Historical Marker

Canyon Fire Department

Historical marker location:
301 16th Street, Canyon, Texas
( Canyon, 301 16th Street)
Marker installed: 2009
Marker size: 27" x 42"

Prior to 1909, volunteers used buckets and homemade ladders to fight fires in Canyon and the surrounding area. The city addressed the need for fire protection by organizing a department and choosing 21 men for duty. The city also obtained a horse-drawn engine with two gasoline-driven pump motors from the Howe Engine Company. Soon, the apparatus was used in 1910 by fire fighters who stopped a blaze at the Victoria, Canyon's largest hotel. Although the hotel burned to the ground, First National Bank and other downtown buildings were saved. The new fire department serviced an immediate area of six hundred square miles, including grass-covered prariries, Palo Duro Canyon, the communities of Canyon, Happy and Umbarger, and nearby rural dwellings. It led to the establishment of Canyon's first system of water works, modernizing the community.

Through the years, the department has successfully made adjustments to meet challenges of the area's growth. The establishment of grain elevators, feed yards, and Buffalo Lake Wildlife Refuge, and the passage of trains carrying hazardous materials through Canyon required additional training and equipment. In 1962, the department formed an emergency unit and in 1971, introduced a snorkel unit to fight fires at tall institutional buildings, like those of West Texas State University (now West Texas A&M University). In 1973, Canyon Annual Fire Control School opened, providing training to firefighters throughout the Texas Panhandle. Today, the Canyon Fire Department continues to offer personal protection for residents of this community and rural areas, as well as for thousands of visiting students, educators and tourists. (2009)

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.

fires and fire departments
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The Alamo, a mission in San Antonio, is perhaps the most famous historical site in Texas. It was the site of a key battle during the Texas Revolution in 1836.
Texas random facts
Randall County is located in the Texas Panhandle and has a rich history dating back to the early 1870s. The county was officially established on July 10, 1876, and was named in honor of Horace Randal, a Confederate brigadier general during the American Civil War. The region was originally inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Apache, Comanche, and Kiowa.

The settlement of Randall County began with the arrival of ranchers in the late 1870s, who found the area ideal for cattle grazing due to its vast grasslands and access to water sources such as the Canadian River. In the early years, the county experienced growth through the establishment of ranches and small communities. The discovery of oil in the early 1900s brought further economic opportunities to the area.

During the early 20th century, the county's population grew steadily, and agriculture became a major industry. Cotton, wheat, and other crops were cultivated throughout the region, with a focus on dryland farming techniques. The county's agricultural success was bolstered by the development of irrigation systems and improved transportation infrastructure, such as the arrival of railroads.

In the mid-20th century, Randall County experienced significant growth and development. The city of Amarillo, which is partially located within the county, became a hub for business, commerce, and industry in the region. The county's economy diversified, with the growth of manufacturing, healthcare, and service industries. Today, Randall County continues to thrive as a center of economic activity and a vibrant community with a rich and storied history.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Randall County, Texas.

  • 1876 - Randall County was established by the Texas legislature.
  • 1880 - The county's first courthouse was built in the town of Henrietta.
  • 1889 - Canyon City became the county seat and a new courthouse was constructed.
  • 1899 - West Texas State Normal College (now West Texas A&M University) was established in Canyon.
  • 1910 - The county's population reached over 8,000 residents.
  • 1928 - The current Randall County Courthouse was built in downtown Canyon.
  • 1954 - Palo Duro State Park was created, covering a large area in the county.
  • 1984 - The Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum in Canyon became the largest history museum in Texas.
  • 2000 - The population of Randall County surpassed 100,000 residents.
  • 2019 - The county experienced rapid growth, becoming one of the fastest-growing counties in Texas.