Skimming the southwestern shores of Eagle Mountain Lake, Azle combines just the right mix of metroplex amenities with a wide-open, country community. Rural or suburban? Some might argue that the city of Azle is a little bit of both. A suburban community with an outstanding public golf course and intimate neighborhoods, accented with a rural quality of life.
Since downtown Fort Worth is just 14 miles away, residents of Azle can take advantage of all that resides in the city limits of Cowtown; the Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge, museums in the cultural district, Bass Performance Hall, Casa Manana, and of course, shopping. Notable amenities within the city of Azle include the Azle Library, and the Azle Historical Museum, which has over two stories of historical artifacts, documents, and photos of generations of Azle families and business merchants.
The city of Azle's history dates back to 1846 when a young doctor named James Azle Steward moved into a cabin built by a Dutchman named Rumsfeldt. Other settlers came and established themselves near the local streams, Ash Creek, Silver Creek, and Walnut Creek. The first post office opened in 1881, and the town took the name O'Bar in honor of the man who obtained the postal service. Soon, however, the name was changed at the request of Steward, who donated the land for a town site in order to have the town named Azle.
The area's economy was originally based on agriculture. Several crops were grown, including wheat, corn, peanuts, sorghum, and cotton. Watermelons, cantaloupes, peaches, plums, and pears were also produced. Dairy farming became important in the early decades of the twentieth century, when local milk products were sold to creameries in Fort Worth. The population of Azle grew steadily, and by 1920 the census recorded 150 residents. Manufacturing increased, and in 1984 Azle had twenty-six businesses. By 1985, the population was estimated at more than 7,000. The town's proximity to Fort Worth and its position as the "Gateway to Eagle Mountain Lake" have made Azle a popular place to live. In 1990 the population was 8,868.
The city of Azle is served by the Azle Independent School District, consisting of seven elementary schools, two middle schools and one high school. The District includes the incorporated cities of Azle, Lakeside, Reno, Pelican Bay and Sanctuary. As of 2006, there were more than 5,600 students enrolled in the district. The district recognizes the important of strong communications and involvement with the community. Each school has a parent-teacher organization. All schools have strong volunteer programs and the secondary schools have several booster clubs.
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