99-529: The Jefferson Theatre is a historic performing arts theatre located on Fannin Street in downtown Beaumont, Texas . Designed by Emile Weil and built in 1927, it is an example of Old Spanish architecture and seats over 1400. The theatre was built by Jefferson Amusement Company, which was owned by Saenger Amusements. The theatre is featured on the National Register of Historic Places and recognized as
198-582: A Recorded Texas Historic Landmark . The theatre recently underwent a comprehensive multimillion-dollar renovation. It is also one of the few theatres in the country containing its original Morton organ, produced by the Robert Morton Organ Company . Designed by the renowned architect Emile Weil , the Jefferson Theatre opened November 14, 1927 at a cost of nearly $ 1 million. Originally designed for Jefferson Amusement Company
297-475: A "film friendly city" by the Texas Film Commission. Port Arthur is located on the eastern edge of Jefferson County on the west side of Sabine Lake. It is bordered to the northeast by Orange County, Texas , and to the southeast, across Sabine Lake, by Cameron Parish, Louisiana . The Port Arthur city limits extend south along the west side of Sabine Pass , the outlet of Sabine Lake, as far as
396-612: A 9,000 square foot mosque in 2017. According to the city's 2018 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report the top employers in the city were: A significant element of the region's economy is the Port of Beaumont , one of the largest seaports by tonnage in the United States. The 842nd Transportation Battalion and the 596th Transportation Group are both stationed at the port in Beaumont. In addition to companies doing business within
495-587: A Recorded Texas Historic Landmark. Founded in 1953 as the Beaumont Symphony Orchestra, the Symphony of Southeast Texas has been performing several performances each year since then. Several guest artists including Van Cliburn and Ferrante & Teicher have appeared with the symphony. The Beaumont Botanical Gardens is located near the entrance to the 500 acre Tyrrell Park . On its 23.5 acre grounds, it includes over ten themed gardens,
594-443: A category 2 hurricane. Due to the storm's unusually large size, effects were widespread and were felt across much of Southeast Texas . Port Arthur sustained significant wind damage and many of the city's residents lost power. The Port Arthur seawall protected the city from the major flooding that surrounding cities experienced. On August 29, 2017, after Harvey made a second landfall at tropical storm status, 26 inches of rain fell in
693-489: A category 3 hurricane. A wind gust of 116 mph (187 km/h) was recorded in Port Arthur. The storm caused widespread significant wind damage throughout the city, with power outages lasting several weeks in some locations. Some areas of the city also received flooding due to Rita. On September 13, 2007, Hurricane Humberto made landfall west of Port Arthur as a category 1 hurricane. The storm moved northeast across
792-665: A complete restoration and renovation. The 6.5 million dollar restoration was completed in 2003. As of 2010, the City of Beaumont operates the theatre while the Jefferson Theatre Preservation Society oversees the preservation, promotion and use of the theatre. Since the renovation, a number of high-profile artists have performed at the theatre, including Joan Rivers , The Temptations , Lou Rawls , George Carlin , Doobie Brothers , and Lyle Lovett . The theatre also hosts various local acts and events and
891-466: A female householder with no husband present, and 34.6% were not families; 30.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.63 and the average family size was 3.31. In the city, the population was distributed as 27.0% under the age of 18, 9.7% from 18 to 24, 24.7% from 25 to 44, 25.2% from 45 to 64, and 13.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age
990-620: A minor league baseball team that played at Magnolia Ballpark and the Stuart Stadium from 1920 to 1949 and 1953–1955. The Beaumont Golden Gators were a minor league baseball team that played at Vincent-Beck Stadium from 1983 to 1986. The Beaumont Bullfrogs were also a minor league baseball team that played in Beaumont. The Texas Wildcatters were an ECHL Hockey team based in Beaumont from 2003 to 2008. The Beaumont Drillers were an IPFL football team that played in Beaumont from 2003 to 2007, and The Basketball League planned to add
1089-597: A mortgage. The median income for a household in the city was $ 39,699, according to the American Community Survey during 2010, and the median income for a family was $ 49,766. The per capita income for the city was $ 23,137. About 17.6% of families and 22.1% of the population lived at or below the poverty line. From 2014 to 2019, its median income for households was $ 54,488; families had a median income of $ 61,069; married-couple families $ 78,239; and non-family households $ 29,415. In 2019, an estimated 16.7% of
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#17327804668431188-498: A new facility, to use as the city's first public library, now known as the Tyrrell Historical Library . When the city became a major center for defense shipbuilding during World War II , tens of thousands of rural Texans migrated there for the new high-paying jobs. The Roosevelt administration ordered the defense industry to be integrated, and many Southern white males were working closely with black males for
1287-474: A number of professional and amateur sports teams throughout the city's history. The American Basketball Association 's Southeast Texas Mavericks were once headquartered in the city until moving to Shreveport, Louisiana in 2013. The Texas Strikers , a professional arena soccer team PASL , started playing at Ford Arena in 2012. Another notable team in the area has been the Beaumont Exporters ,
