Panhandle

Panhandle Texas

Updated on: January 12, 2022

The Panhandle is the northernmost area of Texas. The region derives its name from its shape, which looks like a panhandle. It has the highest elevation and lowest population density among all regions of Texas. The Panhandle is also one of the most sparsely populated areas in the United States.  

Follow through as we explore more about the Panhandle Texas Region. 

Panhandle History 

Panhandle is one of the oldest regions. It was settled by Spanish explorers as early as 1706. There were also the Amanches Indians who lived here before that time, making it one of the oldest inhabited places in America. 

There are many legends about how the first settlers came to live in the Panhandle. One legend says that an Indian chief named Nokoni invited white men to settle on his land. 

Another story says that some white people came there looking for gold. They found the gold, but they did not find any Indians, so they stayed there.  

The third story says that a man named John Parker came there with his family. He had heard stories about the rich lands of the west. He went to the area where he saw beautiful grasslands and mountains. He built a cabin near the mountain and started living there. Later, other families joined him. These three families became known as the “Three Families.” In 1881, the Three Families founded the town of Amarillo. 

Things to do in Panhandle 

You can do so many things in the Panhandle like hiking or camping, visiting museums, historical sites, art galleries, and zoos. If you want to view wild animals closely, then you should go to the Panhandle Zoo. 

Panhandle Attractions 

Amarillo Museum of Art: Located at the University of Texas at Panhandle, the museum houses over 10,000 works of art. 

Panhandle Zoo: This zoo is in Canyon and has more than 100 species of animals. 

Canyon Lake Park: This park offers boating, swimming, picnicking, and fishing. 

Canyon plain: This is a large plain between Canyon and Canyon City. You’ll enjoy the views on the roadside. 

Caprock Canyons: This is a series of canyons in the Panhandle. They are part of the Caprock Escarpment. 

Economic activities in Panhandle 

Agriculture and petroleum dominate the Panhandle and account for over 50% of the total GDP. Wheat, corn, sorghum, cotton, soybeans, and cattle are grown in the Panhandle. 

Oil production in the Panhandle began in 1908. Currently, oil production in the vast lands of the Panhandle accounts for nearly half of the state’s total output. 

Tourism plays an essential role in the Panhandle’s economy. Many tourists come to enjoy the beauty of the landscape. They also enjoy unique attractions such as the Panhandle Zoo and the Big Bend National Park. 

Other significant industries include the service sector, construction, trade, transportation, finance, manufacturing, education, health care, accommodation, and food services. 

Texas Panhandle Map 

The Panhandle is located in the extreme north-western part of Texas. New Mexico borders it to the west, Oklahoma to the south, Kansas to the east, and Colorado to the north. There are four major cities in the Panhandle: Amarillo, Lubbock, Wichita Falls, and Odessa. 

Amarillo 

Amarillo is the largest city in the Panhandle. Located in Potter County, it is the county seat of Potter County. Amarillo was founded on March 31, 1849, as “Amador City” after Mexican general José María Amador.  

After the American Civil War, the town became known as “Amarillo.” In 1890, Amarillo had a population of 2,000 people. By 1900, the population grew to 4,500. Today, the population is over 100,000. 

Lubbock 

Lubbock is the second-largest city in the Panhandle. It is in Lubbock County and lies along the southern edge of the Llano Estacado. Founded in 1889, it is named for John Henry “Jack” Luby, an early settler who owned land near the site of present-day Lubbock. 

Wichita Falls 

Wichita Falls is the third-largest city in the Panhandle. It is located in Archer County and lies along the western shore of Lake Texoma, about 35 miles northwest of downtown Dallas. Founded in 1881, it was initially called “New Hope.” The first post office opened in 1883 under that name.  

The current name was adopted when the community was incorporated in 1886. 

Odessa 

Odessa is the fourth largest city in the Panhandle. It is located in Ector County and lies along the eastern shore of Lake Waco. It was founded in 1891. The region is named from the Spanish word Ojos de agua, referring to the natural spring in the center of town. 

The region has other cities like Canyon, Clovis, Dalhart, El Paso, Fort Worth, Guymon, Midland, Pampa, Plainview, San Angelo, Snyder, Temple, Terrell, and Weatherford. 

FAQs 

Is Panhandle an excellent place to live? 

Yes, if you love nature! The Panhandle houses some of the best outdoor recreation areas in the United States. You will find beautiful scenery, great fishing, camping, hiking, hunting, boating, and much more. 

What do I need to know before moving to the Panhandle? 

You should know the weather conditions in your destination area. If you plan to visit during the summer months, bring sunscreen and bug repellent with you. Also, you may pack extra clothing layers because the temperature can drop very quickly. 

Do I need any particular documents to move to the Panhandle? 

You will not need any special documents to move to the Panhandle. However, you will need a valid driver’s license and proof of insurance. 

Verdict 

In summary, the Panhandle Texas Region is a great place to live. It has a lot of natural beauty, and it’s also home to some of the most interesting and unique towns in America. The region offers many opportunities for people who love nature, outdoor activities, and exploring new places.  

The area also has plenty of things to do when you want to relax or have fun. There are lots of festivals and events throughout the year that will keep you busy. If you like history, museums and historic sites can help you learn about the past. You can even visit battlefields where famous battles took place. 

 

Panhandle Texas County Offices by Type

Panhandle Texas Counties