Wichita County, Texas

Bethania Hospital Booker T. Washington Elementary School Bridgetown Burkburnett ("Boomtown USA") Burkburnett Masonic Lodge 1027 Burkburnett Memorial Cemetery Burnett Horse Ranch Call Field Call Field Monument Cashion School Central Baptist Church Charley Lee Coe Charlye Ola Farris City View School Clara Cemetery Clayco #1 Oil Well Davenport Grocery Dr. Annie Davis Roark Dr. Colonel Bertram (C. B.) Fuller Dr. Samuel Hiatt Burnside, Mary Margaret Grice Burnside Electra State Bank Felix L. Lindsey First Baptist Church of Wichita Falls First County Officials First Methodist Church of Burkburnett First National Bank of Burkburnett First United Methodist Church of Wichita Falls Fowler Discovery Well Frank Kell Home Friberg-Cooper Methodist Church George Alonzo Soule Ghost Town of Clara Grand Theatre Henry C. Luecke Pioneer, Blacksmith and Inventor Hodges-Hardy House Home of Monroe Dodson Hotter 'N Hell Hundred Iowa Park Consolidated Independent School District Iowa Park Lodge No. 713, A.F. & A.M. J. A. Kemp Wholesale Grocery Building Joe and Lois Perkins Estate John Gerham Hardin John Hart Wilson Joseph Hudson Barwise Joseph Sterling Bridwell Journey's End Cemetery Kadane Discovery Well Kell Field Air Terminal Kell, Frank Kemp Public Library Kemp, Joseph Alexander KMA Oilfield Lake Wichita Lost Battalion Midwestern University Desegregation Mt. Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church Near Homesite of Mabel Gilbert Northwest Extension Oilfield O'Donohoe, John F. Ohio Street Bridge Pioneer Circuit Riders Memorial Receiver Bridge Riverside Cemetery Samuel Burk Burnett Sheppard Air Force Base Simon Peter Hawkins Site of Booker T. Washington High School Site of Cooper School and Church Site of Friberg School Site of Gorsline's Fashion Livery Stable Site of St. James Hotel Site of Valley View School Site of Wichita Valley Refinery and Texas Oklahoma Fair Site of: The Antlers Hotel Fire of 1929 St. Paul Lutheran Church Tenth Cavalry Creek Texas Governor James V. Allred The Anderson House The Old Buffalo Road The Red River The Zale Legacy Thrift Times Publishing Company Tom Lloyd Burnett Tom Lloyd Burnett Home Town of Iowa Park Trinity Lutheran Church Van Dorn Trail Weeks Mansion Wichita County Wichita County Water Improvement District No. 2 Wichita Falls Bank Robbery of 1896 Wichita Falls High School Wichita Falls Junior College Wichita Falls Lodge No. 635 A.F. and A.M. Wichita Falls Municipal Zoo Wichita Falls Opera House Wichita Falls Traction Company Wichita Falls Women's Forum Wichita General Hospital Zenobia Trimble

Wichita County, Texas, located in the northwest part of the state, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The Wichita and Comanche Native American tribes were the first inhabitants of the area, with evidence of their settlements and hunting grounds dating back to at least the 16th century. Spanish explorers, including Francisco Vásquez de Coronado, also passed through the region in the 16th century.

The area that would become Wichita County was officially settled by European Americans in the mid-19th century. In 1856, the Texas legislature created Wichita County, naming it after the Wichita tribe. The construction of the Fort Worth and Denver City Railroad through the county in the late 19th century brought growth and development to the area, attracting settlers.

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Wichita County experienced the boom and bust cycles common in many Texas counties. Agriculture, particularly cattle ranching and cotton farming, were the primary industries, but oil was discovered in the region in the early 20th century, leading to a significant economic boost. The county became an important oil-producing region, with oil wells and refineries becoming a common sight.

In the present day, Wichita County continues to be a vital part of Texas. It is home to the city of Wichita Falls, the county seat and largest city, which serves as a regional hub for commerce, education, and healthcare. The county's economy has diversified, with sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, education, and military operations playing a significant role. Wichita County's rich history and natural beauty, including attractions like the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, make it a fascinating place to explore and learn about.
Brief timeline of the history of Wichita County, Texas:

  • 1872 - Wichita County is officially established on February 1.
  • 1882 - The town of Wichita Falls is incorporated on September 27.
  • 1905 - Wichita County experiences a significant population boom due to the discovery of oil.
  • 1922 - The first hospital in Wichita County, Wichita General Hospital, is established.
  • 1927 - Sheppard Air Force Base is built near Wichita Falls.
  • 1957 - The Wichita Valley Airport opens, later renamed Wichita Falls Municipal Airport.
  • 1964 - A destructive tornado hits Wichita Falls, causing significant damage and loss of life.
  • 1995 - Wichita County voters approve the sale of alcohol, ending the county's prohibition era.
  • 2007 - Lake Arrowhead State Park, a popular recreational area, opens in Wichita County.
  • 2019 - The Wichita County Courthouse celebrates its 100th anniversary.
  • 2020 - The COVID-19 pandemic impacts Wichita County, leading to various restrictions and measures.

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