1386-552: A pleasure pier was severely damaged. In June 1957, Hurricane Audrey made landfall just east of Port Arthur in Cameron Parish, Louisiana , as a category 3 hurricane. The storm caused extensive wind damage around the city and significant storm surge flooding just east in Southwest Louisiana. On September 24, 2005, Hurricane Rita made landfall between Sabine Pass, Texas , and Johnson Bayou, Louisiana , as
1485-410: A result of Hurricane Harvey . Due to the flooding, Memorial Hermann Baptist Hospital evacuated all of its highest level of acuity patients with the help of National Guard helicopters. In addition, many Beaumont residents had to be rescued by both boats and helicopters as a result of the floodwaters. As of March 2019 , many residents in the area are still attempting to recover from the hurricane as
1584-411: A single day at the airport near Port Arthur, triggering widespread flash flooding in the city. According to the Port Arthur mayor Derrick Freeman, 20,000 homes were flooded with up to 6 ft of water. On August 30, Freeman posted on Facebook , "Our whole city is underwater right now." Hurricane Laura was expected to make landfall as a major hurricane with Port Arthur in its direct path. Port Arthur
1683-493: A single high school, Memorial High School , formed in 2002 by the consolidation of three high schools: Stephen F. Austin , Abraham Lincoln , and Thomas Jefferson . The portion around Southeast Texas Regional Airport is served by the Nederland Independent School District . Some parts are served by Port Neches-Groves Independent School District . The Sabine Pass community is served by
1782-420: A successful regional shipping center. Beaumont was a small center for cattle raisers and farmers in its early years. With an active riverport by the 1880s, it became an important lumber and rice-milling town. The city exported rice as a commodity crop. Beaumont's lumber boom, which reached its peak in the late 19th century, was stimulated by the rebuilding and expansion of the railroads in the state and region after
1881-479: Is Central Mall , opened outside the downtown in 1982. Port Arthur's Museum of the Gulf Coast is recognized as the area's definitive collection of items and displays for figures from Port Arthur and the surrounding communities. UGK , perhaps Texas's most influential hip-hop group, originated in Port Arthur before relocating to Houston. The mayor of Port Arthur is Thurman "Bill" Bartie. The county operates
1980-587: Is a city in the U.S. state of Texas . It is the seat of government of Jefferson County , within the Beaumont– Port Arthur metropolitan statistical area , located in Southeast Texas on the Neches River about 85 miles (137 km) east of Houston (city center to city center). With a population of 115,282 at the 2020 census , Beaumont is the largest municipality by population near
2079-484: Is free, and is the only museum open seven days per week. Likewise, Beaumont Children's Museum started in 2008 and opened in 2012; the museum moved to a temporary location in 2015 to the Beaumont Civic Center . Babe Didrikson Zaharias Museum is another notable museum dedicated to the life of the Beaumont native and accomplished athlete. The Beaumont Art League is the oldest non-profit art gallery in
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#17327804668432178-549: Is home to an annual film festival. In September 2005, the Vince Vaughn Wild West Comedy Show performance was canceled due to Hurricane Rita (which damaged the theatre and prompted a temporary closure for maintenance and repairs). The theatre reopened for business in December 2005. [REDACTED] Media related to Jefferson Theatre at Wikimedia Commons Beaumont, Texas Beaumont
2277-555: Is recognized for associate programs in commercial music, nursing, legal assistant, and process technology. The college also fields competitive teams in men's basketball and women's softball. The sections of Port Arthur within the Hamshire-Fannett and Sabine Pass ISDs are assigned to Galveston College in Galveston . State legislation does not specify an assigned community college for the remainder of Jefferson County. It
2376-604: Is the center of business for the metropolitan statistical area, governance and night time entertainment within Southeast Texas, downtown features the Crockett Street Entertainment Complex with entertainment options from dancing, to live music to dining or a bar. In addition to the night time entertainment downtown also features a museum district with five distinct museums. Other entertainment and recreation venues located downtown include
2475-445: Is the largest U..S refinery expansion to occur in 30 years. Premcor Refining (now Valero) completed a $ 775 million expansion of its petrochemical plant, and BASF/Fina commenced operations of a new $ 1.75 billion gasification and cogeneration unit on premises of its current installation, which had just completed its own $ 1 billion upgrade. These operations are supported by the Port of Port Arthur , one of Texas' leading seaports. The city
2574-605: Is within the Piney Woods region of eastern Texas. The area around Beaumont receives the most rainfall in the state: more than 60 inches (1,500 mm) annually. The city has two distinct seasons, a wet season from April to October and a dry season from November to March. Hurricanes also pose a threat to the city and greater metropolitan area. Hurricane Rita in 2005 and Hurricane Ike in 2008 both caused significant damage. Both Hurricane Harvey in 2017 and Tropical Storm Imelda in 2019 caused historic flooding throughout
