Ables Springs is an

unincorporated community An unincorporated area is a region that is not governed by a local municipal corporation. Widespread unincorporated communities and areas are a distinguishing feature of the United States and Canada. Most other countries of the world either have ...

in Kaufman County,

Texas Texas (, ; Spanish language, Spanish: ''Texas'', ''Tejas'') is a state in the South Central United States, South Central region of the United States. At 268,596 square miles (695,662 km2), and with more than 29.1 million residents in 2 ...

United States The United States of America (U.S.A. or USA), commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country primarily located in North America. It consists of 50 states, a federal district, five major unincorporated territorie ...

Geography

Ables Springs is located in northeastern Kaufman County. It is situated along FM 429, approximately ten miles northeast of

Terrell Terrell, Terell, Terrel, or Terrelle may refer to: Places United States *Terrell, Georgia, unincorporated community *Terrell, North Carolina, unincorporated community in Catawba County, North Carolina, United States *Terrell, Texas, city in Kau ...

. The community, as well as all of Kaufman County, is part of the

Dallas Dallas () is the List of municipalities in Texas, third largest city in Texas and the largest city in the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex, the List of metropolitan statistical areas, fourth-largest metropolitan area in the United States at 7.5 ...

–

Fort Worth Fort Worth is the fifth-largest city in the U.S. state of Texas and the 13th-largest city in the United States. It is the county seat of Tarrant County, covering nearly into four other counties: Denton, Johnson, Parker, and Wise. According ...

– Arlington

Metropolitan Statistical Area In the United States, a metropolitan statistical area (MSA) is a geographical region with a relatively high population density at its core and close economic ties throughout the area. Such regions are neither legally Incorporated town, incorporate ...

History

Land in the area was granted to Ezekiel Ables by the state of Texas in 1848. Five years later, Ezekiel's son James and his wife Eliza settled there. A freshwater spring that later contributed to the community's name, ran through the area. Mr. and Mrs. Ables deeded an plot to a Methodist Episcopal Church in 1878. A tabernacle, church, and school were later constructed on the land. A separate portion was also set aside for a cemetery. Camping facilities were also available in the community. Baptist and Church of Christ congregations met where the Methodist church once stood. For many years thereafter, Ables Springs was a center for local religious and school activities. The community remained small as surrounding towns, particularly Terrell, grew. The spring that once served as the community's primary water source eventually ran dry as a result of overuse and development of a nearby rock quarry. The lack of water caused area officials to seek out other sources to serve Ables Springs. On November 1, 1979, the Ables Springs Water Supply Corporation was commissioned. It continues to serve the area's water needs to this date.

Incorporation attempt

In early 2007, a group of Ables Springs residents began researching what it would take to incorporate the community. Citing Kaufman County's rapid population growth and the desire to preserve the small, close-knit atmosphere of Ables Springs, organizers gathered the necessary number of signatures needed to place the issue on a ballot. The election was held on May 12, 2007. Of the 102 valid votes cast, 40 (39.22%) voted in favor of incorporation while 62 (60.78%) voted against the proposition.

Education

Ables Springs is part of the

Terrell Independent School District Terrell Independent School District is a public school district based in Terrell, Texas, United States. In 2009, the school district was rated "academically acceptable" by the Texas Education Agency The Texas Education Agency (TEA) is the b ...

References

External links

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Ables Springs Volunteer Fire DepartmentAbles Springs Water Supply CorporationKaufman County, Texas
– Official site. {{authority control Populated places established in 1853 Unincorporated communities in Texas Unincorporated communities in Kaufman County, Texas Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex