Although I wasn’t born here, I consider Wichita Falls, Texas to be my hometown. You see, I called it home for thirty-eight years—married, had three children, buried two husbands, and became a writer. So, I have a long history with the town that gave me so much. Let me tell you a little about it.
This northern Texas town sits fifteen miles from the Oklahoma line on the Wichita River. It was platted in July 1976 on land where a group of settlers already had homes. One family made a living hauling buffalo hides and had a long history in the area.
COMANCHERIA
We get our name from the Wichita Indians living in the area that also had some waterfalls. However, the natural waterfalls later washed away in a flood and artificial ones were built many years later in 1987. The Spanish called these lands Comancheria because they were controlled by the Comanche Indians. We have a very long history with the Comanches.
A VISONARY
One man had a vision of prosperity here—Joseph Kemp. You might say he was our founding father. Kemp, a businessman who always looked for opportunity, arrived with his family in 1883 after the Fort Worth and Denver Railroad arrived the year previous. Kemp wasted no time in opening the J.A. Kemp Wholesale Grocery and got a contract to furnish supplies to the Indian Reservation at Fort Sill in Indian Territory as well as to ranchers and settlers. He did over $1 million dollars worth of business annually and cemented Wichita Falls as a trade center.
Frank Kell, Kemp’s brother-in-law, arrived around 1885. Together, the two men became pioneers in retail food and processing, flour milling, railroads, cattle, banking, and oil. The town owes it’s success to these giants who were progressive thinkers.
BANK ROBBERY
On the afternoon of February 25, 1896, two outlaws robbed the City National Bank and killed the clerk. They made off with $410 and hid in a thicket outside of town. The Texas Rangers tracked them down and brought them back to town the next day. However, the angry townsfolk dragged them from the jail and hung them from a lamp post in front of the bank. The pair was buried in the local cemetery in the same grave, instead of separately.
(As a side note, Jesse James’ sister, Susan Parmer, is also buried in the same cemetery. I’ve visited both of these gravesites.)
TORNADOS
The town experienced two violent tornados—the first in 1964 that killed 7 people and left over a hundred wounded; the second was a massive one in 1979 in which 42 people died and 1,800 wounded.
The historic second one, April 1979, left 20,000 people homeless. We still call it Terrible Tuesday. I lived through this with my husband and three children and became one of the 20,000. While the tornado was horrific and wiped out every single thing we had, the aftermath was far worse. We were lucky to have survived with only scrapes and bruises, but the destruction and trauma left behind was indescribable. We had no place to live for a long time and simply shifted around between with various family for short periods until they got tired of us. My two oldest slept in all their clothes, down to their shoes, for about the first year. Their school was destroyed so they doubled up in others and only went half days. I would get calls almost every day telling me to come get them because they wouldn’t stop crying. The counselors who provided therapy were little help. We all suffered from PTSD although we didn’t know what to call it. My youngest was just a baby so has no memory, thank goodness. We were so lucky. It’s a memory that haunts me to this day. The sound, the horrible stench, the raw fear as the roof came down, burying us, is something I’ll live with for the rest of my life.
Wichita Falls is home to the large Sheppard Air Force Base, Midwestern State University, and over 100,000 people. Our governor, Gregg Abbott, was born here as well as Phil McGraw and Larry McMurtry plus rodeo & TV stars, race car drivers, and so many others.
I became a New York Times bestselling author here and will always remember the many kindnesses and generosity shown during my years as one of its citizens.
What are some of the things your town is known for? I’ll give away a $15 Amazon gift card to one commenter.
We moved to southern CA for my husband’s job in 1982. Ridgecrest is the town that grew up around the China Lake navy base (weapons development and testing, R&D in more recent years). It’s still feels like a small town where people know and care for each other.
Mary, you can’t beat that small town feeling. I’m glad the people bond together and care about each other. That’s the most important thing. You have to feel at home. Thanks for coming and reading my post on this chilly morning. I have the little heater by my desk on and it feels wonderful.