2673-472: The American Civil War soon began, and rail lines were removed. In 1886, a destructive hurricane hit the coast, causing the remaining residents to dismantle their homes and move to Beaumont. By 1895, Aurora had become a ghost town . Arthur Stilwell led the resettling of the area as part of his planned city as the southern terminus of his Kansas City, Pittsburg and Gulf Railroad , predecessor to
2772-762: The Beaumont Panthers as a new team in 2022. Port Arthur, Texas Port Arthur is a city in the U.S. state of Texas, 90 mi (140 km) east of Houston . Part of the Beaumont–Port Arthur metropolitan area , Port Arthur lies primarily in Jefferson County , with a small extension in Orange County . The largest oil refinery in the United States, the Motiva Refinery , is located there. The population of Port Arthur
2871-772: The Civil War . The Beaumont Rice Mill, founded in 1892 by Joseph Eloi Broussard , was the first commercially successful rice mill in Texas. In addition, Broussard cofounded the Beaumont Irrigation Company in 1898 to operate an irrigation system to support rice culture. The company along with four others established around the same time helped stimulate the expansion of rice cultivation from 1500 acres in 1892 to 400,000 acres in 23 counties by his death in 1956. The other companies were The Port Arthur Rice and Irrigation Company, The McFaddin-Wiess-Kyle Canal Company,
2970-656: The Golden Triangle , causing widespread wind damage; however, most of the damage was relatively minor. An 84 mph (135 km/h) wind gust was recorded at the Southeast Texas Regional Airport just northwest of the city. On August 5, 2008, Tropical Storm Edouard made landfall just west of Port Arthur. The effects felt in the city were light; however, wind gusts up to 55 mph (89 km/h) were recorded. On September 13, 2008, Hurricane Ike made landfall on Galveston Island as
3069-518: The Gulf of Mexico . The town was conceived in 1837, and in 1840 promoters led by Almanzon Huston were offering town lots for sale. Some were sold, but Huston's project failed to attract many settlers. The area next was known as "Sparks", after John Sparks, who moved his family to the shores of Sabine Lake near the site of Aurora. The Eastern Texas Railroad, completed between Sabine Pass and Beaumont, Texas , passed 4 miles (6 km) west of Sparks. However,
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3168-715: The Kansas City Southern Railway . Stilwell named the city Port Arthur after himself, not the British Royal Navy Lieutenant who gave his name to Port Arthur, China . Pleasure Island now separates the city from the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway . The 18.5-mile (29.8 km) man-made island was created between 1899 and 1908 by the Corps of Engineers to support development of the port. Arthur Stilwell founded
3267-462: The Louisiana border. Its metropolitan area was the 10th largest in Texas in 2020, and 130th in the United States . The city of Beaumont was founded in 1838. The pioneer settlement had an economy based on the development of lumber, farming, and port industries. In 1892, Joseph Eloi Broussard opened the first commercially successful rice mill in Texas, stimulating development of rice farming in
3366-639: The Neches River connects Port Arthur to Bridge City . Port Arthur is vulnerable to tropical cyclones and the city has been extensively damaged by tropical cyclones several times. Aurora was an early settlement attempt near the mouth of Taylor Bayou on Sabine Lake , about 14 miles (23 km) long and 7 miles (11 km) wide. It is a saltwater estuary formed by the confluence of the Neches and Sabine Rivers. Through its tidal outlet, 5-mile-long (8 km) Sabine Pass , Sabine Lake drains some 50,000 sq mi (100,000 km ) of Texas and Louisiana into
3465-741: The Sabine Pass Independent School District . There are portions of Port Arthur in Nederland ISD , Beaumont ISD , and Hamshire-Fannett ISD . In Orange County, the portions of Port Arthur are in Bridge City Independent School District . The Bob Hope Charter School is located in Port Arthur. It formerly had a Catholic high school, Bishop Byrne High School , which closed in 1983. The Port Arthur Public Library, at 4615 9th Avenue at Texas State Highway 73 , serves as
3564-439: The U.S. Maritime Commission during World War II ; Dresser Industries , a Dresser-Ideco plant was a major employer for seventy-seven years; the plant, with around 350 employees, closed in 1985; Gulf Oil ; Humble Oil ; Magnolia Petroleum Company ; The Texas Oil Company; The Texas Coffee Company, the first company in the United States to begin packaging coffee in vacuum-packed foil bags; and Universal Coin & Bullion, one of
3663-684: The 10,000 sq ft Warren Loose Conservatory and a large collection of bromeliads . Additionally, Tyrrell Park and Cattail Marsh features botanical gardens and conservatory, the Henry Homberg Municipal Golf Course, a 900-acre cattail marsh nature area, and a 2.8 mile nature trail. There are also restrooms, shelters, the Babe Zaharias Drive Monument, baseball backstop, lighted basketball goals, benches, drinking fountains, 2.8-mile (4.5 km) nature trail, and picnic tables. As downtown Beaumont
3762-544: The 12-story Goodhue Building which included a penthouse. In 1928, the Edson Hotel was built. No other buildings were built until Century Tower in 1962 and in 1982 Edison Plaza was built. In 1994 the 12-story LaSalle Hotel, built in 1927, was demolished. The Jefferson Theatre was built in 1927 by the Jefferson Amusement Company for $ 1 million and was Beaumont's showpiece for many years. In 1928
