Historical Marker

Charlye Ola Farris

Historical marker location:
900 7th Street, Wichita Falls, Texas
( at the Wichita County Courthouse on the courthouse lawn)
Marker installed: 2011
Marker size: 27" x 42"

PUBLIC SCHOOL EDUCATORS JAMES RANDOLPH FARRIS, SR. AND ROBERTA (BELL) FARRIS WELCOMED THEIR ONLY DAUGHTER, CHARLYE OLA FARRIS, ON JUNE 30, 1929 IN WICHITA FALLS. CHARLYE GRADUATED AS VALEDICTORIAN OF BOOKER T. WASHINGTON HIGH SCHOOL AT AGE 15, AND FROM PRAIRIE VIEW A&M COLLEGE IN 1948 AT THE AGE OF EIGHTEEN WITH A DEGREE IN POLITICAL SCIENCE. AFTER A YEAR OF TEACHING, CHARLYE PURSUED HER INTEREST IN BECOMING AN ATTORNEY.

FARRIS RECEIVED HER LAW DEGREE FROM HOWARD UNIVERSITY IN WASHINGTON, D.C. IN 1953. DURING HER FINAL YEAR, FARRIS’ CLASS WORKED ON THE LANDMARK RACIAL DESEGREGATION CASE, BROWN v. BOARD OF EDUCATION OF TOPEKA. CHARLYE WAS SWORN IN ON NOV. 12, 1953 AS THE FIRST BLACK WOMAN TO BE LICENSED TO PRACTICE LAW IN TEXAS. CHARLYE STARTED A SOLO PRACTICE IN WICHITA FALLS, BECOMING THE FIRST BLACK, MALE OR FEMALE, TO ACTIVELY PRACTICE LAW IN WICHITA COUNTY. CHARLYE FACED MANY OBSTACLES AND MUCH DISCRIMINATION IN WICHITA COUNTY AND WITHIN THE LEGAL PROFESSION. HOWEVER, IN 1954, FARRIS WAS SELECTED TO SERVE AS COUNTY JUDGE PRO-TEM, MAKING HER THE FIRST BLACK PERSON TO SERVE AS A JUDGE IN THE SOUTH SINCE RECONSTRUCTION.

AMONG HER MANY AWARDS, SUCH AS THE AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION’S MARGARET BRENT WOMEN LAWYERS OF ACHIEVEMENT, ONE OF HER PROUDEST WAS SERVING ON THE BOARD OF REGENTS OF MIDWESTERN STATE UNIVERSITY, WHERE SHE WAS NOT PERMITTED TO ATTEND EARLIER AS A STUDENT DUE TO HER RACE. DURING HER 56 YEARS OF LEGAL PRACTICE, CHARLYE SERVED HER COMMUNITY IN NUMEROUS WAYS. HER LIFE IS A TESTAMENT TO THE DETERMINATION AND THE IMPACT ONE INDIVIDUAL CAN HAVE ON A COMMUNITY, STATE, AND NATION

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.

African American education law and lawyers women
Texas is known for its barbecue, and one of the most famous barbecue restaurants in the state is Kreuz Market in Lockhart. The restaurant has been in operation since 1900 and is still family-owned.
Texas random facts
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.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in 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.