Thornton
Thornton is on State Highway 14 nineteen miles southwest of Mexia in southwestern Limestone County. Settlement at the site began in 1868. The Houston and Texas Central Railway ran a line from Hearne to Groesbeck through the area in 1870, and Cain Hogan settled on Steele Creek just west of the present townsite. The community became a stop on the railroad and was named for John E. Thornton, another early settler.
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.
Ellen Maschino | © Texas State Historical Association
At a Glance
Belongs to
Thornton is part of or belongs to the following places.
Adopt a Town
The Texas Almanac's Land Rush program lets you adopt the town, county, or lake of your choice and share your message with the world. 100% of the proceeds benefit education in Texas.
- Adoption Status: ⭐
- This place has been adopted and will not be available until January 29, 2024
- Adopted by:
- For Elisea Lopez Villa (Arce; Gunther) on the occasion of her 85th birthday, June 14, 1938
- Dedication Message:
- The Lopez Villa family made their home in Thornton during the 20s and 1930s. When the Great Depression hit, Hilario Villa and his wife, Esther Lopez Villa, along with their two small daughters, Maria Esther and Elisea, came out west to California. They settled in Vista, California. My mother, Elisea, who was born in Thornton, has always remembered the place of her birth with great fondness and pride.
Currently Exists
Yes
Place type
Thornton is classified as a Town
Locations
-
- Latitude
- 31.41113270
- Longitude
- -96.57385600
Has Post Office
Yes
Is Incorporated
Yes
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Thornton by the Numbers
Population Counts
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Population Counts
Thornton
| Pop. | Year | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 421 | 2020 | United States Census Bureau |
| 541 | 2019 | Texas Demographic Center |
| 526 | 2010 | United States Census Bureau |
| 525 | 2000 | United States Census Bureau |
| 540 | 1990 | United States Census Bureau |