3861-533: The Beaumont area on Christmas Eve 2004. In January 1997, a severe and historic ice storm struck the region, leaving thousands without power and major tree damage in its wake. In unofficial records, Beaumont received as much as 30 inches (760 mm) of snow during the blizzard of February 1895 that impacted the Gulf Coast. The city of Beaumont and its metropolitan statistical area have experienced slight population decline and stagnation since 2015's census estimates, while modest increases in population have assisted in
3960-854: The City Hall and Auditorium was built. It is now the Julie Rogers Theater . Beaumont's Jefferson County Courthouse is one of the tallest county courthouses in the state and is an excellent example of Art Deco architecture. Across the street from the Jack Brooks Federal Building is the Kyle Building , built in 1933. The storefront was recently restored and is considered to be one of the best examples of Zig-Zag architecture in Texas. The Oaks Historic District has many restored historic homes. The Beaumont–Port Arthur region has historically been cited as one of
4059-854: The Fire Museum of Texas chronicle the history of firefighting in Texas. The McFaddin-Ward House was built in 1905–1906 in the Beaux-Arts Colonial style and is located in the Oaks Historic District . The structure and its furnishings reflect the prominent family who lived in the house for seventy-five years. This very large historic home has a substantial carriage house. The complex has a substantial permanent collection of antique furniture and household items. Educational programs focus on history and are geared toward children and adults. Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown Museum includes several reconstructed buildings reminiscent of
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4158-867: The Gulf of Mexico on the city's southern border. To the north, the city limits extend across the Neches River into Orange County. Port Arthur is bordered to the northwest by the cities of Nederland , Groves , and Port Neches , and to the northeast by Bridge City in Orange County. According to the United States Census Bureau , the city has a total area of 144.1 square miles (373.1 km ), of which 76.9 square miles (199.2 km ) are land and 67.1 square miles (173.9 km ), or 46.61%, are covered by water. Communities in Port Arthur include: Celebrations in Port Arthur on completion of
4257-817: The Jefferson County Sub-Courthouse in Port Arthur. The United States Postal Service operates the Port Arthur Post Office, the Port Acres Post Office, and the Sabine Pass Post Office in Sabine Pass . In the Texas State Legislation , Port Arthur is in the 4th Senate District , represented by Republican Brandon Creighton , and in the 22nd State House District , represented by Democrat Christian Manuel while
4356-502: The Kansas City, Pittsburg and Gulf Railroad between Kansas City and Port Arthur occurred Saturday, September 11, 1897. The celebrations brought additional people into town. The next day, a major hurricane hit Port Arthur. Water flowed five feet deep in the streets. People loaded into the unfinished railroad roundhouse seeking shelter; the building promptly collapsed, killing four. In the end, 13 people died, homes were destroyed, and
4455-409: The Neches River around the downtown area/port: Harbor, Smith and Clark. Beaumont is relatively flat compared to other Texas cites at being 16 ft. above sea level. South of Beaumont, Port Arthur is only 7 ft. above sea level. Several towns and communities have been absorbed into the city of Beaumont. These include: Amelia, established in 1885 and incorporated into Beaumont in 1956; Elizabeth,
4554-625: The Port Arthur Channel and Dock Company to manage the port facilities. The port officially opened with the arrival of the British steamer Saint Oswald in 1899. When oil was discovered at Spindletop , the J.M. Guffey Petroleum Company, later Gulf Oil , had run pipelines to Port Arthur as a shipping point and a location for an oil refinery . In November 1901, the first tanker, the Cardium , departed with Spindletop oil. The refinery
4653-469: The Royal Air Force, flying from their training base at Terrell, Texas, routinely flew to Beaumont on training flights. The community served as a stand-in for the British for Paris, France, which was the same distance from London, England as Beaumont is from Terrell. In the postwar years, Beaumont's port continued in importance. As was typical with other cities, post-war highway construction led to
4752-578: The Sabine Pass portion of Port Arthur is within the 21st State House District , represented by Republican Dade Phelan . In the United States House of Representatives , Port Arthur is in Texas' 14th congressional district , represented by Republican Randy Weber . Located in downtown Port Arthur, celebrated its 100th birthday in 2009. Offering a full variety of basic core curriculum classes in which credits are transferable throughout Texas public universities, Lamar State College
4851-763: The Treadaway or Neches Canal Company, and the Taylors-Hillebrand complex. The holdings of those companies formed the basis for the Lower Neches Valley Authority established by the state legislature in 1933. The rise of Beaumont's mill economy drew many new residents to the city, many of them immigrants. By the early 20th century, the city was served by the Southern Pacific; Kansas City Southern, Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe; and Missouri Pacific railroad systems. Oil
