Tyler, Texas
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| City of Tyler | |
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| Nickname: Rose Capital of America | |
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| Coordinates: | |
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| Country | United States |
| State | Texas |
| County | Smith |
| Government | |
| - Mayor | Barbara Bass (as of May 2008) |
| Area | |
| - Total | 49.4 sq mi (128.0 km²) |
| - Land | 49.3 sq mi (127.7 km²) |
| - Water | 0.1 sq mi (0.3 km²) |
| Elevation | 544 ft (165 m) |
| Population (2007) | |
| - Total | 105,873 |
| - Density | 1,696/sq mi (655.1/km²) |
| Time zone | Central (UTC-6) |
| - Summer (DST) | Central (UTC-5) |
| ZIP codes | 75700-75799 |
| Area code(s) | 430, 903 |
| FIPS code | 48-74144[1] |
| GNIS feature ID | 1348998[2] |
| Website: http://www.cityoftyler.org | |
Tyler is a city in and the county seat of Smith County, Texas in the United States.[3] The city is named for President John Tyler in recognition of his support for Texas's admission to the United States. The 2000 census recorded the city's population to be 83,650, while in 2007 it was estimated to have reached 105,873.[4] Tyler is the principal city of the Tyler Metropolitan Statistical Area, which is part of the larger Tyler-Jacksonville combined statistical area.
Tyler has been nicknamed the "Rose Capital of America" because of its large role in the rose-growing industry; about 20% of commercial rose bushes produced in the U.S. are grown in Tyler and Smith County and more than half of the rose bushes are packaged and shipped from the area. It boasts the nation's largest municipal rose garden and hosts the Texas Rose Festival each October, which draws more than 100,000 spectators.[5].
In 1985, the international Adopt-a-Highway movement originated in Tyler when, after appeals by local Texas Department of Transportation officials, the local Civitan chapter adopted a 2-mile (3-km) stretch of U.S. Highway 69. Tyler is also home to the Caldwell Zoo.
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[edit] Geography
Tyler is located at (32.334249, -95.299927)[6] Elevation: 544 feet. Tyler is surrounded by many smaller suburbs including Jacksonville, Whitehouse, Lindale, New Chapel Hill, Bullard, Edom, Brownsboro, Chandler, and Mineola.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 49.4 square miles (128.0 Square kilometres), of which, 49.3 square miles (127.7 km²) of it is land and 0.1 square miles (0.3 km²) of it (0.22%) is water.
[edit] Climate
Tyler enjoys weather typical of East Texas, which is unpredictable, especially in the spring time. All of East Texas has the humid subtropical climate typical of the Southeast in North America.
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg high °C (°F) | 14 (58) | 16 (62) | 19 (67) | 24 (76) | 28 (83) | 32 (91) | 34 (94) | 35 (95) | 31 (88) | 26 (80) | 18 (66) | 15 (60) | 25 (77) |
| Avg low °C (°F) | 3 (39) | 5 (41) | 7 (46) | 12 (54) | 16 (62) | 21 (71) | 22 (73) | 22 (72) | 18 (66) | 13 (57) | 7 (45) | 4 (40) | 13 (56) |
| Avg. # of Rainy days | 6 | 5 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 58 |
| Source: [2] | |||||||||||||
[edit] Demographics
As of the census[1] of 2000, there were 83,650 people, 32,525 households, and 21,076 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,696.7 people per square mile (655.1/km²). There were 35,337 housing units at an average density of 716.7/sq mi (276.7/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 61.72% White, 26.83% African American, 0.34% Native American, 0.96% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 8.46% from other races, and 1.65% from two or more races. 15.82% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There were 32,525 households out of which 30.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.7% were married couples living together, 14.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.2% were non-families. 30.2% of all households were made up of individuals and 11.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.48 and the average family size was 3.12.
