Historical Marker

Georgia O'Keeffe in Canyon

Historical marker location:
2501 4th Ave., Canyon, Texas
( 2501 4th Ave.)
Marker installed: 2005
Marker size: 27" x 42"

Renowned artist Georgia Totto O'Keeffe (1887-1986) was born in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin to Francis and Ida (Totto) O'Keeffe. The family moved to Virginia, where O'Keeffe and her siblings attended school. She studied art at various schools before enrolling in the Art Institute of Chicago and later the Art Students League in New York City. She then worked as a commercial artist before attending classes at the University of Virginia. In order to gain teaching experience, she taught art in Amarillo between 1912 and 1914. The Texas Panhandle attracted her as an artist because of "the openness. The dry landscape. The beauty of that wild world."

In 1914, O'Keeffe returned to the East, studying at Columbia University in New York, and teaching in Virginia and South Carolina. At Columbia University, she met Arthur Wesley Dow, who greatly altered her vision of art. Influenced by east Asian painters and the British Arts and Crafts movement, he inspired her to approach painting in a more abstract manner.

O'Keeffe returned to Texas in 1916 as a faculty member at West Texas State Normal College, now West Texas A&M University, where she held classes in Old Main. Inspired by the landscape, particularly Palo Duro Canyon, she began incorporating themes from nature in her work, moving away from Representationalism. O'Keeffe showed many of her Texas pieces at Alfred Stieglitz's New York City gallery in 1917. The following year, she moved to New York and in 1924 married Stieglitz, a noted photographer. Both artists produced large bodies of acclaimed work. Following Stieglitz's death in 1946, O'Keeffe moved to New Mexico, where she continued to explore her creative vision and unique style, shaped in part by her Canyon years. Today, she remains a major influence in American Art

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.

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The Johnson Space Center, located in Houston, played a crucial role in the development of the U.S. space program. It was here that NASA trained its astronauts and mission control teams, and it continues to be an important center for space research and exploration today.
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 glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history 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.