4950-488: The area's demographic sustainment. Similar to its population fluctuations from 1980 to 1990, Beaumont's population has shifted from roughly 115,000 to 118,000 residents from the 2020 and 2010 United States census . According to the 2010 United States census there were 118,296 people, 45,648 households, and 28,859 families residing in the city limits. Per the 2020 United States census, its population slightly declined to 115,282 residents. In 2010, Beaumont's population density
5049-499: The area, operating for 70 years. The two gallery spaces (at the old Fairgrounds on Gulf Street) host art exhibitions and juried shows year-round, including the notable BAL National Exhibition (formerly the Tri-State Show), which attracts artists from across the country. Within the city, the historic Chambers House, built in 1906, this home is open for tours. It is filled with period furniture, personal items, and artifacts used in
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#17327804668435148-546: The area; he also started an irrigation company (since 1933, established as the Lower Neches Valley Authority ) to support rice culture. Rice became an important commodity crop in Texas and is now cultivated in 23 counties. A big change occurred in 1901 with the Spindletop gusher, which demonstrated that a huge oil field lay underneath and adjacent to the city. With Spindletop, several energy companies developed in Beaumont, and some remain. The area rapidly developed as one of
5247-400: The city and area have included the following: Bethlehem Steel / Trinity Industries Shipyard, where over eight hundred (800) vessels were built and repaired at the shipyard including barges, ships, and offshore drilling rigs including seventy-two (72) jack up offshore drilling rigs, the second-most offshore drilling rigs built in the United States, and seventy-one (71) Type C1 ships built for
5346-532: The city and metropolitan area has been Islam , with religious Jews comprising the third largest religiously-affiliated demographic in Beaumont; Jewish Beaumonters settled the area in the 19th century, primarily affiliated with Orthodox Judaism . As the area has a substantial Islamic community, interfaith efforts among the dominant religions have occurred, and the Islamic Society of the Triplex completed
5445-762: The city limits, several large industrial facilities are located within the city's five-mile extraterritorial jurisdiction boundaries including the ExxonMobil Beaumont refinery and chemical plants, Goodyear Beaumont chemical plant, and DuPont chemical plant. Jason's Deli has its headquarters in Beaumont. Conn's Appliances did have its headquarters in Beaumont; however, in mid-2012, Conn's moved its corporate headquarters to The Woodlands . Originally Sweet Leaf Tea Company had its headquarters in Beaumont. The headquarters moved to Austin in October 2003. Other prominent businesses which have been associated with
5544-430: The city received emergency assistance. According to the United States Census Bureau , the city has a total area of 85.8 square miles (222.3 km ), of which 82.8 square miles (214.5 km ) are land and 3.1 square miles (7.9 km ), or 3.53%, are water. Beaumont lies on Texas' coastal plain, about 30 miles (48 km) inland from the Gulf of Mexico , 85 miles (137 km) east of Houston , and just south of
5643-556: The city's major builders. The museum stands on the site of the Perlstein building, which was the tallest structure between Houston and New Orleans when it was erected in 1907. Only one column still remains from the building. AMSET, formerly the Beaumont Art Museum, exhibits 19th–21st century American art with a collecting focus on Texas art and Folk Art and offers 10–14 educational programs in any given year. Admission
5742-499: The city. Hurricane Laura in 2020 posed a significant threat to the town, as it was forecasted to make landfall at the border of Texas and Louisiana, almost following the same track as Hurricane Rita in 2005. The storm turned more northerly close to landfall, and spared Beaumont the worst impacts and damage. Minor damage was reported with winds gusting around hurricane-force for a short period of time as Laura moved over Lake Charles, Louisiana . Also, Hurricane Delta in 2020 passed near
5841-433: The city. The population density was 654.6 inhabitants per square mile (252.7/km ). The 23,577 housing units averaged 284.4 per square mile (109.8/km ). At the 2020 census , the population increased to 56,039. The racial makeup of the city was 41.7% African American, 37.9% White, 1.2% Native American, 6.3% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, and 15.3% from other races in 2010. Hispanics or Latino Americans of any race were 29.6% of
5940-642: The country's major petrochemical refining areas. Along with Port Arthur and Orange , Beaumont forms the Golden Triangle , a major industrial area on the Texas Gulf Coast . Beaumont is home to Lamar University , a national Carnegie doctoral research university with over 14,000 students, including undergraduates and postgraduates. Over the years, several corporations have been based in this city, including Gulf States Utilities, which had its headquarters in Beaumont until its takeover by Entergy Corporation in 1994. GSU's Edison Plaza headquarters remains
6039-406: The dense pine forests of East Texas . The city is bordered on the east by the Neches River and to the north by Pine Island Bayou . Before being settled, the area was crisscrossed by numerous small streams. Most of these streams have since been filled in or converted for drainage purposes. The island directly across from Riverfront Park is called Trinity Island. There are also three other islands in
