Potter County, Establishing of
Historical marker location:Named for Robert Potter, Secretary of the Navy (1836) and Senator (1840-42) of the Republic of Texas.
In territory ranged by Apache, Arapaho, Cheyenne, Comanche, and Kiowa Indians, and since 1600 familiar to Spanish military parties and French traders. On established routes of the Great Spanish Road from Santa Fe to San Antonio (1786) and the Fort Smith-Santa Fe Trail of 1840 which was followed in 1849 by California gold seekers. Although still uninhabited, the county was created in 1876 by Texas Legislature.
The years 1874-78 saw Indians expelled and buffalo replaced by longhorns. In 1877 the famous LX Ranch was established, with headquarters 20 miles north of this site. The Frying Pan, first large ranch fenced with barbed wire, in 1881 built its headquarters 16 miles to the west. Railroad construction across the Texas Panhandle made local government desirable. LX and Frying Pan cowboys were the electors who voted on Aug. 30, 1887, to organize Potter County.
This county was discovery site (1918) of the vast Panhandle-Hugoton Gas Field. It is noted as location of Alibates National Monument (established 1965), an aboriginal flint quarry, with ruins of prehistoric Indian villages inhabited as early as 10,000 B.C.
(1970)
As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to the state, community organizations, and businesses.
The first domed stadium in the world, the Astrodome, was built in Houston in 1965 and hosted numerous sporting events and concerts over the years.
In 1876, Potter County was officially established and named after Robert Potter, a lawyer and signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence. The county's first town, Amarillo, was founded soon after and quickly became the county seat. Initially, Amarillo served as a cattle shipping point and a center for trade, attracting businesses and settlers from surrounding areas.
The early 20th century brought significant development to Potter County. The discovery of oil in nearby areas in the 1920s led to a boom in the county, with oil companies setting up operations and bringing wealth and jobs to the region. This growth and prosperity continued throughout the 20th century, with Amarillo becoming a major economic and cultural hub in the Texas Panhandle.
Today, Potter County continues to thrive as a vibrant community. Its economy is diversified, with significant contributions from industries such as healthcare, education, agriculture, and tourism. The county boasts numerous parks, museums, and attractions, making it an attractive destination for visitors. With its rich history and ongoing growth, Potter County remains a significant contributor to the heritage and economy of Texas.
Potter County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Potter County, Texas.
- Potter County is formed on August 21, 1876
- In 1886, Amarillo becomes the county seat of Potter County
- The first courthouse in Potter County is built in 1887
- The first oil well is drilled in Potter County in 1921
- Potter County experiences significant growth during the oil boom of the 1920s
- Palo Duro Canyon State Park is established in Potter County in 1934
- In 1951, the Pantex Plant is established in Potter County, becoming a key facility for the assembly and disassembly of nuclear weapons
- The Tri-State Fair & Rodeo, held annually in Potter County, celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2021