I moved here after we were married 33 years ago.
The Booth family lived here, and I’ve toured their home, Tudor Hall. They were a famous acting family, and the local post office has a mural of Edwin Booth. Junius Brutus Booth was father to Edwin and to the infamous John Wilkes Booth, among his 12 children.
It’s also the county seat, and it has a vibrant Main St, with parades, Christmas festival, arts festival, and other fun things to do. A small town and suburb of Baltimore.
Denise, wow! The Booth family was a household name back in the 1800s. It sounds like fun and a close-knit community. I’m glad you have that and have had for so long. Thanks for sharing. Stay warm. It’s a chilly morning here and my little heater feels so good.
One of the cool things our town is known for besides being home of the Ducks!!!! Phil knight (owner of Nike) was founded in Eugene! Also Eugene is called track town due to its deep connection to track and field, hosting major events like the World Athletics Championships and the U.S. Olympic Team Trials.
Cori, how fun! You must have things going on all the time in Eugene. Very cool! Thanks for popping over. Stay warm.
My town is pretty small and there is not much in it. We have a corner store with a one gas pump, town hall, post office, and a little library, and a wood mill. I don’t think there is too much more. The wood mill has made wooden Easter eggs for the Easter roll at the White House for at least a few different presidents.
I have only been living here for about 10 years so I don’t know a lot. Apparently our house had a fire twice, before we came and it was originally a farm house orchid according to many people. They all told us more about our house than we knew about it.
Joannie, it sounds nice and how amazing about those wooden Easter eggs! Who knew they came from there? Presidents apparently. Interesting that you found out the history of your house from the residents of the town. Thanks for coming and sharing.
My town is known for its Apple Butter festival, George Washington bathed here(oldest spa town), International Water Tasting contest and we have a castle.
A beautiful small town in the eastern panhandle of WV.
Danielle, an apple butter festival? Count me in! I dearly love apple butter. Old George knew a good thing when he saw it. And a castle? I love it! It sounds like a great place to visit. I’m glad you came over.
Joensuu is known for Ilosaarirock and Ilovaarirock (well, these days just Ilovaari) Festivals.
Minna, it’s so good to see your name! I’ve missed you. I don’t know what kind of festivals those are, but they sound fun. You live in an interesting place there in Finland. When I look it up, it says you’re the Forest Capital of Europe. I imagine you’ve already had snow. I’m so glad you came by. Stay nice and cozy.
No snow yet and the trees lost their leaves only few days ago.
University of Nebraska College football stadium is here. So this time of the year it’s all about the Huskers football team. You get people from all over the country that went to college here who come to a game every couple of years. Big deal. Most who follow college football know where the home of the huskers are.
Wow, I know about the Huskers, Kim ! You must have a lot going on right now with football in full swing. Probably more so than basketball season. What a fun place. Thanks for reading my post and sharing.
A certain May auto race… although, honestly, it doesn’t actually happen in my town, it happens in a little town west of my town. Go figure.
Nan, well it’s nearby. That counts. I’m so glad you came by, Filly Sister. And it’s been really fun getting to know you.
The Blue Store. It’s the only business in our area and is only open a few hours at a time
Rhonda, I’m sure The Blue Store gets lots of your business. But you sure have to be quick since it’s not open all the time. Enjoy whatever you’re given. I once for a short time in a small town with only 600 people and there wasn’t anything to do except eat in a small restaurant. Thank you for coming and sharing.
Hanover Park, IL is known for its cultural diversity, often referred to as “America’s Global Village,” and its family-friendly atmosphere. It is also recognized for its abundant parks and forest preserves offering numerous outdoor recreational opportunities, and its strong business environment.
Thanks for sharing your post today.
Lori, Hanover Park sounds like a very welcoming place. You must get outdoors a lot with all the parks and forest preserves. You know, every place has something to offer. Just enjoy what you’re given. 🙂 Thanks for sharing and thank you for coming.
the Buzz Bomb on the Court house square
Teresa, the Buzz Bomb sounds interesting. I envy your court house square. We don’t have a town square here in Lubbock nor did we have one in Wichita Falls. I’m so glad you came over. Stay warm.