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#17327804668436138-399: The depot of Amelia that was established around 1903 or after and annexed into Beaumont in 1957; Elwood, established sometimes in the late 1800s, changed to Voth in 1902, and annexed into Beaumont in 1957; Guffey, post office was established in 1901 and closed in 1925 but is part of Beaumont now; Santa Anna, became part of Beaumont when it was founded; Tevis Bluff, became part of Beaumont when it
6237-829: The development of new suburbs and dispersal of the population in search of new housing. Recently, there has been some renewal in Downtown Beaumont and in other areas of the city. In 1996, the Jefferson County courts, located in Beaumont, became the first court in the nation to implement electronic filing and service of court documents. This eliminated the need for law firms to print and mail reams of documents. In 2005 and 2008, Beaumont and surrounding areas suffered extensive damage from Hurricane Rita and Hurricane Ike , respectively. Mandatory evacuations were issued in advance of both storms. In August 2017, Beaumont and surrounding areas experienced severe flooding as
6336-526: The early 20th century, developing businesses during the Texas Oil Boom . An entrepreneur from Pennsylvania and Iowa, he arrived after the gusher at Spindletop , and invested in development of a commercial port in the city, and an irrigation system to support the local rice industry, as well as residential and retail development of suburban property. He was also a philanthropist. He purchased and donated First Baptist Church, whose congregation had moved to
6435-529: The first time. Housing was scarce in the crowded city, and racial tensions increased. In June 1943 after workers at the Pennsylvania shipyards in Beaumont learned that a white woman had accused a black man of raping her, nearly 2,000 went to the jail where a suspect was being held, attracting more men along the way and reaching a total of 4,000. Ultimately the white mob rioted for three days, destroying major black neighborhoods and killing five persons. No one
6534-620: The following: Beaumont Civic Center ; the Event Centre and plaza features include a twelve-acre great lawn for concerts and a walking path, and a 3,800 sq ft canopy with stage overlooks the great lawn, and a 14,000 sq ft canopy overlooks a two-acre lake with a thirty-five foot fountain; and Beautiful Mountain Skate Plaza, opened in 2013. The park includes ledges, rails, banks, bank-to-bank, quarter pipes, and stairs. The park also has an amphitheater for other events. Beaumont has had
6633-472: The ground. It was overdesigned and overbuilt due to lack of knowledge on the strength of concrete in the 1920's. The hotel closed down in the mid-1980s. The Port Arthur News reported August 28, 2010, that "DWA (Digital Workforce Academy) Buys Sabine Hotel", By November 2011, the hotel was reported to be slated for demolition. The cost of renovations were estimated at $ 10–12 million and demolition estimates as $ 500,000 to $ 1.2 million. As of April, 2021, Motiva
6732-518: The home. Among other museums, Clifton Steamboat Museum opened on October 26, 1995. The theme of the museum is "Heroes... Past, Present, and Future", honoring military and civilian heroes. The Clifton Steamboat Museum consists of a 24,000 square feet (2,200 m ), two-story museum. Exhibits bring to life the wars fought in Southeast Texas and Louisiana, as well as the Steamboat Era, World Wars I and II, Korea, and Vietnam. Upper art galleries of
6831-407: The land of Tevis, together with the nearby community of Santa Anna (in total, 50 acres (20 ha)), was purchased by Henry Millard ( c. 1796 –1844), Joseph Pulsifer (1805–1861), and Thomas Byers Huling (1804–1865). They began planning a town to be laid out on this land. Their partnership, J.P. Pulsifer and Company, controlled the first 50 acres (200,000 m ) upon which the town
6930-471: The largest retailers in precious metals and rare coins. Beaumont hosts many museums and buildings open for tours within the Southeast Texas region. The Art Museum of Southeast Texas (AMSET), with its Perlstein Plaza, was dedicated in memory of pioneer real estate developer Hyman Asher Perlstein (1869–1947), who arrived in Beaumont in 1889 as a poor Jewish immigrant from Lithuania and eventually became one of
7029-417: The largest single denomination in the city as a result of Spanish colonialism and missionary work , and its increasing Hispanic or Latino population (reflecting nationwide trends); Roman Catholics have been primarily served by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Beaumont which is a jurisdiction of the Roman Catholic Ecclesiastical Province of Galveston–Houston. Beyond Christianity, the second largest religion in
7128-617: The most polluted urban areas in the United States due to various energy industries and chemical plants in the area. Even so, as of July 2014 , the Beaumont-Port Arthur region was not under any Environmental Protection Agency non-attainment restrictions; however, counties in the Greater Houston area, the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex , and El Paso were. As of October 2014 , the Beaumont-Port Arthur area
7227-471: The museum feature original bronze sculptures; Native American artists, wildlife, and frontier paintings from famous artists. A special gallery in the museum is dedicated to the Boy Scouts of America . This gallery features many historical scouting artifacts, some dating before the 1960s. The tugboat, Hercules, 36 feet (11 m) high, 22 feet (6.7 m) wide, and 92 feet (28 m) long, is included on
