Amarillo

About

Amarillo, Texas is a bustling city located in the heart of the Panhandle Plains Region. With its rich history and vibrant culture, Amarillo has become a popular destination for tourists seeking an authentic Texan experience.

The city is known for its beautiful landscapes, including Palo Duro Canyon State Park – one of the largest canyons in the country – and the nearby Canadian River, which is a great spot for fishing and camping.

Founders

Amarillo was founded in 1887 by the Santa Fe Railway as a stop on their line. The city was originally named Oneida, but it was renamed Amarillo (Spanish for yellow) in 1888 due to its yellow soil.

Year of Founding

1887

Population

approx. 200,000

Historic Architecture

Amarillo is home to some of the most unique architecture in Texas. Visitors can explore the classical revival style Potter County Courthouse, which dates back to 1910 and has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places, or admire more modern structures such as the Amarillo Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts. Additionally, many of Amarillo's churches, such as St. Mary's Cathedral and St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, are remarkable examples of historic architecture.

Business Demographics

Amarillo has a diverse economy that is driven by the oil and gas industry, healthcare, education and government sectors. It also boasts many small businesses in the retail and restaurant industries that provide a variety of job opportunities for local residents. Additionally, Amarillo is known as a distribution hub due to its location in the heart of cattle country and its proximity to major transportation routes.

Famous Residents

Amarillo has many notable figures who have called the city home, including singer and songwriter Waylon Jennings, screenwriter Nancy G. West, and professional bull-rider Cody Ohl. Additionally, Amarillo is the birthplace of actor William Shatner and former US President George Bush. Other famous people from Amarillo include NFL player Bill Bates and singer Pat Green.

Proximity to Nearest City

Amarillo is located in the Texas Panhandle, about 250 miles northwest of Dallas and 200 miles east of Albuquerque. It is also about 100 miles southeast of Lubbock and 300 miles west of Oklahoma City.

Website

Amarillo, US

5:36 am,

December 21, 2024

34°F

clear sky

61 %

1024 mb

9 mph

Wind Gust:

0 mph

Visibility:

10 km

Sunrise:

7:52 am

Sunset:

5:39 pm