The city's population was spread out by age, with 26% under the age of 18, 11.7% from 18 to 24, 26.9% from 25 to 44, 20% from 45 to 64, and 15.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females there were 88.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 83.3 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $34,163, and the median income for a family was $43,618. Males had a median income of $31,728 versus $22,397 for females. The per capita income for the city was $20,184. 16.8% of the population and 13.0% of families were below the poverty threshold. 23.3% of those under the age of 18 and 12.1% of those 65 and older were living below the poverty line.
[edit] Economy
In addition to its role in the rose-growing industry, Tyler is the headquarters for Brookshire Grocery Company, which operates Brookshire's and Super 1 Foods, and Ole! supermarkets in four states. The company's main distribution center is located in south Tyler, while SouthWest Foods, a subsidiary that produces dairy products, is located just north-east of the city.
The manufacturing sector includes:
- Tyler Pipe, a subsidiary of McWane Inc. that produces soil and utility pipe products
- Trane, a business of American Standard Companies, which manufactures air conditioners and heat pumps (this plant was originally built in 1955 by General Electric)
- Carrier, which manufactures air conditioners
- Delek Refining, an Israeli owned oil refinery formerly dba La Gloria Oil and Gas Co (a Crown Central Petroleum subsidiary).
- Ferguson Beauregard, an operating company of Dover Corporation that specializes in equipment for the production of natural gas using the plunger lift method.
- Vesuvius USA, a division of Cookson Group that manufactures refractory ceramics used in the steel industry.
Also produced in Tyler are John Soules Foods' fajita and other meat products, Distant Lands Coffee Roasters coffee, Tyler Candle Co. jar candles, and a variety of small high-tech businesses including Synthesizers.com, Group M7, CBI , Power-Up, and Arrick Robotics.
Tyler is also a major medical center which serves the city as well as the surrounding East Texas area.
[edit] Recreation & Tourism
Annually, the Texas Rose Festival draws thousands of tourists to Tyler.[7] The festival, which celebrates the role of the rose-growing industry in the local economy, is held in October and features a parade, the coronation of the Rose Queen, and other civic events. There is also a Rose Museum featuring the history of the Festival. Tyler is home to Caldwell Zoo, several local museums, Lake Palestine, Lake Tyler, and numerous golf courses and country clubs.[8] There is also an "Azalea Trail," which are 2 officially designated routes within the city that showcase homes or other landscaped venues adorned with azalea shrubs.[9] On the shores of nearby Lake Tyler is the 2005 HGTV Dream Home. The 6,500 square feet (600 m²) house briefly boosted tourism and interest in the community. It subsequently was sold at public auction in January, 2008, for 1.325 million dollars. [10] Tyler State Park is a few miles away where visitors can camp, canoe, and paddle boat on the lake. Activities include picnicking; camping; boating (motors allowed - 5 mph speed limit); boat rentals; fishing; birding; hiking; mountain biking and hiking trails; lake swimming (in unsupervised swimming area); and nature study. The Smith County Historical Society operates a museum and archives in the old Carnegie Library.[11]
[edit] Historical
Camp Ford was the largest Confederate Prisoner of War Camp west of the Mississippi River during the American Civil War. The site of the camp is now a public park, managed by the Smith County Historical Society. The park features a kiosk with extensive graphics detailing the history of the camp, a walking trail with interpretive signage, a reconstruction of a POW cabin, and picnic facilities. It is open daily from dawn to dusk with free admission. It is located on Highway 271, 0.8 miles north of Loop 323. The East Texas State Fair is held annually in Tyler.[12]
[edit] Transportation
As with much of modern America the automobile is the most common form of transportation. Tyler is a nexus of several major highways. Interstate 20 runs along the north edge of the city going east and west, U.S. Highway 69 runs north-south through the center of town and State Highway 64 runs east-west through the city. Tyler also has access to U.S. Highway 271, State Highway 31, State Highway 155, and State Highway 110. Loop 323 was established in 1957 and originally encircled the city, which has continued to grow outside of the loop. It still encompasses the majority of the city, though it has grown to extend beyond. This expansion is the reason for the new loop 49 which is currently under construction. Loop 49, designed to be an "outer loop" around the city, and connect to I20. The first five-mile segment, which connects Highway 155 south with Highway 69 south, opened for use on August 17, 2006. A second segment connecting Highway 69 with Paluxy Drive opened in January, 2008.
