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Wichita Falls: A Historical Overview

Apr 28, 2025

A Very Short History of Wichita Falls

Early Inhabitants and Exploration

  • Mid 18th century migration to North Texas by Caddoan Indians, primarily Wichitas and Taovayas.
  • Other tribes: Apaches, Comanches, and Tejas.
  • European explorers included:
    • Athanase de Mézières (Spanish Indian trader)
    • Pedro Vial and José Mares (developed trails from San Antonio to Santa Fe in 1786-1787)
    • Texan Santa Fe expedition members in 1841.

Founding and Development

  • City Founding:
    • Wichita Falls established with a town lot sale on September 27th, 1882.
    • Arrival of Ft. Worth & Denver railroad transformed the city into a market center.
    • Enabled cattle and farm produce to reach national markets.
  • Economic Growth:
    • Early economy driven by farming and ranching.
    • Corn was the original cash crop, with wheat surpassing it by early 1900s.
    • Frank Kell was instrumental in establishing wheat milling operations.

Industrial and Cultural Growth

  • Nicknamed "Factory City" by 1950s with over 100 manufacturing companies.
  • Cultural life included movies, vaudeville, live theatre, and concerts at the Wichita Opera House.

Notable Firsts

  • First United Methodist Church built in 1881.
  • Schools established by 1890; first automobile arrived in 1907.
  • Regular streetcar service from 1909 to 1933.
  • First manmade lake in Texas, Lake Wichita, built for city water supply.
  • First Texas city with natural gas service and motorized fire trucks.

Aeronautical History

  • 1911 began Wichita Falls' aeronautical history with visits from pioneers like Louis Bleriot.
  • Staley Field was visited by Frank Hawk on the first transcontinental glider flight in 1930.
  • Amelia Earhart's visit in 1931 with her Beechnut Autogyro.
  • Call Field (WWI Army Air Corps training) and Sheppard Field (later Air Force Base) were significant military installations.
  • In 1945, Sheppard Field was the largest concentration of air troops globally.

Oil Boom and Education

  • Oil discovery in 1918 in Burkburnett led to regional oil exploration boom.
  • Companies like Texaco, Gulf, and Mobil Oil were involved.
  • Expansion in the 1930s included the Municipal Airport and Hardin Junior College (now Midwestern State University).

Natural Disasters and Recovery

  • 1979 tornado was one of Texas' worst, leaving 10,000 homeless.
  • Recognized for rapid recovery by National Municipal League as an All America City in 1981.

Modern Developments

  • Wichita Falls waterfall built in 1986 and dedicated in 1987, replacing the original washed away by a flood.
  • Falls are a centerpiece of Lucy Park, with multiple amenities.
  • Received Tree City USA Awards in 1996, 1997, and 1998.