This is just the beginning! Our collection holds over 300 years of history, including rare newspapers, obituaries, marriage records, birth records, and so much more—most of which you won’t find anywhere else!
Amarillo Growth Surpasses Oil Era Says Survey
In a series on Amarillo development editor John L. McCarty notes that growth before oil discovery outpaced later years, with census figures showing 482 residents in 1890 rising to 15,494 in 1920 and an estimated 50,000 by 1927, urging cautious planning and agricultural colonization. The piece recounts Amarillo’s origin around 1887 with the Fort Worth Denver railroad, arrival of land additions, and early civic milestones including the first church and school.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
John L. McCarty
Amarillo
James Z. George
Mr. George
Panhandle
George
Fort Worth
Denver