[edit] Public transportation
The city's Tyler Transit buses run daily, excluding Sundays and holidays. Greyhound Lines bus service is available through a downtown terminal.
[edit] Via air
Tyler Pounds Regional Airport offers service to Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport via American Eagle and to Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport via Colgan Air Continental Connection.
[edit] Via train
Tyler was the hub for a series of short-line railroads which later evolved into the St. Louis Southwestern Railway, better known as "The Cotton Belt Route." This line later became part of the Southern Pacific Railroad, which itself merged with the Union Pacific Railroad, which continues to serve the city today.
[edit] Healthcare
Hospitals located in Tyler include East Texas Medical Center, Trinity Mother Frances Health System, University of Texas Health Center at Tyler, and Texas Spine & Joint Hospital. Tyler serves as a major medical center for communities throughout East Texas.
[edit] Education
[edit] Colleges and Universities
Tyler's higher education institutions include the University of Texas at Tyler and the University of Texas Health Center at Tyler, both part of the University of Texas System; Tyler Junior College, and Texas College.
[edit] Public schools
Public primary and secondary education for much of the city is provided by the Tyler Independent School District, which includes two high schools, John Tyler and Robert E. Lee; several Tyler ISD schools offer International Baccalaureate and Advance Placement programmes.
Portions of incorporated Tyler are served by surrounding school districts. These include sections of southeast Tyler by the Whitehouse Independent School District, and some sections in the east which are served by the Chapel Hill Independent School District.
[edit] Private schools
The Tyler Catholic School System of the Catholic Diocese of Tyler consists of St. Gregory Elementary and Bishop Thomas K. Gorman Middle/High School. There are several other private schools, including Grace Community School, Christian Heritage School, East Texas Christian Academy, All Saints Episcopal School, Brook Hill School, and Good Shepherd Reformed Episcopal School.
[edit] Media
There are currently 14 media outlets and one newspaper located in Tyler, as well as many more in the surrounding areas.
[edit] Newspaper
[edit] Television
| UHF | Cable | Call | Network |
|---|---|---|---|
| Channel | Channel | Letters | |
| Stations Broadcast from Tyler | |||
| 7 | 7 | KLTV | ABC |
| 19 | 11 | KYTX | CBS |
| 56 | 10 | KETK | NBC |
| Stations with Tyler Coverage Area | |||
| 51 | 12 | KFXK | FOX |
[edit] Radio
[edit] AM stations
| Frequency | Call Leters | Format | Name |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stations Broadcast from Tyler | |||
| 600 | KTBB | News/Talk | |
| 690 | KZEY | Urban Contemporary | |
| 1330 | KGLD | Gospel | The Light |
| 1490 | KYZS | Sports | ESPN |
[edit] FM stations
| Frequency | Call Leters | Format | Name |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stations Broadcast from Tyler | |||
| 89.5 | KVNE | Christian Contemporary | Encouragement FM |
| 91.3 | KGLY | Religious | |
| 92.1 | KDOK | Oldies | |
| 93.1 | KTYL | Adult Contemporary | Mix |
| 100.1 | K261CW | Public Radio | KERA |
| 101.5 | KNUE | Country | |
| 104.1 | KKUS | Country | The Ranch |
| Stations with Tyler Coverage Area | |||
| 90.3 | KBJS | Christian Talk | |
| 96.1 | KKTX | Classic and Contemporary Rock | 96X |
