About Grandview

Demographics

90.6% of Grandview residents reside in Johnson County, 4.8% reside in Hill County and 4.7% reside in Ellis county. Cleburne serves as the county seat for Johnson County. The area is abundant in fertile land with both acid sandy loam to the west, and alkaline black land toward the east. Primary natural resources include sand and gravel excavation and also gas drilling operations within the Barnett Shale. The local economy has historically been primarily agricultural - farming and ranching. As of the 2000 Census the Greater Grandview population was 5180. Grandview is experiencing rapid growth and our economy continues to evolve as business related opportunities arise.

Grandview is a great place to call home. We are family oriented and our residents are known for being community minded individuals. Our school district is the pride of Grandview. Click on the school link for more information. Grandview's proximity to the D/FW Metroplex is a reasonable commute for those wanting the ambiance of a small town or rural living opportunities. We like to think of ourselves as a "Little Town with a Big Heart"!

Recreational facilities and outdoor activities are abundant. Lake Pat Cleburne and Cleburne State Park are excellent choices and there is Lake Whitney and Lake Granbury that border the county. The Brazos River is beautiful and conveniently located. Johnson County is home to the Layland Museum, and our own theatrical group, The Carnegie Players. We offer plentiful shopping and dining choices within the area.

Local educational opportunities are available through Hill Junior College and Southwestern Adventist University. Several other colleges are a reasonable commute away such as Baylor, Mary Hardin-Simmons, Tarleton State University, Southern Methodist University, Tarrant County Community College, Texas Christian University and Texas Weslyan.

If you love beautiful scenery, majestic skies, the great outdoors and rural living, then you will want to visit the Grandview area. Economic opportunities abound and affordable small town living can be a reality for you. Come visit Grandview and explore the possibilities!

Geography and History

Grandview, Texas is conveniently located just 35 miles southwest of Fort Worth and is at the junction of U.S. Highway 81 and I-35W in Johnson County. The climate is mild with temperatures averaging a low of 35 F in winter and a summer high of 96 F. The growing season averages 233 days with average annual rainfall precipitation of thirty-three inches.

In the Greater Grandview area, elevation ranges between 600 feet and 1000 feet above sea level. It is a grand view, indeed! Settlement of the community occurred in the 1850's with F.L. Kirtley being one of the first settlers to acquire a 640-acre section of land. His brother-in-law, John Whitmire followed soon after, and when he looked out across the horizon exclaimed, "What a grand view!" Kirtley thought this was a great description of their new homeland and decided to name his settlement Grand View. The name of the town was later modified from two words to one.

The Brazos River flows along the southwestern border of Johnson County with the Nolan River running north to south through the center of the County to join the Brazos. Secondary streams include Chambers, Buffalo, Mountain, Village, Mustang, Valley and Walnut creeks. The upper portion of Lake Whitney (on the Brazos) and Lake Pat Cleburne (on the Nolan River) are principal reservoirs for the community.

The area is rich in history with French, Spanish and Mexican influences found especially along the Brazos River dating as far back as the 1500's. The vicinity is brimming with Native American history and lore. Because of the plentiful water and wildlife, many tribes prospered here. Even though no permanent Indian villages existed in what is now Johnson County, Tonkawas, Kickapoos, Anadarkos, Caddos and Wacos hunted in the area.

Those that love all things western will appreciate the historic cattle trail, the Chisholm Trail which crosses the Brazos and runs north through the western part of Johnson County. Markers and memorials are located along the Chilsholm Trail route commemorating our cultural heritage. We celebrate our railroad heritage as well. In the 1880's Cleburne connected via railroad to Dallas which caused a huge positive change to the economic climate of the county. The Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe ran and eventually extended to connect the Texas coast with the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Line to the North. Other early railroads in the county included the Missouri, Kansas and Texas (Katy) Line and the Texas and Brazos Valley commonly known as the Boll Weevil. Today Johnson County is served by the Fort Worth and Western Railroad, the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad and Amtrak.

Nearly the whole town of Grandview burned in March of 1920. An accidental fire began in a residential section on the south end of town. Unfortunately there was a strong wind and the fire quickly spread to the north consuming almost all homes and businesses. The town was rebuilt, and around 1922 they paved the streets with brick from a local mill. One brick street remains in the historic downtown on Criner Street. Grandview still sports several beautiful, restored historic homes and the downtown business district primarily consists of turn-of-the-century brick buildings.

The current Greater Grandview Chamber of Commerce was organized in 1997 and our goal is to enhance and promote economic opportunities for businesses interested in locating to the Greater Grandview area. We also work to enhance the quality of life for all citizens and to preserve our cultural heritage, history and small town ambiance.


Education

The City of Grandview is served by the Grandview Independent School District.

External links

Maps and aerial photos Coordinates: 32.26569° -97.177768°

     Street map from Google Maps
     Satellite image from Google Maps
     Topographic map from TopoZone
     Aerial image or topographic map from TerraServer-USA