The Super Outbreak of 1974 hit my Indiana hometown, the town where I was attending college, and both of the towns where my two sisters lived in Ohio and Kentucky. Thankfully all our residences were undamaged. I’m sorry for you and your family’s experiences. My hometown is a county seat and I believe our most famous citizen is Elmo Lincoln the first Tarzan in the moving pictures.
Kate, you know, those tornadoes are not fun. I’m glad it didn’t take you or your sisters’ residences. They sure leave a lasting memory. Wow, Elmo Lincoln? That’s interesting. I didn’t watch those first Tarzan movies and I only caught a little of Ron Ely in the role. Thanks for coming and sharing that.
Good morning Linda! Goodness gracious! How devastating to lose everything! And the memories of that time with small children affected by it. I’ve been so blessed. I’ve had nothing so destructive thus far in my life. Nothing like your experience.
I’m sure Live Oak, Florida, my hometown, has had many things that happened in history. But, I will mention three. One was Hurricane Dora in 1964. It flooded the whole town. Another was the murder of Dr. Adams by Ruby McCollum. This happened in 1952. My parents would have been in the 8th grade at that time and was in a small school called Clayland which was about 14 miles from Live Oak. But, as most know now, a lot of bad stuff came out which wasn’t good. Especially about the well known doctor in town. Then there was the trial of Téd Bundy. And he couldn’t have a trial in Live due to the town of Lake City which is 20 miles away where Lisa Leach(12 year old)was taken,murdered/dumped in an area not far from Live Oak. I was 17 at that time. I well remember it!
Well, so much for small towns! But, that’s the city of my birth and where I grew up. Lots of special memories. And not all towns have such notoriety. But, my favorite is the song Stephen Foster wrote,”Way down upon the Suwannee River…” I grew up near that famous river! One of many things good! Heh.
Thanks for sharing your story Linda! Many blessings!
Tracy, hurricanes are just as destructive as tornadoes. Both leave horrific scars on us but we have to count our blessings and know that God wasn’t through with us. Oh, I didn’t know Ted Bundy did all that in Florida. For some reason, I thought he lived in California. And you were the age he might’ve taken. I didn’t know about that doctor, but I was just a kid and didn’t pay attention to any newspapers back then. Wow! You never know about people. I also didn’t know the song Old Folks at Home about the Swanee River where you grew up was written there. I know the song well. Blessings and much love to you as well.
Wow, that left you and your family with lots of pain. I am so sorry. Where I live now we are known for theme parks.
Debra, thank you. It was my lot in life I guess. God’s grace was really strong around us. Your hometown sounds like fun. If you have kids, they grew up with lots to do. I’m so glad you came. Stay warm. I have my little heater going by my desk because it’s really chilly here today. Also, happy Halloween!
My hometown, Alma, Arkansas, used to be the Spinach Capital of the World, until the canning plant closed down. We still have a Popeye fountain in one of our parks.
Kim, how fun! I loved watching Popeye and Olive Oyle every Saturday with my kiddoes. I like Spinach but I don’t eat enough of it. I forget about that vegetable. Thank you for coming. If it’s cold there, stay warm.
My hometown is known for The Ohio State Buckeyes
Sarah, you’re a Buckeye! Yep, I know about Ohio State. They’re really good and 2nd in the B1G standings. Congratulations. Thanks for coming. Happy Halloween!
My home town is known for being shaped like a horseshoe, thank you for the giveaway!
Bridgette, that’s interesting. I hope it’s a warm and welcoming town. I’m really glad you stopped by. Happy Halloween!
Thank you so much for sharing. We just moved to the country but the small town we moved from was part of military housing during WW2.
Thank you for coming, Barbara. Your town must’ve been plenty busy during the war. I wonder what they did with it after the war was over. It’s interesting what towns do with those things. Have a beautiful day and stay warm.
