Sutherland Springs, Texas

Sutherland Springs, Texas
Unincorporated community
Historic building in Sutherland Springs
Historic building in Sutherland Springs
Coordinates: 29°16′24″N 98°03′24″W / 29.27333°N 98.05667°W / 29.27333; -98.05667Coordinates: 29°16′24″N 98°03′24″W / 29.27333°N 98.05667°W / 29.27333; -98.05667
Country United States
State Texas
County Wilson
Established 1854
Founded by John Sutherland
Elevation[1] 469 ft (143 m)
Population (2017)
 • Total 600
Time zone UTC-6 (CST)
ZIP code 78161
Website Handbook of Texas

Sutherland Springs is an unincorporated community located on the old Spanish land grant of Manuel Tarin in northern Wilson County, Texas, United States. It is located on U.S. Highway 87 at the intersection of Farm Road 539, about 21 miles (34 km) east of downtown San Antonio.

History

Texas Historical Commission marker, Linne Oil Field

Sutherland Springs was platted in 1854, and named after John Sutherland Jr., a pioneer citizen.[2] A post office has been in operation at Sutherland Springs since 1851.[3]

2017 shooting

On November 5, 2017, Devin Patrick Kelley shot and killed 26 people and injured 20 at the community's First Baptist Church. Kelley died shortly afterwards, having crashed his car while being pursued by a church neighbor. He had a gunshot wound the sheriff's department described as self-inflicted. It is the deadliest mass shooting in Texas history.[4]

Geography

Old Sutherland Springs occupies a portion of the South bank of the Cibolo Creek, with New Sutherland Springs (which is mostly in ruins) on the north bank of the Cibolo Creek.

Bibliography

  • "The Good Old Days a history of LaVernia," published by members of the Civic Government class at LaVernia High School for the 1936-37 academic school year.
  • "Wilson County Centennial 1860-1960," published by the Wilson County Library; official centennial program handed out by the local community for the "100-year celebration" of the county's establishment.

References

  1. ↑ "Sutherland Springs". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey.
  2. ↑ McCaslin, Richard. "Sutherland Springs, TX". tshaonline.org. Texas State Historical Association. Retrieved August 3, 2016.
  3. ↑ "Post Offices". Retrieved 6 November 2017.
  4. ↑ "Sutherland Springs: Texas church shooting leaves 26 dead". BBC News. November 5, 2017.
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