Historical Marker

Amarillo Livestock Auction

Historical marker location:
100 South Manhattan St., Amarillo, Texas
( 100 South Manhattan Street, Western Stockyards, Amarillo.)
Marker installed: 1970
Marker size: 27" x 42"

Established to serve the first permanent industry in the Texas Panhandle--ranching. Now famed for handling more cattle than any other commission auction company in the United States.

The years 1874-1878 saw Indians expelled, buffalo herds exterminated, and ranches established in the region. Longhorns were trailed to Dodge City for shipment. After railroads came, ranchmen rode the cattle trains to care for herds en route to market.

Railroad construction across the Texas Panhandle in 1887 established Amarillo as the largest rural cattle shipping point in the nation (1892-1897).

More efficient handling began in 1904 with the founding by O.H. Nelson, Al Popham, and associates of the Western Stockyards, predecessor of Amarillo Livestock Auction. This livestock commission market opened in 1935 with the sale of 36 cattle and 21 horses by Jack Coulter, Auctioneer, and Virgil Light, Manager. In 1940 Jay Taylor and Eddie Johnson bought the Western Stockyards and constructed the present sales ring, incorporated 1945 as Amarillo Livestock Auction Company. Marketing was revolutionized.

Annual sales exceed 400,000 cattle valued at more than $78,000,000. (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.

ranching railroads cattle
Audiobooks about the history of Texas.
The world's first rodeo was held in Pecos, Texas in 1883. The event included bronco riding, calf roping, and bull riding.
Texas random facts
Potter County, Texas has a rich history that dates back to the early 1800s. The county was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Comanche and Kiowa, who used the land for hunting and gathering. In the mid-19th century, European settlers began to arrive, attracted by the fertile soil and opportunities for ranching.

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.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey 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