Albq. is known for the famous Balloon Fiesta each fall. Colorful and unique shaped balloons ascend for a week each October.
Anne, I’m really familiar with the town and the Albuquerque Balloon Festival. I visited often when I lived in Amarillo. It’s such a breathtaking sight to see all those balloons in the air. I was fortunate to go up in one. Such a fabulous experience that I’ll never forget. Thank you for coming. Happy Halloween!
Seaside Oregon: Lewis and Clark Expedition (or Corps of Discovery), Saltworks where they boiled down saltwater to produce the salt for preserving their food (they hold a reenactment every year) and lots of Native American history. Just look up some of the city or county names around Oregon & Washington. I can’t even pronounce half of them, lol!
People mostly come here for our wonderful beaches each Summer.
Trixi, that’s so interesting. I’ve read a lot about the Lewis and Clark Expedition. I used to imagine being kin to William Clark because my grandfather was a Clark. I agree with you about how to pronounce Native American names of towns. I think going to your beaches in summer would be heavenly. Thank you for coming to share that. Happy Halloween!
Really enjoyed and appreciated your article as a cousin of mine has lived there and we would visit periodically. My early years were spent in a mostly rural county known as “The Gateway to Texas” in relation to early settlers and migration.
Catherine, I’m happy you enjoyed my post. You know exactly what I was talking about. You must live in Clarksville. I love that area. It still looks much like it did back then. Lots of wild forest and swamps. I guess you’re familiar with Trammel’s Trace. I’ve gone through some of that. Wow! Lots of history. My older sister used to live in Jefferson. It’s cold today and perfect for staying in and reading a book!
I was born and raised in South Texas, in Edcouch-Elsa area also known as the Delta Area. I think Elsa is where the Ro-Tel canned tomatoes brand was founded.
Laura, that’s way south of me. Interesting about Ro-Tel canned tomatoes. I use them all the time to spice things up. Thanks for coming. Happy Halloween!
Living all my life in a large city filled with history, culture and a major language spoken by all is fascinating and gives me a great deal of pleasure.
Ellie, you do live in a fascinating place. I’m glad you really enjoy all the history and culture. It sounds very vibrant and fulfilling. Thank you for sharing. Happy Halloween!
My hometown isn’t known for anything, really!! The county I’m in is known for Cocoa Beach, Ron Jon’s Surf Shop, and Kennedy Space Center. I can go outside and watch the launches. We do have a decent sized mall, but we gave up cow pastures and an orange grove for that. We’ve given even more of that for houses and apartments now. It’s a lot different than when I was a child here!
Trudy, it’s really kinda sad to see how much places that we’ve lived in all our lives change. But, you get to watch all the space launches and go to the beach when you want. It’s almost 600 miles for me to go to the nearest beach which is the Gulf of Mexico. Thanks for coming and chiming in.
It is known as the hometown of a famous American female painter
JCP, I think just about every hometown is known for something. Big things come out of small towns. Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
My hometown where I was raised was called High Bridge KY which was know as having the highest railroad bridge to go over a waterway in the US. It crosses over the KY River and connects Jessamine and Mercer county’s. When I was a child we use to walk across and didn’t think anything about it, but now there is no way I would go up on that bridge today. I haven’t lived there in years.
Quilt Lady, kids are really fearless. I look back and remember things I did as a child that I wouldn’t now. That railroad bridge must be something to see. I’m glad to see your name pop up and I hope you’re doing well.
A garden where I live is known to have the largest daffodil display in the U.S. I think they have about 20 million daffodils.
Good morning Linda, our town is known for his huge Roadrunner statue which is named Paisano Pete whom they dress up for Christmas. It is also known for the Water Carnival held each July , at one time we had running springs here. It is also known for the Road Races that are held here twice a year, people from all over come here to race . Our town used to be an actual Fort. I enjoyed reading your post, thanking for sharing the info. Have a great day and a great weekend.
Alicia, how funny. Wonder what Paisano Pete will dress up as for Halloween? A water carnival must be really fun. I’m so glad you stopped by. Always a pleasure.
