Weatherford, Texas
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Weatherford, Texas | |
| Nickname: Cutting Horse Capital of the World, Peach Capital of Texas | |
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| Coordinates: | |
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| Country | United States |
| State | Texas |
| County | Parker |
| Government | |
| - Mayor | Joe M. Tison |
| Area | |
| - Total | 22.7 sq mi (58.7 km²) |
| - Land | 20.9 sq mi (54.1 km²) |
| - Water | 1.8 sq mi (4.6 km²) |
| Elevation | 1,053 ft (321 m) |
| Population (2000) | |
| - Total | 19,000 |
| - Density | 909.9/sq mi (351.3/km²) |
| Time zone | CST (UTC-6) |
| - Summer (DST) | CDT (UTC-5) |
| ZIP codes | 76085-76088 |
| Area code(s) | 817 |
| FIPS code | 48-76864[1] |
| GNIS feature ID | 1376666[2] |
| Website: www.ci.weatherford.tx.us | |
Weatherford is a city in Parker County, Texas, United States. The population was 19,000 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Parker County[3] and is part of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.
The city was named by the Texas Legislature as the Peach Capital of Texas due to the peaches produced by area growers. As such, the peach is celebrated each year at the Parker County Peach Festival, which is Weatherford’s largest event and one of the best-attended festivals in Texas.
Weatherford also has a number of historic homes and buildings. More than 60 Queen Anne, Victorian and other architecturally significant homes built at the turn of the 20th century sit along the tree-lined avenues. Several of these homes are open for tours, arranged by the Parker County Heritage Society, during the Christmas season.
Another landmark is the Second Empire style Parker County Courthouse, which is located in the geographical center of the county in downtown Weatherford. The building is surrounded by various historic shops that served other purposes at the turn of the 20th century, including saloons and "cat-houses".
In recent years, both the interior and exterior of this historic courthouse structure have been restored to its original character and attractiveness.
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[edit] Geography
Weatherford is located 25 miles west of Fort Worth on Interstate 20. It is the county seat for Parker County.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 22.7 square miles (58.7 km²), of which, 20.9 square miles (54.1 km²) of it is land and 1.8 square miles (4.6 km²) of it (7.86%) is water.
[edit] Demographics
The population of the City of Weatherford, Texas is 24,000. The population grew by 958 (4.15%) from 2005 to 2006. The racial makeup of the city is 90.90% White, 10.20% Hispanic, 2.10% Black, 0.90% American Indian, 0.70% Asian, 4.10% other.
According to the 1999 census, 25.0% of the population is under the age of 18, 10.6% is 18 to 24, 26.3% is 25 to 44, 21.8% is 45 to 64, and 16.4% is 65 years of age or older. The median age is 36 years.
[edit] Education
The City of Weatherford is served by the Weatherford Independent School District and Weatherford College.
Weatherford ISD celebrates a quality education provided every day from pre-kindergarten through high school. The Weatherford ISD serves 7,200 students throughout 254 square miles at 11 campuses. A large variety of classes are offered to students, including special courses for advanced students, special needs students, gifted and talented courses, technology courses, as well as Bilingual and English as a second language.
Nine of the eleven schools in the Weatherford Independent School District received the Texas Education Agency “Recognized” rating for 2006. The Weatherford ISD curriculum is aligned to the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) to insure that all students are receiving appropriate instruction that will insure success in their educational journey.
The WISD Community Services Program provides additional opportunities for students and adults. Through Community Education courses, adult learners seeking a GED degree or continuing education courses will find a variety of selections from which to choose. English as a second language classes are also available for adults. Parents seeking after-school programs for students are invited to contact the WISD Community Services Department. The WISD Community Services Department is celebrating its 35 years of service this year and provides an award-winning array of courses for parents and students.
With an outstanding community-to-school program, students in WISD receive “real-world” experiences that enhance their overall educational experience. The commitment of the Weatherford Independent School District – a team of qualified, dedicated educators building hope and forging excellence – is to teach, challenge, and inspire students in a safe, nurturing environment to succeed in life. WISD believes education enhances the quality of life and empowers people.
Weatherford College WC's 130-year tradition of academic excellence, diversity of programs and personalized approach to education and professional training provide enriching opportunities for all students.
You can choose from more than 35 study areas or train for a career in one of 19 professional/technical programs. In each of these disciplines you'll enjoy small, intimate classes led by highly qualified instructors. You'll meet students from around the area and abroad, and find collegiate sports, clubs, and activities to enjoy with them.
WC offers strong student support services to help ensure your success. Financial aid packages and scholarships are also available to keep your education affordable.
[edit] History
Beginnings
In 1855, Parker County was created by the Texas State Legislature and named for pioneer and State Representative Isaac Parker. Parker was the uncle of legendary Cynthia Ann Parker, a little girl who was stolen from her home by Indians during the Texas Revolution. Cynthia Ann grew up among the Comanche and become the mother of the great Chief, Quanah Parker. Years later, when she was overtaken in flight with an Indian raiding party, it was Isaac Parker who recognized her as his long lost niece.
The Town of Weatherford was named for the State Senator of this district, Jefferson Weatherford of Dallas. According to his cousin, Senator Weatherford never set foot in the town that bears his name.
The first settlers had arrived less than ten years earlier, but soon came by the hundreds. Many other pioneers stopped here on their way across the wilderness traveling the only major road leading west. They had to brave many Indian attacks between the years of 1846 and 1874. You can find several headstones in Parker County that read "Killed by Indians."