7326-477: The museum tour. Dishman Art Museum is the university art museum of Lamar University . The museum features 19th and 20th century European and American Art, as well as Tribal Art from Africa and New Guinea. Nearby Edison Museum (about inventor Thomas Edison ) and the Fire Museum of Texas (home of one of world's largest fire hydrants ) are also located within the city. Antique fire trucks and equipment at
7425-553: The nation, each dial being 17 feet (5.2 m) in diameter. In 1922 the 11-story Hotel Beaumont was built across the street from the San Jacinto. The Hotel Beaumont bears a resemblance to the old Winecoff Hotel in Atlanta . The second oil boom of 1925 brought more people and wealth to Beaumont, the same year the 12-story American National Bank Building (now Orleans Building ), was erected, and in 1926 Forrest Goodhue built
7524-401: The nearby city of Beaumont had a poverty rate of 16.7%, down from 17.6%. Home to a large portion of United States oil refining capacity, Port Arthur has seen renewed investment in several key installations. Motiva Enterprises began undertaking a major addition to its western Port Arthur refinery, expanding capacity to 600,000 barrels per day (95,000 m /d). This $ 10.0 billion project
7623-497: The original Gladys City. The buildings contain artifacts from the period. The Texas Energy Museum of Beaumont opened on January 10, 1990, the anniversary of the Spindletop gusher. Jefferson Theater , built in 1927, is a historic theater that presents live musical and stage performances as well as limited revival screenings of classic films. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) and recognized also as
7722-415: The population lived at or below the poverty line. According to the 2010 census, the racial and ethnic makeup of the city was 33.5% non-Hispanic white , 47.3% Black and African American , 0.0% American Indian and Alaska Native , 3.3% Asian , 0.0% Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander , 7.1% from other races , and 2.0% from two or more races . Hispanic or Latino Americans of any race were 13.4% of
7821-624: The population were religious. Christianity , since colonial times, has remained the dominant religion by identification in Beaumont and its surrounding area. Among the Christian community, Baptists were the largest Protestant Christian tradition and spread among numerous denominations; the most notable denominational affiliations among Baptists were the Southern Baptist Convention and National Baptist Convention ( USA and America ). Roman Catholicism , however, remained
7920-443: The population. By 2020, its population increased to being predominantly Black or African American as its non-Hispanic white population slightly declined, reflecting nationwide demographic trends of diversification and self-identification. Also in 2020, its Hispanic or Latino American population of any race increased to 20,607 residents, or 17.88% of the total population. Religiously, Sperling's BestPlaces estimated roughly 78.6% of
8019-504: The population. In 2019, the American Community Survey estimated 18.7% of the population was non-Hispanic white, 38.1% Black and African American, 0.2% Native American, 7.3% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 0.2% some other race, and 34.5% Hispanic or Latino American of any race. Of the 20,183 households in 2010, 30.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 39.2% were married couples living together, 19.8% had
8118-665: The region as it made landfall in Southwest Louisiana . Impacts were about the same with Delta as they were with Laura. On August 18, 2009, a tornado hit the west side of Beaumont, causing damage to cars and several local businesses. Injuries were minimal. While wintry precipitation is unusual, it does occur. The most recent significant wintry event to occur was December 8, 2017 when the Southeast Texas Regional Airport recorded 3 inches (76 mm) of snowfall. December 11, 2008 and December 4, 2009, were also days that Beaumont saw measurable snowfall. Snow also fell across
8217-427: The tallest building in Beaumont. The ExxonMobil Beaumont Refinery and Petrochemical Complex is the largest private employer in the city and occupies more than 2,000 acres of the city and port. In 1824 Noah and Nancy Tevis settled on the west bank of the Neches River and developed a farm. Soon after that, a small community grew up around the farm, which was named Tevis Bluff or Neches River Settlement . In 1835
8316-476: The theatre boasts a 3-manual, 8-rank Robert Morton organ. A five-day premiere of recently released "It's A Wonderful Life" (1946) was held at the Jefferson Theatre from March 4-8, 1947, with star James Stewart and director Frank Capra in attendance on March 4, 1947. The theatre closed in 1972 due to a loss of interest in downtown. By 1997 the theatre was operational again, but was closed in September 2000 for
8415-483: The town. The central business district has many boarded up and vacant locations. The Hotel Sabine opened at 600 Proctor Street in 1929 and operated as the Vaughn Hotel until the mid-1930s. At 118 feet, 10 stories, and the tallest building in Port Arthur, the building is of Beaux-Arts architecture style, built with steel-reinforced concrete and brick on 640 steel-laced wooden cypress pilings driven 60 ft into
8514-483: Was 1,339.4 inhabitants per square mile (517.1/km ). Housing units were at an average density of 574.2 per square mile (221.7/km ). Of the 45,648 households at the 2010 United States census, out of which 28.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 38.7% were married couples living together, 19.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.8% were non-families; 30.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.0% had someone living alone who
