According to Educationvv, Bell County is located in the central part of Texas and is part of the Killeen–Temple–Fort Hood Metropolitan Statistical Area. The county seat is Belton and it is bordered by Lampasas, Coryell, Milam, Falls, McLennan, and Williamson counties. The county covers 908 square miles and has a population of more than 350,000 people.
Bell County was established in 1850 from parts of Milam and Travis counties. It was named after the first Secretary of State for the Republic of Texas, Peter Hansborough Bell. The county has seen tremendous growth over the years due to its proximity to Fort Hood military base as well as its location along I-35 which makes it an ideal place for businesses to locate.
The economy in Bell County is largely driven by Fort Hood military base which employs more than 40,000 people making it one of the largest single employers in Texas. Other major industries include healthcare, retail trade, educational services, manufacturing, construction, transportation and warehousing.
The climate in Bell County is characterized by hot summers with temperatures reaching up to 95 degrees Fahrenheit during peak months while winters are mild with temperatures averaging between 50-60 degrees Fahrenheit on average. Precipitation levels are fairly low throughout the year with an average annual rainfall of 33 inches per year which supports a variety of vegetation including grasses and shrubs typical for Central Texas.
Bell County offers a variety of recreational activities thanks to its many lakes such as Lake Belton and Stillhouse Hollow Lake that provide plenty of opportunities for boating, swimming, fishing and camping. Other attractions include several museums such as the Bell County Museum which features artifacts from local history including Native American artifacts as well as items related to early settlers in the area.
In addition to all these great attractions Bell County also boasts excellent schools that have received some top rankings from various publications such as US News & World Report which have named several schools within the county among their best high schools list for 2020-2021 school year. With all these great features it’s no wonder why so many people choose to call Bell County home.
History of Bell County, Texas
Bell County, Texas is located in the Central part of the state and has been a part of Texas since 1850. The county was established from parts of Milam and Travis counties and was named after the first Secretary of State for the Republic of Texas, Peter Hansborough Bell. The county is home to several major cities including Killeen, Temple, Belton, Harker Heights, Copperas Cove and Nolanville.
The history of Bell County can be traced back to its earliest inhabitants who were Native Americans belonging to several different tribes including the Comanche and Lipan Apache. These tribes lived in the area for centuries before European settlers began arriving in the mid-1800s. As settlers moved into the area they brought with them cattle ranching which quickly became an important part of the local economy.
By 1870 Bell County had grown significantly due to increased settlement and by 1880 it had become one of Texas’ most populous counties with over 25,000 residents. During this time several towns were established including Belton which served as both a trading post and a stop on stagecoach routes connecting Waco to Austin. By 1900 cotton had become an important crop in Bell County as well as nearby Milam County.
In 1917 Camp MacArthur was established near Waco which later became known as Fort Hood after General John Hood who commanded troops during World War I. This military base has been a major source of economic growth for Bell County ever since with thousands of military personnel being stationed there over the years. In addition to Fort Hood other industries such as healthcare, retail trade, educational services manufacturing construction transportation and warehousing have all played a role in helping grow Bell County’s economy over time.
Today, Bell County is home to nearly 350,000 people making it one of Texas’ most populous counties while still maintaining its small-town charm thanks in part to its many historic sites such as Fort Hood Military Base and Belton Train Depot both listed on the National Register of Historic Places as well as other attractions like museums like the Bell County Museum which feature artifacts from local history including Native American artifacts early settlers items related to early settlers in the area and much more.
Major cities and towns in Bell County, Texas
Bell County, Texas is home to a number of cities and towns that have played an important role in its history. The county seat is Belton, which was established in 1851 and has grown to become the largest city in the county with a population of around 20,000 people. Belton serves as the commercial and cultural hub of Bell County with numerous restaurants, shops, museums, parks, and other attractions located within its city limits.
Killeen is the second largest city in Bell County and serves as the home for Fort Hood military base. Killeen has a population of around 145,000 people and is known for its vibrant nightlife scene as well as its many outdoor activities such as hiking trails and fishing spots.
Harker Heights is located just outside Killeen and is another popular destination for those looking to explore Bell County. With a population of around 28,000 people Harker Heights offers plenty of shopping opportunities including several large retail stores. It also features many parks including Lions Park which offers walking trails along with picnic areas and playgrounds for children to enjoy.
Temple is another major city located within Bell County that has seen significant growth over the past few decades thanks to its location near Fort Hood military base. Temple has a population of around 72,000 people and features several attractions such as Temple Lake Park which offers camping sites along with fishing spots while providing stunning views of Stillhouse Hollow Lake from all directions.
Cove is an unincorporated community located just outside Killeen that was established in 1882 by German immigrants who wanted to start their own town away from Killeen. Today, Cove still remains small but it does offer some amenities such as a post office, churches, schools, restaurants, parks and other attractions that draw visitors from all over Central Texas each year.
Nolanville is another small unincorporated community located just west of Belton that was founded in 1854 by settlers looking to escape high taxes imposed by neighboring communities at the time. Today, Nolanville remains small but it does offer some amenities such as churches schools stores restaurants banks post offices parks libraries golf courses museums theatres etc making it an ideal spot for those looking for some peace and quiet away from bigger cities like Belton or Killeen.
Bell County has something to offer everyone whether they’re looking for big-city amenities or small-town charm. With so many cities towns villages historic sites natural attractions recreational activities etc all conveniently located within its borders Bell County truly has something special that can’t be found anywhere else.
Airports in Bell County, Texas
According to countryaah.com, Bell County, Texas is home to two major airports that serve the area: Killeen-Fort Hood Regional Airport (GRK) and Robert Gray Army Airfield (GRK). The Killeen-Fort Hood Regional Airport is a public airport located in Killeen, Texas, just five miles from the city of Harker Heights. The airport is owned by the City of Killeen and serves as a hub for business travelers and tourists alike. It offers commercial flights to major cities such as Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), Houston Intercontinental Airport (IAH), and Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS). In addition to commercial flights, the airport also offers charter flights and cargo services.
The Robert Gray Army Airfield is located at Fort Hood in Bell County, Texas. It is a military airfield operated by the U.S. Army Aviation Branch and serves as a base for helicopters from the 1st Cavalry Division stationed at Fort Hood. The airfield has two long runways and several hangars that are used for flight training operations, medical evacuation missions, cargo transport, search & rescue operations, and other military activities. It does not offer any commercial airline service but does provide transportation services for military personnel traveling to or from Fort Hood.
Both airports offer convenient access to all parts of Bell County and its surrounding areas. Whether you’re looking to travel domestically or internationally, both airports provide easy access to major cities throughout Texas as well as other parts of the United States. In addition to providing convenient transportation services, both airports also offer an array of amenities such as car rental agencies, restaurants, gift shops, ATM machines, baggage claim centers, and more. Whether you’re planning a business trip or simply looking for a fun getaway destination in Bell County then either one of these airports can easily accommodate your needs.
