Urbanization and growth in Texas from the 1880s to today

Question

By Tracey Vasil Biscontini, Newsela staff

Oil, War And Growth

Texas grew quickly because of transportation and the discovery of valuable resources. Areas near waterways or with railroad stops nearby thrived. By the 1880s, largely driven by railroad growth, 20 cities of 4,000 or more residents had developed in Texas.

The growth in Texas was reflected in its population, manufacturing and economy. The economy includes the wealth of people and businesses in a certain place. Oil and war were major factors that influenced the growth of Texas, especially cities in Texas.

The new century brought a discovery that would forever change life in Texas. On January 10, 1901, a huge flow of oil from the Spindletop oilfield in Beaumont attracted an enormous wave of excitement and growth. In Beaumont, many people became involved in processing crude oil into a material that could be used. Crude oil is oil that has not yet been refined. Speculation also took over the streets and businesses. Speculators are people that make money betting that oil prices will rise.

Oil companies rushed into other parts of Texas. They established drilling stations and refineries in cities such as Houston. Meanwhile, small towns such as Borger, Batson, Odessa, Corsicana and Batson also grew at a frantic pace. As hundreds of workers and hopeful entrepreneurs poured in, shops, hotels and entertainment zones sprang up for them.

Texas quickly became a powerhouse in oil drilling and processing. Oil from Texas helped to run railroads and steamships throughout the country, and later automobiles and aircraft. The abundance of Texas oil also fostered the growth of other manufacturing within the state. Profits from oil turned many speculators into millionaires. It also helped to fund the continued growth and modernization of surrounding cities.

The War Effort

War was the other main driver of growth of manufacturing businesses in Texas during the 20th century. The United States entered World War I in 1917. New military bases sprang up in Houston, Fort Worth, Waco, San Antonio and other cities. These camps brought people into the region and also established Texas as an important military area.

The size of Texan cities, as well as the number of large cities, grew even larger. In 1920, Texas had five cities with populations over 50,000. The five cities were Dallas, El Paso, Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio. That year, 25 other cities exceeded 10,000 residents.

Like much of the country, Texas declined temporarily during the Great Depression. A depression is when the economy is not doing well. For people living through the Great Depression, it usually meant there were not enough jobs or money. The Great Depression started in the United States in 1929 and continued until the start of American involvement in World War II in 1941.

When it entered World War II, the United States was part of the Allied powers. It fought against the Axis powers, which included Germany, Italy and Japan. Both sides had already been through tough battles. The United States needed an army that could match them in Europe and Asia.

Texas became a manufacturing leader in the war effort. Many factories appeared quickly in larger cities. Hundreds of thousands of workers rushed to staff the factories, where they made vehicles and weapons essential for the war. The manufacturing experience helped increase urbanization in Texas even after the war was over. Urbanization is the process of developing more cities and larger cities. In 1950, five years after the war ended, more than half of Texans lived in cities. That was close to the national average.

A Big State Of Big Cities

Caption: The map shows the density population of Texas in 2010, or how many people are living in an area. The left is labeled to show cities, the right is not labeled. Graphic adapted by Newsela staff. Map credit: Wikimedia / Gyzmr / JimIrwin.

The growth of modern Texan cities brought many important benefits. Large universities such as the University of Texas and Texas A&M University were founded, which led to more development of the areas. Cultural zones including museums, libraries, parks, galleries and theaters also sprang up. At the same time, urbanization also brought new social problems. There was crowding, racial tension and pollution.

Texas has continued to grow, both in size and population of its cities. By 1990, Texas was the third-most-populated state. Four out of every five people lived in cities. By 2019, Texas had the second highest population of any U.S. state. The U.S. Census Bureau also determined that Dallas and Houston had grown into the fourth and fifth most-populated cities in the country. Each one of these cities had gained more than 1 million residents between 2010 and 2018. Clearly, the long process of Texan urbanization is continuing

Answer 1

to shape the social, economic, and cultural landscape of the state.

Continuing Urbanization and Modern Challenges

As we moved into the 21st century, urbanization in Texas continued to accelerate, with cities like Austin, San Antonio, and Fort Worth also experiencing significant population growth. The tech boom, particularly in Austin, has drawn young professionals and entrepreneurs, further diversifying the state's economy beyond its historical reliance on oil. This tech-driven growth is creating a more vibrant urban culture, but it also raises challenges related to housing affordability, infrastructure development, and transportation.

The rapid pace of urbanization has also led to increased demand for public services. School districts are facing challenges as they adapt to growing student populations, while roads and public transportation systems are often stretched thin trying to accommodate the influx of new residents. Environmental concerns have also surfaced, with urban sprawl leading to habitat loss and increased pollution.

Cultural and Economic Diversity

The demographic landscape of Texas has also changed significantly over the decades. The state's population is among the most diverse in the country, with a rich tapestry of cultures, languages, and traditions. This diversity is reflected in cultural festivals, culinary scenes, and artistic expressions throughout major cities.

The economic base of Texas has become increasingly varied. While oil and gas still play a critical role, industries such as technology, healthcare, and renewable energy are also contributing to economic growth. Texas continues to be a leader in energy production, not just in oil and gas, but also in wind energy, making it a significant player in the movement towards sustainable energy solutions.

Looking Ahead

The future of urbanization in Texas appears robust, but it is accompanied by a need for strategic planning and policy-making to address the associated challenges. Ensuring sustainable growth will require innovative approaches in transportation, housing, and resource management. Local governments and community organizations will be pivotal in balancing growth with quality of life considerations for residents.

As Texas moves forward, understanding its complex history of urbanization can provide valuable insights. This history underlines the importance of adapting to change while also reflecting on the lessons learned to shape a resilient and inclusive future for all Texans.