8613-450: Was 35.3 years. For every 100 females, there were 96.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.1 males. From 2014 to 2019, the median household income was $ 36,557; families had a median income of $ 44,115; married families $ 56,304; and non-family households $ 24,280. Among the population, 27.2% lived at or below the poverty line, against the state's 13.6% impoverished population from 2014 to 2019 census estimates. In contrast,
8712-438: Was 53,818 at the 2010 census , down from 57,755 at the 2000 census. By 2020, its population had rebounded to 56,039. Early attempts at settlements in the area had all failed. However, in 1895, Arthur Stilwell founded Port Arthur, and the town quickly grew. Port Arthur was incorporated as a city in 1898 and soon developed into a seaport. It eventually became the center of a large oil refinery network. The Rainbow Bridge across
8811-404: Was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.48 and the average family size was 3.12. Among its population at the 2019 American Community Survey , the median age was 34.6 and the average family size was 3.23. From an estimated 45,435 occupied housing units in 2019, 52.1% were owner-occupied and the median selected monthly costs for units with a mortgage were $ 1,366 and $ 412 without
8910-569: Was discovered at nearby Spindletop on January 10, 1901. Spindletop became the first major oil field and one of the largest in American history. With the discovery of oil at Spindletop, Beaumont's population more than tripled in two months from 9,000 in January 1901 to 30,000 in March 1901. William Casper Tyrrell , nicknamed "Captain W.C.", was a leading businessman and oil tycoon in the city in
9009-567: Was enlarged in 1902, and a pipeline connected to the Glenn Pool Oil Reserve in Oklahoma. The Texas Company, later Texaco , also started building a refinery in 1902. By 1916, the Port Arthur refinery was one of the three largest in the United States. In 2015, the city council proposed an ordinance to declare Port Arthur a "film friendly city." In October 2021, Governor Abbott announced that Port Arthur has been declared
9108-424: Was evacuated. However, turning almost due north, Laura ended up making its final landfall near Cameron, Louisiana . Port Arthur is tied with Lake Charles, Louisiana , and Astoria, Oregon , as the most humid city in the contiguous United States . The average relative humidity is 90% in the morning, and 72% in the afternoon. At the 2010 census , 53,818 people, 20,183 households, and 13,191 families resided in
9207-508: Was formerly named Stilwell Technical Center and is the second college in Port Arthur. The Port Arthur Independent School District is now headquartered at its former location on 9th Avenue. In 2012 the school was relocated to a new building built on the same property of Memorial High School at 3501 Sgt Lucian Adams Dr. Most of the city is served by the Port Arthur Independent School District . It operates
9306-460: Was founded in 1835. Beaumont has 8 buildings over 100 feet (30 m) tall, the tallest being the Edison Plaza , which is 254 feet (77 m) tall. The old Edson Hotel , built in 1928 is nearly the same height at 240 feet (73 m). One of the most prominent downtown buildings is the 15-story San Jacinto Building . Built in 1921, it sports one of the largest four faced clock towers in
9405-552: Was founded. This town was named Beaumont, after Mary Dewburleigh Barlace Warren Beaumont, the wife of Henry Millard. They added more property for a total of 200 acres. Beaumont became a town on December 16, 1838. Beaumont's first mayor was Alexander Calder . From the town's founding in 1835, business activities included real estate, transportation, and retail sales. Later, other businesses were formed, especially in railroad construction and operation, new building construction, lumber sales, and communications. The Port of Beaumont became
9504-424: Was not under any Texas Commission on Environmental Quality attainment compliance deadlines. Regardless, according to an article published in 2007 focusing on Port Arthur , a neighboring city to the southeast of Beaumont, pollution was believed to have caused some area residents to become sick. This has generated debates throughout the local media. The city of Beaumont experiences a humid subtropical climate and
9603-470: Was prosecuted for the deaths. The riot in Beaumont was one of several in 1943 which centered in the defense industry, including Los Angeles , Detroit , and Mobile, Alabama as well as other cities across the country. The wartime social disruption was similar to war time riots which had occurred in other parts of the country during and following World War I . During the war years, airmen cadets from
9702-492: Was still considering buying the hotel, but remained uncertain and uncommitted to it. Hurricane Rita struck a direct hit on the Proctor Street Seawall, and damaged many downtown businesses and homes. As economic activity picked up in the region, calls for downtown revitalization have been advanced. The true center of commercial activity has gravitated from downtown to other areas. The main shopping center
9801-550: Was the site of an oil spill in 2010, when an oil tanker and barge collided, causing 450,000 gallons of oil to spill into the Sabine/Neches waterway alongside the city. The commercial center of Port Arthur was at its peak in the early 1900s. Together with the effects of suburbanization, which drew off wealthier residents to new housing away from town, gradually taking businesses with them, from 1960 until 1974, successive waves of economic recession caused much distress in
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