Northwest

Northwest Texas

Updated on: January 12, 2022

The northwest part of Texas covers around 27,600 square miles, with 20 people for each square mile. The region stretches from Oklahoma to the Colorado River. Because the region is less dense than other regions, you’ll be happy to explore vast lands and extensive regions for nature. 

In this write-up, we explore the details about the Northwest Texas region, including the attractions, history, and economy, among other things.  

Let’s get started!  

Metropolitan in the Northwest Texas Region 

Northwest Texas has two regions: Abilene MSA and Wichita Falls MSA. Both are metropolitan areas with a population of over 500,000 people. 

Abilene MSA 

The Abilene Metropolitan Statistical Area is in the North Central area of Texas. It is also known as the “Cattle Capital of the World” because it’s where cattle were first domesticated. The Comanches who came from the south and west settled this area.  

They were nomadic tribes that roamed the plains looking for buffalo herds. The Comanches were also known to raid settlements and steal horses. In 1874, they attacked a small town called Pecos. After killing many people, they took the women and children as captives.  

Today there are still some descendants of these early settlers living here. 

Wichita Falls MSA 

The Wichita Falls Metropolitan Statistical Area is along the Red River in north-central Texas. It includes parts of Archer, Cass, Collingsworth, Denton, Ellis, Kaufman, Navarro, Rockwall, Wise, and Wilbarger counties. 

It is named after the Wichita Indians who lived in the area before European settlement. The Wichita tribe had a strong presence on the plains until they were forced into reservations. There are still some descendants of the Wichita Tribe living in the area today. 

Top Attractions in the Northwest Texas region 

The Northwest Texas Region is an attractive place to visit. Here are some top places to see and experience. 

Fort Worth Stockyards: Located in Fort Worth, this is one of the largest stockyards in the world. You can see live cattle being shipped out of the country. 

Dinosaur Valley State Park – A park in Canyon, TX. Visit the dinosaur fossils left behind by prehistoric animals. 

National Ranching Heritage Center: Located in Lubbock, this museum tells stories about ranch life in Texas. 

Lake Texoma: Lake Texoma is a lake in West Texas. It is the second-largest artificial lake in the U.S. 

Texas Cowboy Hall Of Fame & Western Museum – Located in Fort Worth. It features exhibits about cowboy culture and lifestyle. 

Palo Duro Canyon National Preserve – A national preserve in Palo Duro Canyon, TX. It is home to ancient rock art and petroglyphs. 

Brazos Bend Wildlife Management Area – Located near Bryan, TX. It offers camping facilities and hiking trails. 

San Antonio Aquarium– An aquarium in San Antonio, TX. It has over 1 million gallons of water. 

Other things to do in the Northwest Texas region include: 

History of the Northwest Texas Region 

The Northwest Texas region is rich in history. From the early days of Native Americans to the modern-day cowboys, you’ll find plenty of interesting facts about the area. 

Native American History 

Before Europeans arrived, the native peoples of the Southwest lived in large villages. These villages were made up of teepees and huts. The natives hunted game such as deer, rabbits, and antelope. They also fished and gathered wild plants. 

European Arrival 

In 1541 Spanish explorers discovered the Rio Grande River. This river was later called El Camino Real. In 1682 French settlers established Fort St. Louis. 

American Settlement 

After the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, many people from Europe immigrated to America. Many settled in what is now the state of Texas. The first permanent white settlers came in the 1840s. 

Cowboy Culture 

When the railroad began traveling through Texas, it brought many new jobs for cowboys. Cowboys worked on ranches that raised cattle and horses. Cowboys rode into town each night to socialize.  

The Economy of Northwest Texas Region 

The economy in this region is dynamic and competitive. Many industries contribute to the economic growth of the area. Some of these industries include agriculture, petroleum, tourism, manufacturing, and retail trade. 

Agriculture 

This region produces cotton, corn, wheat, sorghum, oats, hay, soybeans, and other crops. Cotton production is significant because it makes up almost half of all agricultural products produced in the United States. 

Petroleum 

Oil wells have been found in the area since the 1800s. Oil companies drill deep underground and pump oil from the ground. Most people are employed in this sector, thus contributing to the economy of this region. 

Tourism 

Many tourists visit the area during the summer months. Tourists come to enjoy the beauty of the landscape and wildlife. Some of the wildlife includes black bears, bison, coyotes, bobcats, eagles, elk, foxes, and geese. Others are hawks, owls, prairie dogs, raccoons, rattlesnakes, red wolves, skunks, squirrels, turkeys, turtles, woodpeckers, and wolverines. 

Manufacturing 

There are many factories in the Northwest Texas region. These factories produce a wide variety of goods, including clothing, food, furniture, paper, plastics, steel, and textiles. 

Retail Trade 

Shopping malls are common in the area. Shoppers can buy groceries, clothes, electronics, jewelry, shoes, and more. 

Transportation System 

Public transportation is available in the area—bus routes run throughout the city and county. People use buses to go to work, school, and places of entertainment. Taxis are also available all throughout the region.   

Conclusion 

The Northwest Texas region is diverse and has a lot to offer visitors. If you’re planning a trip to the area, be sure to check out some of the local attractions. You may want to take advantage of the many recreational activities offered by the area. For example, you might like to play golf or go fishing. 

People in this region are friendly and welcoming. They love meeting new people and having fun with their friends. It’s great to live in such an exciting place! 

Northwest Texas County Offices by Type

Northwest Texas Counties