| 99.3 | KAJK | Adult Hits | JackFM |
| 102.7 | KBLZ | Hip Hop | The Blaze |
| 106.5 | KOOI | Adult Contemporary | Sunny |
| 107.3 | KISX | Urban Contemporary | JAMZ |
[edit] Sports
[edit] Baseball Teams
- Tyler Elbertas (1912)
- Tyler Trojans (1924-1929, 1931, 1935-1940, 1946-1950)
- Tyler Sports (1932)
- Tyler Governors (1933-1934)
- Tyler East Texans (1950-1953)
- Tyler Tigers (1954-1955)
- Tyler Wildcatters (1994-1997)
- Tyler Roughnecks (2001)
[edit] Football
- East Texas Twisters (2004)
[edit] High school sports teams
[edit] Football
- John Tyler Lions
- Robert E. Lee Red Raiders
- T.K. Gorman Crusaders
- All Saints Trojans
- Brook Hill Guard
- Grace Cougars
[edit] Notable Events
- On May 11, 2003, East Texas housewife Deanna Laney murders two of her children and maimed another, claiming God told her to do it. She was eventually acquitted by reason of insanity.[13]
- On February 24, 2005, David Hernandez Arroyo Sr. murdered his ex-wife and wounded his son in front of the Smith County Courthouse in Tyler, Texas. A shootout and escape attempt followed, and Arroyo was killed.[14]
- The 2007 reality show Anchorwoman was filmed in Tyler, at CBS affiliate KYTX. The show ran for one episode before being canceled by Fox.
[edit] Famous Tylerites
[edit] Actors/Actresses
- Sandy Duncan - actress (though born in Henderson, she grew up in Tyler); attended Birdwell Elementary School
- Alex Finlayson - playwright
- Arthur "Dooley" Wilson - Actor and singer most well known for playing Sam in the movie Casablanca
[edit] Athletes
- Earl Campbell - NFL Hall of Fame running back nicknamed "The Tyler Rose"
- Louis Santop - Negro League Catcher (1909-1917, 1920-1926), member of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum
- Pat Mahomes - MLB Pitcher (1992-1997, 1999-2003)
- Jerry Mumphrey - MLB Outfielder (1974-1988)
- Lee Tunnell - MLB Pitcher (1982-1985, 1987, 1989)
- Archie Reynolds - MLB Pitcher (1968-1972)
- Clarence Huber - MLB Third Baseman (1920-1921, 1925-1926)
- Travis Chick - MLB Pitcher (2006)
- Doug Wyatt - NFL safety (1970-1974)
- Randy Grimes - NFL center/guard (1983-1990, 1992)
- Ronnie Lee - NFL tight end/offensive lineman (1979-1992)
- Hunter Freeman - MLS defender
- Daniel Hernandez - MLS defender
- Aaron Ross - NFL player, New York Giants cornerback, 2006 winner of the Jim Thorpe Award
- Tim Crowder - NFL player, Denver Broncos defensive lineman
- Ed Jasper - NFL defensive tackle
- Terrence Murphy - Former Texas A&M University standout and Green Bay Packers Wide Receiver
- Matt Flynn - LSU Quarterback, BCS National Championship MVP
- Ciron Black - LSU All-American Offensive Tackle
- Derek Farmer - NFL Running Back, San Diego Chargers
- Gary Baxter - NFL cornerback
- Philip Humber - Minnesota Twins pitcher from nearby Carthage, Texas but now living in Tyler
- Gary Jones - NFL Defensive Back
- Chris Carter - Former NFL safety
- Morgan Wade - (Pro BMX Rider)
- Larry Johnson - NBA Forward New Orleans Hornets, New York Knicks 1991-2001
[edit] Musicians
- Shaun Groves - Singer, Songwriter of Christian Rock Music
- Paul Baloche - Singer, Songwriter of Contemporary Worship Music
- Ken Bethea - Guitarist for Old 97's
- Adam Carroll - Singer and Songwriter
- Teron Beal- Sony Music Singer, Songwriter (Micheal Jackson, Bonnie Raitte, Whitney Houston, Mya, Brandy)
- Brandon Beal- Singer, Songwriter, Producer- MMG Records, Vecca (Sony BMG Japan) Recording Artist
- Richard Dobson - Singer and Songwriter
- Eisley - indie band comprising Chauntelle, Sherri, Stacy, Weston and Garron DuPree.
