Historical Marker

Joseph Sterling Bridwell

Historical marker location:
111 E. Burnet St., Wichita Falls, Texas
( 111 E. Burnet St., Wichita Falls)
Marker installed: 2012
Marker size: 27" x 42"

JOSEPH BRIDWELL WAS BORN MARCH 23, 1885, NEAR NORTHVIEW, MISSOURI. HE MOVED TO WICHITA FALLS IN 1909 AND WENT INTO THE REAL ESTATE BUSINESS. BY 1915, BRIDWELL BEGAN BUYING, SELLING, AND TRADING OIL LEASES. HIS FIRST VENTURE IN DRILLING WAS THE CASHION OIL COMPANY IN 1917, AND HE FORMED THE BRIDWELL OIL COMPANY IN 1927. WHEN A GROUP OF OIL OPERATIVES MET TO PROTEST FALLING OIL PRICES, THE NORTH TEXAS OIL AND GAS ASSOCIATION, NOW TEXAS ALLIANCE OF ENERGY PRODUCERS, WAS FORMED. BRIDWELL SERVED AS ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT IN 1933 AND WAS ONE OF THE REPRESENTATIVES WHO MET TO FORM A CODE OF FAIR COMPETITION KNOWN AS THE NATIONAL INDUSTRIAL RECOVERY ACT IN 1933.

BRIDWELL ALSO HAD A PASSION FOR RANCHING. IN 1932 HE PURCHASED BRIDWELL HEREFORD RANCH WHERE HE PRODUCED BETTER CATTLE FOR TEXAS AND THE SOUTHWEST. HE ACQUIRED A BULL, LARRY DOMINO, WHO WITH HIS PROGENY WENT ON TO WIN COUNTLESS TROPHIES AND SIRE A TOP HEREFORD BLOOD LINE. IN 1949, BRIDWELL INITIATED THE J.S. BRIDWELL SOIL BUILDERS AWARDS, WHICH OFFERED PRIZES FOR CONSERVATION IN SEVERAL FARMING AREAS. THIS PROGRAM WAS IN EFFECT UNTIL HIS DEATH.

BESIDES BEING A LEADER IN THE PETROLEUM INDUSTRY, BRIDWELL WAS ACTIVE IN PUBLIC SERVICE. HE WAS INSTRUMENTAL IN FOUNDING THE WEST TEXAS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, GAVE THE CITY LAND FOR A PARK AND GAVE LIBERALLY TO THE METHODIST CHILDREN’S HOME IN WACO AND THE BRIDWELL LIBRARY AT THE SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY AT SOUTHERN METHODIST UNIVERSITY. HE SOLD THE GOVERNMENT 300 ACRES FOR ONE DOLLAR WHICH HELPED LOCATE SHEPPARD FIELD (LATER SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE) HERE IN 1940; SOLD HIS LAND TO THE CITY WHEN IT WAS IN DESPERATE NEED OF WATER, CREATING LAKE ARROWHEAD; AND FOUNDED THE BRIDWELL FOUNDATION IN 1949, WHICH FUNDS MANY CHARITIES INCLUDING UNIVERSITIES. BRIDWELL DIED MAY 9, 1966

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.

oil ranching
The first oil well in the United States was drilled in Texas in 1859. The discovery of oil transformed the economy of the state and helped to make Texas one of the wealthiest states in the nation.
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.