Groves

Groves, Leslie Richard, 1896-1970, American army officer and engineer who headed the program that developed America's atomic bomb, b. Albany, N.Y., grad. West Point (1918). He was commissioned in the Corps of Engineers and studied at the army engineering school (1918-20). Posted (1931) to Washington, D.C., he was promoted to captain (1934) and temporary colonel (1940). While he served (1941-42) in the Chief of Engineers office, his duties included supervising the construction of the Pentagon.

Groves received the most important assignment of his career in 1942 when, after receiving the rank of temporary brigadier general, he was appointed commanding officer of the highly secret Manhattan Engineer District, better known as the Manhattan Project, with a $2-billion budget and broad powers to tap the country's resources to develop, construct, and test the atomic bomb. He also established an air force unit to drop the bomb and a committee to recommend sites for its delivery. Promoted to permanent brigadier general and awarded the Distinguished Service Medal in 1945, Groves retired from the army in 1948. Subsequently, he was vice president in charge of research at the Remington Rand Corp. until his retirement in 1961.

Groves is a city in Jefferson County, Texas, United States. The population was 15,733 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Beaumont–Port Arthur Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Geography

Groves is located at (29.947113, -93.915829).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 5.2 square miles (13.4 km²), of which, 5.2 square miles (13.4 km²) of it is land and 0.19% is water.

Groves is named after "Asa E. Groves" a Port Arthur, Texas land developer. He had several hundred pecan trees planted which added charm to this quaint bedroom community.

Demographics

As of the census of 2000, there were 15,733 people, 6,182 households, and 4,512 families residing in the city. The population density was 3,036.7 people per square mile (1,172.7/km²). There were 6,570 housing units at an average density of 1,268.1/sq mi (489.7/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 93.46% White, 1.32% African American, 0.26% Native American, 1.65% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 1.98% from other races, and 1.29% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 7.82% of the population.

There were 6,182 households out of which 31.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.8% were married couples living together, 9.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.0% were non-families. 24.1% of all households were made up of individuals and 12.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.52 and the average family size was 2.98.

In the city the population was spread out with 23.9% under the age of 18 (see Recreation), 8.5% from 18 to 24, 26.8% from 25 to 44, 21.6% from 45 to 64, and 19.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females there were 92.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.8 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $42,692, and the median income for a family was $50,892. Males had a median income of $41,404 versus $23,493 for females. The per capita income for the city was $21,147.

Education

Primary and secondary schools

Public schools

Most of the City of Groves is served by the Port Neches-Groves Independent School District. Portions are within the Port Arthur Independent School District.

The only PAISD school in groves is the Port Arthur Alternative Center.

Colleges and universities

The Lamar University system is in nearby Beaumont.

Public libraries

The City of Groves Public Library serves Groves.

Recreation

Gardening is a popular activity among Groves residents due to its near sub-tropical climate and plentiful rainfall. The area youth have several seaonal organized activities ranging from youth baseball to youth soccer. The city is in the process of remodeling the Groves Activity Building that was heavily damaged during Hurricane Rita.It is expected to open mid to late summer of 2008. A private pool association operates the community swimming pool located in Lions Park. Groves is home to a water park,9 hole golf course, THE PATCH, which actually caters to youth and senior golfers. The First Friday in Groves celebration is a well attended event in the downtown area on Lincoln St. every first Friday of the month. Groves is also near to many outstanding fishing and hunting areas. The Texas Pecan Festival is held in Groves Every year. There are rides, food, musical acts, and more.

Notability

Oil refineries surround Groves and other nearby cities, including Beaumont, Port Neches, Nederland, and Port Arthur. These refineries are some of the largest and most important producers in the nation, hence a major spike in gas prices before and after Hurricane Rita.

Groves, along with the rest of Jefferson County, is a very industrial oriented and business friendly area. There is continuing and sustained industrial growth in all facets of this geographical area. Southeast Texas and southwest Louisiana, with their major industrial bases, are critical to the nations energy and petrochemical needs.

Noted author and poet Mary Karr is from Groves, as is PGA golfer Chris Stroud, Tennessee sportscaster/producer Jon W. Knowles and Major League Baseball player Ben Weber of the Houston Astros.

Groves is the home to the Texas Pecan Festival, where local organizations sponsor rides and booths. Local organizations sell food, and there is fun for all ages in a fair-like venue.

Groves has rebounded surprisingly well from its ordeal with Hurricane Rita in September 2005.

References

External links

• City of Groves
• Groves Chamber of Commerce and Tourist Bureau