There’s a little town nearby that’s known for their marble. Most of the old houses, both here and there have some kind of marble detailing. Like stairs going up to the front door, pillars, flower bed edging, or even part of the houses siding — in both shades of pink and white! This marble was even used to build part of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C.
Sabrina, I think marble is really pretty and it lasts a long time. Wow! Interesting that your marble was used to build some of the Lincoln Memorial. Nice. Thanks for coming over to tell us about it.
Our small town is not very well known but we did have a really bad tornado one year. A family in our church lost a daughter, son-in-law and two children. Several others were killed in the storm also. Your family suffered a terrible loss it sounds like. We are just so thankful the Lord is always with us through every storm.
That’s heartbreaking, Sarah. I sort of know what that feels like. You know, God lends his strength to help us during times like that. He is definitely my rock and my salvation. I’ve seen His miracles in my life. Thanks for coming.
What an interesting blog Linda. Thank you for sharing how the tornado impacted your family’s life. I bet you don’t ever forget anything that severe and devastating.
My hometown is known for tourism. Lakes, resorts, golf courses, breweries, trees, and snowmobiling make up just a few of the things that draw people to central Minnesota. We enjoy the area but honestly after Covid hit, many people moved here to live and it is now a busy area almost year round.
Take care dear friend. Can’t wait for your next release! But, in the meantime, I’m going to read Hope’s Angel.
Dearest Kathy, God’s grace is so amazing and I see in different places through each day. Sounds like your town is really busy. It must be very beautiful. I loved writing Hope’s Angel. I’ll try to have a new Christmas story next year. I do love to write those. My next release is Summer’s Heart in January. Take care and know I love you very much.
Our town of Plumsteadville has quite a colorful story it’s known for, that fits the theme of this post, actually! The Doan Boys, a famous outlaw gang, grew up here and hid out around here, and are actually known locally as the Plumstead Cowboys. One of the caves they hid out in actually still exists in a local park!
I just got married recently, and winning this contest would be such a lovely wedding blessing. 🙂
Hi S.Daisy! The Doan Gang was quite well known. You’re right. It does fit the theme of my post. Amazing that so much of history is still intact. Congratulations on your wedding.
The Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company founded the town, growing cotton for their tires… farmers still grow cotton fields today, but they are being fazed out.
Colleen, I’ve always thought your town is interesting. Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company made it famous. I hope you’re doing well. It’s good to see your name.
Quick comment on Wichita Falls–my first visit there was in the midst of the Heat Wave and I still have the t-shirt. “But it’s a dry heat!” Meh! Hot is HOT!!!
One of my current abodes is in the town of Wrightsville, PA, where the Burning of the Bridge could well be considered a major turning point in the Civil War. Had the Confederates crossed the Susquehanna, they’d have had open access to Philadelphia and Harrisburg, major port and capital city, and likely gotten the funding they wanted from the British. With the bridge gone, the troops went west and joined the fighting at Gettysburg, the horrors of which deflected attention from Wrightsville’s actions.
Elissa, I failed to mention that Wichita Falls has a long-distance race every year in August. Many times the temp is 100 or over. I don’t know how people run in that heat. You have quite the history there in PA. Burning that bridge was very fortuitous for the Union army. Yes, Gettysburg was just so horrible. Thank you for coming. I enjoyed your comment.
I grew up near Saratoga Springs, NY, known for History, Horses, and Health. History—the battle of Saratoga, one of the turning points of the Revolutionary War. The battlefield is a National Historic Park. Lots of other history, too.
Horses—Saratoga Race Course where the Belmont has been held the last two years and home of the Travers Stake which is sometimes referred to as the Summer Derby. Also Saratoga Raceway, where harness/sulky races are held.
Health—There are many mineral springs and bath houses which are now called spas. The spas were very popular in the late 1800’s into the 1950’s but only a few remain. Also the Gideon Putman Hotel which is in the State Park has been in several movies
It has long been a place where wealthy New Yorkers had a summer house, many of them mansions. It is also home to Skidmore College.
