Company Profile
City of Flatonia TX
Company Overview
Flatonia is a unique blend of the old and new, combining a rich cultural heritage and hometown values with economic opportunities that offer unlimited potential for future growth and prosperity. Centrally located between four major Texas cities (Houston, Austin, San Antonio, and Victoria), Flatonia is located just off Interstate 10 in southwestern Fayette County. Its transportation infrastructure includes Highways 90 and 95, easy access to three major international airports, and Flatonia is one of the few cities in the U.S. to have rail tracks that serve North-South and East-West routes. This strategic location makes Flatonia ideal for any industry requiring rapid access to major transportation corridors.
Flatonia’s relaxed, easy-going lifestyle is complimented by a commitment to maintaining a strong, family-oriented community bolstered by civic pride. The heart and soul of any community is its people, and in Flatonia a small town is like a big family. People in Flatonia are friendly and inviting and the spirit of the community can be felt on every street corner. Newcomers to Flatonia find that they can blend their own traditions and cultures with the area’s Southern hospitality and history, adding to a community rich in diversity and opportunity.
Take a leisurely stroll down Main Street as you browse antique shops, enjoy the culinary options, take in beautiful architecture or watch passing railcars bound for unknown destinations. If you are looking for something more, Flatonia offers numerous attractions for residents and visitors alike. For golf enthusiasts, there is a superb, well-maintained 9-hole golf course where greens fees are low and there is never a wait to tee off. The six painted churches in the area are truly remarkable, and people love to visit the railroad tower, train and history museums, the historic Lyric Theater, or spend some time in one of our well-maintained parks.
Company History
Flatonia was established in 1873 on the Galveston, Harrisburg, and San Antonio Railway and was named for the pioneer merchant F. W. Flato. The City became the meeting place of the two main railway lines in Texas in 1887, when the San Antonio and Aransas Pass Railway was built south from Waco. With the new railway came new settlements and new businesses, including the Swift Meat Packing Company, cotton and agricultural companies. In 1910, a new electric light plant, ice plant, water works, and cold storage warehouses were established, earmarking Flatonia for future growth.
Tourism began growing with the completion of I-10 in the 1970’s and is a big contributor to Flatonia’s current economy. Flatonia is a well-known and scenic spot for train watchers, boasting one of Texas’ longest standing, manually operated railroad switching towers with North-South, East-West cross rails. A true piece of Americana, the tower now resides on South Main Street and can be toured by appointment.