Historical Marker

Kell, Frank

Marker installed: 2008
Marker size: 27" x 42"

Entrepreneur and philanthropist Frank Kell helped build Wichita Falls into a major commercial and manufacturing center. Born in Clifton, he worked there and in Galveston in the milling and mercantile businesses in his early career. In 1885 he married Lula Kemp and five of their seven children were born in Clifton.

In 1896, the family moved to Wichita Falls, where Lula Kell’s brother Joseph A. Kemp was an established businessman. Over the succeeding decades, Frank Kell and Joseph Kemp shepherded the region through a period of exponential growth. Their first joint venture was operation of the Wichita Mill and Elevator Company. As the business expanded, they joined others to charter the Wichita Falls and Northwestern Railroad in 1905, establishing greater access to area wheat fields. The brothers-in-law also chartered the Wichita Falls and Southern Railroad, which linked the city to north Texas coal and oil reserves. They sold the two railroads to the MKT system in 1911.

Kell and Kemp were involved in a variety of business interests and civic improvements in the early 20th century. They built a hotel and recreational facilities at Lake Wichita; streetcar lines that traversed the city and led to the lake; and several downtown warehouses and commercial buildings, including the City National Bank, Wichita Falls Route Building and Kemp Hotel. Kell served for 13 years as a director of the Federal Reserve Bank in Dallas. Milling remained his primary interest until he sold his mills and elevators in the region to General Mills in 1928. When Kell died, he was active in numerous agricultural, commercial and municipal ventures in the growing city of Wichita Falls

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.

Audiobooks about the history of Texas.
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.