History Venus, Texas

venus city park, 2007

the town named gossip , until development in late 1880s. man name of j.c. smythe purchased 80 acres (32 ha) of abandoned cornfields in northeastern corner of johnson county , began plan townsite. named new town venus , after daughter of local doctor. 1888 new town had post office , population of around ten residents. being @ junction of 2 major railroads, venus prospered , time 1 of fastest growing communities in johnson county. 1920s, venus had own schools (including small college), several businesses, weekly newspaper (the venus express), , population exceeded 800.

the great depression had massive negative impact, however, , in 1930s town began decline. growth of dallas–fort worth metroplex north hastened decline, many of residents relocating growing urban area in search of work. 1940 population had fallen 200, , remaining operating business drug store.

venus began recover in late 1940s, , population increased on 300. growth slow steady throughout remainder of 20th century; 1990 there 977 residents , town had spread neighboring ellis county. 2000 census listed population @ 910, population more tripled 2,960 in 2010, due largely southward expansion of metroplex.