The railroad arrived in June 1880 with great fanfare. The Santa Fe Depot (that today houses the Weatherford Chamber of Commerce) was built in 1908 under the Jim Crow laws. The waiting rooms were segregated and separated by the ticket office. The brick loading platform remains intact and the building is well preserved.
In 1895, the town’s still existing newspaper, the Weatherford Democrat, began publication.
Parker County Courthouse
Parker County’s first courthouse was built of rough pine lumber in 1856. It was replaced with a brick one in 1858. It was destroyed by fire in 1874, and the loss of county records caused great inconveniences for years to come. In 1878, the cornerstone was laid for a stone structure that too was burned down in a suspected arson. The fourth and present courthouse was completed in 1886 at a cost of $55,555,55! The Seth Thomas Clock was installed in 1897 for $957. The Courthouse has recently been restored on the inside to bring back its classic beauty and original splendor from the turn of the century.
Western Heritage
Weatherford has a rich western heritage filled with colorful characters. Legendary cattle drover Oliver Loving is buried here in Weatherford’s Greenwood Cemetery. After being attacked by Indians in New Mexico in 1867, Loving’s dying wish to his friend, Charles Goodnight, was to be buried in his home, Parker County. Goodnight brought the body back some six hundred miles by wagon for burial. If this story sounds familiar, it should. It is the inspiration behind Texas author Larry McMurtry’s novel, Lonesome Dove.
A year earlier, Goodnight had invented the first chuckwagon which catered “fixings” for the cowboys on a cattle drive that would later become known as the Goodnight-Loving Trail.
Boze Ikard, who served with Goodnight and for whom the character “Deets” was modeled, was also laid to rest in the Greenwood Cemetery.
Now known as the Cutting Horse Capital of the World, Weatherford is home to hundreds of professional trainers, Hall-of-Fame horses and a breathtaking, life-size bronze cutting horse. “Cutters” from all over the country, send their horses here for training or breeding to the best studs in the industry. Several National Cutting Horse Association affiliates hold local competitions on a regular basis. One of Weatherford’s greatest attractions for the cutters in the native “sandy loam” soil that is cushioning for a horse’s feet.
Peach Capital of Texas
Named by the State Legislature as the Peach Capital of Texas, Weatherford and Parker County growers produce the biggest, sweetest, juiciest peaches around. The Peach is celebrated each year at the Parker County Peach Festival, Weatherford’s largest event and one of the best-attended festivals in Texas. More than 35,000 visitors come to Weatherford to enjoy homemade peach ice cream, peach cobbler, peach pie, peach juleps, peach smoothies, and just plain juicy peaches! Be sure and visit the Farmers Market for peaches and other delicious Parker County produce, including watermelons and pecans. Click here for information on the next Parker County Peach Festival. ((Link to Calendar of Events Page for 2004 Peach Festival))
Unexpected Elegance
Perhaps Weatherford’s greatest treasure is the abundance of historic homes and buildings. More than sixty Queen Anne, Victorian and other architecturally significant homes built at the turn of the century sit along the tree-lined avenues where horse-drawn carriages once carried the pillars of the community.
The crown jewel is the breathtaking Parker County Courthouse. Located in the geographical center of the county, this Second Empire style courthouse is the heart of downtown and the entire community. Visit the historic shops around the downtown area and you will find that they served other purposes at the turn of the century – some of them were saloons and “cat-houses!”
Each year at Christmas, the Parker County Heritage Society arranges a Candlelight Tour of Homes that give attendees a rare opportunity to see the inside of many restored homes.
Famous Natives
Lieutenant General William Hood Simpson (May 18, 1888 – August 15, 1980) was a distinguished U.S. Army officer who commanded the U.S. Ninth Army in northern Europe, during World War II, among other roles. He is seated at the far left in this photo next to Gen. George Patton. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:American_World_War_II_senior_military_officials%2C_1945.JPEG
Writer and artist, Andrew W. Garver (Feb. 1 1989 – ) spent his childhood in Weatherford before going on to revive America's Beat movement.
Weatherford is also the birthplace and was the home of Mary Martin, internationally known Broadway star, renowned for her portrayal of the beloved Peter Pan. Her son, Larry Hagman, became a famous TV star, forever immortalized as the villainous J.R. Ewing of the television melodrama, Dallas. Hagman is just as fond of Weatherford as his mother was and he still makes appearances for special occasions and to assist many Weatherford charities.
Former U.S. Speaker of the House Jim Wright grew up in Weatherford and even wrote a book about his youth, Weatherford Days…a Time of Learning.
Famed portrait artist Douglas Chandor moved to Weatherford to be with the love of his life, Weatherford native, Ina Kuteman. Known internationally for his portraits of the rich and famous including Queen Elizabeth II, Winston Churchill, and U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt, Chandor created another masterpiece in Weatherford, his magnificent gardens that are now open to the public.
Two state representatives
Weatherford County has been represented in the Texas State House since 1985 by two Republicans, Richard F. "Ric" Williamson (1952-2007) and Phillip Stephen King. Originally a Democrat, Williamson switched parties and served until 1999, when he was succeeded by King, one of the more conservative members of the legislature. Williamson's old friend and former legislative colleague, Governor Rick Perry, appointed him to the Texas Transportation Commission, of which he became the chairman in 2004. Williamson died of a third heart attack on December 30, 2007. He had been a champion of Perry's controversial Trans Texas Corridor toll road project.
[edit] References
- ^ 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.
[edit] External links
- City of Weatherford
- Weatherford Chamber of Commerce
- View Historic photos of Weatherford from the Weatherford College Library, hosted by the Portal to Texas History
- Weatherford, Texas is at coordinates Coordinates:
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