Alvarado

Alvarado, Texas
Alvarado, the oldest town in Johnson County, is at the junction of U.S. highways 67 and 81 and Interstate Highway 35W, fifteen miles east of Cleburne in eastern Johnson County. In the winter of 1849 William Balch staked out a claim near an old Indian trail. His family did not last until spring but returned in 1851. Two years later Balch and a fellow settler, G. H. Sigler, laid out half-acre town lots. The community's first sheriff, A. H. Onstoott, is credited with naming Alvarado for Alvaredo, Vera Cruz, Mexico, where he fought in a battle during the Mexican War. By the summer of 1854 Alvarado had an estimated 100 families and postal service. The focus of the town was a two-story building, where the Masonic lodge held its meetings and an elementary school conducted classes. There was also an Alvarado College, operated by John C. Collier. The town had four churches, more than a dozen businesses, and 350 residents.
Adapted from the official Handbook of Texas, a state encyclopedia developed by the Texas State Historical Association (TSHA). It is an authoritative source of trusted historical records.
Alvarado at a Glance
Belongs to
Alvarado is part of or belongs to the following places.
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Currently Exists
Yes
Place type
Alvarado is classified as a Town
Locations
-
- Latitude
- 32.41141490
- Longitude
- -97.20985200
Has Post Office
Yes
Is Incorporated
Yes
Photos of Alvarado and surrounding areas

Alvarado, Texas
View of downtown Alvarado, a city eastern Johnson County, Texas. Photograph by Renelibrary.

Alvarado by the Numbers
Population Counts
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Population Counts
Alvarado
Pop. | Year | Source |
---|---|---|
4,574 | 2019 | Texas Demographic Center |
3,785 | 2010 | Texas Demographic Center |
3,288 | 2000 | Texas Demographic Center |
2,918 | 1990 | Texas Demographic Center |
2,701 | 1980 | Texas Demographic Center |
2,129 | 1970 | Texas Demographic Center |
1,907 | 1960 | Texas Demographic Center |
1,656 | 1950 | Texas Demographic Center |
1,324 | 1940 | Texas Demographic Center |
1,210 | 1930 | Texas Demographic Center |
1,284 | 1920 | Texas Demographic Center |
1,155 | 1910 | Texas Demographic Center |
1,342 | 1900 | Texas Demographic Center |
1,543 | 1890 | Texas Demographic Center |