Historical Markers in
Lubbock County, Texas

Arnett House Bacon Home Becton Cemetery Bledsoe Santa Fe Depot Bradford Knapp Breedlove Airport Buddy Holly Canyon School Building (RAZED) Carlisle Cemetery Carlisle, Uncle Gus, Home (RAZED) Citizens National Bank of Lubbock City of Lubbock Cemetery Colonel T. S. Lubbock and Texas in the Civil War Congressman George Mahon Coronado High School Dagley Field Englewood Cemetery Estacado Cemetery Estacado High School (MISSING) First Baptist Church of Lubbock First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) First Methodist Church of Lubbock General Ranald Slidell Mackenzie Idalou Cemetery Igo Ranch Headquarters (NOT FOUND) Immanuel Lutheran Church Isham and Texana Tubbs House Lubbock Lubbock Cotton Club Lubbock County Lubbock Courthouse, Old (RAZED) Lubbock High School Lubbock Lake Site Lubbock Women's Club Lubbock's First Cotton Gin Mackenzie Scout Trail Mary & Mac Private School Mast House Mercy Hospital Migrant Labor Camps in Lubbock County Miss Mae Murfee Monterey High School Mount Gilead Baptist Church New Deal New Hope Baptist Church Nicolett Hotel Old Murfee Home (RAZED) Original Lubbock Municipal Airport Ransom Canyon Reese Air Force Base Rockwell Lumber Company Office Building Singers' Store, G. W., Site of (MISSING) Site of Old Lubbock Slaton Slaton Bakery Slaton Harvey House Slaton Volunteer Fire Department South Plains Army Air Field St. Elizabeth's Catholic Church Texas Tech Judging Pavilion Texas Tech University Dairy Barn The Free Range Era of Ranching V8 Ranch W. G. McMillan Construction Company Wheelock House (RAZED) Yellowhouse Canyon
Texas is home to the world's largest bat colony. The Bracken Bat Cave, near San Antonio, is home to millions of Mexican free-tailed bats.
Texas random facts
Lubbock County, Texas has a rich and diverse history that stretches back thousands of years. The area was first inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Apache, Comanche, and Kiowa. In the 19th century, exploration and settlement by Europeans began in the region. In 1876, Col. T.S. Lubbock, a former Confederate officer, established a town named Lubbock, which would later become the county seat.

During its early years, Lubbock County primarily relied on farming and ranching for economic development. The arrival of the railroad in 1909 brought significant growth and opportunities for trade and transportation. The agricultural industry thrived, with cotton becoming a dominant crop, leading the area to be known as the "Hub of the Plains."

In the 20th century, Lubbock County experienced periods of economic booms and busts. The Great Depression hit the county hard, but it rebounded during World War II due to the establishment of Reese Air Force Base, which brought an economic boost and increased population. The post-war era saw the growth of education and the establishment of Texas Tech University in 1923, further contributing to the county's economy and cultural development.

In recent decades, Lubbock County has continued to evolve and diversify its economy. The oil industry plays a significant role, with the discovery of the Permian Basin and advancements in drilling techniques leading to increased oil production. The county has also seen growth in healthcare, education, and technology sectors. Today, Lubbock County remains a vibrant and dynamic community, with a rich history that has shaped its identity.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Lubbock County, Texas.

  • 1876 - Lubbock County is officially formed on August 21.
  • 1890 - The first permanent settlement is established in Lubbock County.
  • 1901 - The first railroad is built in the county.
  • 1904 - Lubbock becomes the county seat.
  • 1909 - Texas Tech University is established in Lubbock.
  • 1923 - The West Texas Fair is first held in Lubbock County.
  • 1930 - Lubbock County's population reaches 26,678.
  • 1942 - The United States Air Force establishes an airfield in the county, which later becomes Reese Air Force Base.
  • 1951 - The Lubbock tornado, one of the deadliest in U.S. history, strikes the county.
  • 1967 - Lubbock County's population surpasses 150,000.
  • 1989 - The Lubbock County Courthouse, which was destroyed in a fire, is reconstructed.
  • 1993 - The Lubbock Lake Landmark, an archaeological and natural history preserve, is designated a National Historic Landmark.