An interesting city that was middle class and poor in the winter in the foothills of the Adirondacks and catered to the wealthy from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Since the late 1900’s when more people traveled and winter sports became more popular it has become more of an all year round destination for everyone from all walks of life.
Alice, you sure live in a very lively place. Lots happens there and also did in the past as well. They must raise a lot of horses there. I try to watch the horse race each year and pick a favorite. Yes, a very important battle was fought there and gave George Washington a victory. Keep enjoying the life there and thanks for sharing that.
Pensacola is known for its beaches and haunted lighthouse.
Cherie J, Pensacola is a great place to visit. Lots of beaches and who doesn’t love a haunted lighthouse? I sure do. Thanks for coming by.
mountains
Bn100, I love the mountains and I really envy you living there. It must so beautiful. Thanks for coming.
Base ball players Gaylord Perry and Jim Perry came from our town of Williamston, N.C.
Connie Lee, that’s quite a claim to fame. They were quite good at baseball. North Carolina is such a gorgeous state. Lots of trees which I envy. Thanks for sharing today.
We don’t have anything we’re noted for. We live in a rural area without any large cities near us. We do have Hillsdale College near us which is a college that does not do any government financial aid.
Karijean, lots of places don’t have much to draw people to it. I hope you love living there. The quiet of rural communities can be what some people crave. Thanks for coming.
We had a tornado in 1965 come through Toledo,Ohio. We have Perry’s Monument as we had a victory in the war in our area. We have Fort Meigs. Thank you for the opportunity. God bless you.
I live in Greene NY, a small (1463 population in 2020 census) village on the Chenango River. It was named for Nathaniel Greene, a revolutionary war general under Washington. We celebrated our Bicentennial in 1997. There is a hotel which was built in 1913 and is said to be haunted. It is a quaint village and a nice place to raise a family.
Part of a James Bond movie was filmed here in the 70’s. positive.ideas.4youATgmail
Linda, That tornado was massive. Seeing something that huge heading your way would be enough to give you nightmares. Living through it and knowing how close you came to losing not only your life but those who mean the most to you would definitely give you PTSD. Working RC disaster we see it so often. With the followup we have been doing for Hurricane Helene in this area, we are finding that both those that were hit by the flooding and the emergency personnel and volunteers who worked it still find it hard to talk about it without breaking down. There were 54 people trapped on the roof of the Erwin hospital watching the waters rise and not sure if help could come in time. The EMS and hospital staff as well as the patients were calling home saying Goodbye to their loved ones. The task of recovery and rebuilding takes well over a year and is so much longer than most people realize. This area has been so supportive and people have come from all over to help rebuild. The local people and those affected pitched in right away starting the cleanup and rebuilding. They are recovering physically much faster than many other areas. Actually, that leads me to something about our town/area. TN is known as the Volunteer State. Since we moved here it has become very clear why. Many join the military and agencies like the Red Cross have dedicated volunteers always ready to help here and be sent elsewhere to help out. The response to Helene was incredible. Within hours shelters were set up and had more supplies, clothing, food, water, and helpers than they could use. The supplies and initial help lasted a month or so, and the help is still coming.
I did do a long comment on our town, Jonesborough, TN, on Mary’s post yesterday. I was going to copy and past it here, but that would really be too much. I shouldn’t be writing a book.
Take care and stay safe.
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Beautuful article about Wichita Falls, I remember when the tornado hit. My dad had a roping friend who’s wife was traveling through with her barrel racing horses, she & the horses all parished. I am so glad you and your family survived. I know this event haunts you and it’s also made you very strong.
My hometown, Stephenville, TX is known as Champion City due to our football team winning many State Championships and of course our great college Tarleton Stare University. We also are known as Cowboy Capital due to so many rodeo legends.
I now live in the Natural gas capital of the world… Hugoton, KS.
Thanks again for sharing. Love you my sweet sister friend.