 families residing in the city. The population density is 448.4/km2 (1,161.9/mi2). There are 1,515 housing units at an average density of 157.7/km2 (408.5/mi2). The racial makeup of the city is 79.95% White, 2.65% African American, 0.44% Native American, 0.12% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 14.67% from other races, and 2.14% from two or more races. 28.20% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There are 1,383 households out of which 42.4% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.1% are married couples living together, 11.2% have a female householder with no husband present, and 26.0% are non-families. 23.6% of all households are made up of individuals and 11.6% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.86 and the average family size is 3.40.
In the city the population is spread out with 30.0% under the age of 18, 8.7% from 18 to 24, 30.9% from 25 to 44, 16.9% from 45 to 64, and 13.4% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 32 years. For every 100 females there are 85.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 78.5 males.
The median income for a household in the city is $31,016, and the median income for a family is $36,742. Males have a median income of $31,044 versus $22,204 for females. The per capita income for the city is $13,335. 16.6% of the population and 12.8% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 22.2% of those under the age of 18 and 8.7% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.
Bridgeport's history began in February of 1860 when William H. Hunt was granted a charter from the West Fork Bridge Company to build a bridge across the West Fork of the Trinity River. The bridge was located approximately one mile southwest of the present townsite. A Texas State Historical Marker alongside Farm To Market Road 920 denotes the spot of the original bridge today .
The wooden bridge was used for a portion of the Butterfield Stage overland mail route. After the American Civil War began, the mail route was no longer used and the original wooden bridge was abandoned.
In 1873 a new iron bridge was built and a post office established, thus formally creating the city of Bridgeport, TX. Its future was assured in 1882 when Charles Cates discovered a vein of bituminous coal while drilling for water. The Wise County Coal Company was formed and was a leading producer of coal for the state until competition from natural gas and petroleum closed the coal mines in 1929.
In 1893 the Rock Island Railroad established a line east of the town, so the town moved approximately one mile east to its present site. In 1913 the town was incorporated. Gas and Oil production became a local industry prior to 1917. The 1920s census showed a town of 1,872. During the 1920s, limestone quarries that produced aggregate for road construction and a brick factory were established. In 1931, a dam was constructed approximately three miles west of town on the West Fork of the Trinity River, creating Lake Bridgeport. The lake was a local center for recreation and remains so today.
During the latter half of the 20th century, Bridgeport's oil, gas, and limestone indurstries continued to flourish and the town became the second largest town in Wise County. These industries continue to be the local economic leaders.
Source:
BridgeportTexas.com
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