- Element Eighty - Alternative metal band comprising Zack Bates, Ryan Carroll, David Galloway and Matt Woods.
- Hobbit - 1970s/1980s Rock band
- Johnny Horton - Country singer
- Will Jennings - American songwriter
- Lix - 1980s Metal band
- Mouse and the Traps - 1960s Garage rock band comprising Buggs Henderson, Ken Murray, David S. Stanley and Ronnie "Mouse" Weiss.
- Ivoryline - Rock/Indie/Alternative band: Scott Socia,Jeremy Gray,Wes Hart,Robert Woodward,Dusty Kittle
[edit] Others
- Sarah McClendon - Journalist and White House correspondent for over half a century, longest tenure ever in the White House press corps
- Jo-Carroll Dennison - Miss America 1942, the first Miss Texas to win the national title
- Louie Gohmert - U.S. representative and former Smith County judge
- Kiki Shepard - TV host of Live in Hollywood and formerly of It's Showtime at the Apollo
- Ned Touchstone - (1926-1988), leader of the Radical Right in 1960s and 1970s
- William Steger -- U.S. district judge (1970-2006)
- Brian Werner - Tiger conservationist, Tiger Creek Wildlife Refuge
- Molly Grubb Lynn - Former Miss Texas, restauranteur
- Jonna Fitzgerald - Former Miss Texas, Runner Up to Miss America, television news anchor, noted musician
- Lisa Dalzell Spooner - Former Miss Texas, television news anchor
- Mary Cage Moore Irwin - former Miss Texas, philanthropist
[edit] Sister cities
Jelenia Góra, Poland
Lo Barnechea, Chile
Yachiyo, Japan[15]
[edit] See also
- East Texas
- Dry county (All alcohol, except wine, is not available for purchase, except in private clubs)
- Smith County, Texas
- Lake Palestine
[edit] References
- ^ a b American FactFinder. United States Census Bureau. Retrieved on 2008-01-31.
- ^ US Board on Geographic Names. United States Geological Survey (2007-10-25). Retrieved on 2008-01-31.
- ^ Find a County. National Association of Counties. Retrieved on 2008-01-31.
- ^ According to Tyler city limit signs erected in 2007
- ^ Mozo, Jessica (2006). "Glamour and Glitter". Images of Tyler 1: 42 - 43. Journal Communications, Inc..
- ^ US Gazetteer files: 2000 and 1990. United States Census Bureau (2005-05-03). Retrieved on 2008-01-31.
- ^ Until Now
- ^ Navarro, Edward (2006). "It's Tee Time in Tyler". Images of Tyler 1: 57. Journal Communications, Inc..
- ^ Tyler Azalea Trail - Frequently Asked Questions
- ^ KLTV 7 News, Your East Texas News Leader, News, Weather, Sports, Community, Jobs, Cars and Much more. | HGTV Dream Home Sold, $1.325 Million
- ^ Smith County Historical Society
- ^ East Texas State Fair
- ^ [1]Deanna Laney Acquitted
- ^ Smith County Courthouse shooting
- ^ New Page 1
[edit] External links
- Tyler, Texas is at coordinates Coordinates:
- Tyler Chamber of Commerce
- Tyler Economic Development Council
- Tyler, TX from the Handbook of Texas Online
- Tyler Texas Information : Tyler photos, history, government, tourism, links.
- Tyler Texas Weather : Weather conditions, radar, and forecasts.
- Tyler State Park
- www.discoverscience.info
- The University of Texas at Tyler
- Smith County Historical Society
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