The Amarillo metropolitan area is the 180th-largest in the United States, with a population of 236,113 in four counties: Armstrong, Carson, Potter, and Randall. Located in the Texas Panhandle region of northern Texas, Amarillo is a vibrant city that offers plenty of opportunities for visitors and residents alike. But what abot the other twenty-six counties that make up the Texas Panhandle? Let’s take a closer look at some of these lesser-known counties and see what they have to offer.
Dallam County is located in the far western corner of the Texas Panhandle. It shares its borders with New Mexico and Oklahoma, making it an ideal spot for those who are looking to explore more than just one state. This county is home to numerous small towns and rural communities that have their own unique charm and culture. The largest town in Dallam County is Dalhart, which has an estimated population of 8,000 people.
Sherman County lies just east of Dallam County and is bordered by Oklahoma on its northern border. Although it may not be as well known as other neighboring counties, Sherman County offers plenty to explore. Its main city is Stratford, which boasts a population of 1,200 people and a variety of amenities including restaurants and shops. Beyond Stratford are numerous small towns like Goodwell and Lela that provide great spots for fishing and other outdoor activities.
Hansford County lies north of Sherman County and east of Dallam County. It has an estimated population of 4,000 people spread across its five small towns: Spearman (the county seat), Gruver, Morse, Perryton, and Darrouzett. Hansford County provides visitors with plenty to explore: from museums to historical sites to recreation areas such as Lake Fryer or Pheasant Hill Wildlife Management Area.
Ochiltree County sits just south of Hansford County and east of Sherman County. Its main city is Perryton (population 7,600), but there are also several smaller towns scattered throughout the county such as Booker (population 1,200) or Lutie (population 400). Ochiltree offers visitors plenty to do; recreational opportunities include camping at Lake Fryer or exploring trails at Pheasant Hill Wildlife Management Area or Cactus Flats State Park Nature Reserve.
Lipscomb County lies south of Ochiltree County and west of Hansford County in northwest Texas near the Oklahoma border. Its main city is Follett (population 950) but there are several small towns scattered throughout such as Higgins (population 200) or Darrouzett (population 300). Visitors can enjoy fishing at nearby lakes or explore trails within local parks such as Prairie Dog Town State Park Nature Reserve or Wolf Creek State Park Nature Reserve.
Hartley County sits eastward from Lipscomb county near both Oklahoma’s panhandle region as well as New Mexico’s eastern border with Texas atop the high plains terrain known for its dry climate which lends itself well to agriculture thanks to its deep soils which tend not to erode easily even during strong storms common during this part of Texas’ climate cycle . The major city within Hartley county is Channing with an estimated population around 500 while smaller cities like Hartley itself along with Dalhart dot their way through this otherwise sparsely populated area providing each their own unique character while all being connected through this incredible landscape we call home here in West Texas!
Moore county lies southward from Hartley county sharing similar borders with both Oklahoma’s panhandle region as well as New Mexico’s eastern border while being situated atop high plains terrain offering stunning views across wide open valleys with many rivers running through them providing plenty opportunity for outdoor adventures such as fishing , boating , camping , hiking & more ! Major cities include Dumas & Sunray both boasting populations larger than 10k , however many smaller cities like Cactus & Skellytown offer their own unique character & atmosphere when visiting . Lastly Hutchinson county rounds out our journey through this unique part Amarillo Metropolitan area . With it’s major cities Borger & Stinnett boasting populations larger than 10k each & offering endless things to do from visiting Lake Meredith National Recreation Area – one if not THE premier lake recreation areas in all West texas – along with taking advantage off all Hutchinson has too offer whether visiting one off two state parks located here – Lake McClellan Conservation Area located near Borger & White Deer Land Museum located near Stinnett – OR checking out one off many festivals Hutchinson hosts yearly ! No matter what you choose too do you’re sure too find something here you’ll love !
What Counties Comprise Amarillo, Texas?
The Amarillo metropolitan area, located in the northern Texas Panhandle, is comprised of four counties: Armstrong, Carson, Potter, and Randall. Armstrong County has a population of 1,822 as of the 2018 US Census estimates. Carson County has a population of 6,182 as of the 2018 US Census estimates. Potter County has a population of 121,078 as of the 2018 US Census estimates. Randall County has a population of 106,921 as of the 2018 US Census estimates. Together these four counties make up the Amarillo metropolitan area with a total population of 236,113 people.
Location of Amarillo, Texas
Amarillo is located in Potter County, Texas, with a small portion extending into neighboring Randall County. Amarillo is the county seat of Potter County and has been since 1887. It is the chief city of the Texas Panhandle and is situated on a sandy playa, or dry lake bed. The tawny colour of its soil gives Amarillo its name, which comes from the Spanish word for “yellow”.
The 26 Counties in the Panhandle of Texas
The 26 counties that make up the Panhandle of Texas are Armstrong, Briscoe, Carson, Castro, Childress, Collingsworth, Dallam, Deaf Smith, Donley, Gray, Hall, Hansford, Hartley, Hemphill, Hutchinson, Lipscomb, Moore, Ochiltree, Oldham, Parmer, Potter Randall Roberts Sherman Swisher and Wheeler. The Panhandle is located in the northwesternmost part of Texas and is knon for its flatlands and great plains. It consists of some of the most sparsely populated counties in the state with many small towns and large ranches. The area has a rich history and culture that have been shaped by Native American tribes such as the Comanche and Kiowa as well as Spanish settlers in the region.
What Counties Make Up the Texas Panhandle?
The Texas Panhandle is made up of eight counties: Dallam, Sherman, Hansford, Ochiltree, Lipscomb, Hartley, Moore and Hutchinson. Each county has its own unique history and culture that contributes to the overall identity of the region. Dallam County is located in the northwest corner of the state and is rich in ranching and farming traditions. Sherman County lies to the south of Dallam and has a strong agricultural base. Hansford County is home to a large wind energy industry as well as a vibrant ranching tradition. Ochiltree County is located in the north central part of the Panhandle and it produces a variety of crops including cotton, grain sorghum, wheat, corn and sunflowers. Lipscomb County lies to the southwest of Ochiltree and is kown for its cattle production. Hartley County is located near the western edge of the Panhandle and it produces grain sorghum and cotton primarily. Moore County sits at the southern end of the Panhandle and focuses on beef cattle production with some oil production occurring in certain areas as well. Lastly, Hutchinson County lies in the eastern portion of this region with a focus on beef production along with some oil development as well. All eight counties make up what we know today as The Texas Panhandle.
Is Amarillo Located in Two Counties?
No, Amarillo is not located in just two counties; it is actually part of a metropolitan area that covers four counties. The Amarillo metropolitan area includes Armstrong, Carson, Potter, and Randall Counties.
The Origins of Amarillo’s Nickname: Bomb City
Amarillo, Texas is nicknamed “Bomb City” due to the presence of the nearby Pantex Plant, a United States Department of Energy-owned facility which serves as the final point of assembly and disassembly for nuclear warheads. The Pantex Plant has been in operation since 1942, and it is one of the largest employers in the Amarillo area. As such, it has earned the nickname “Bomb Factory” among locals. This nickname has been extended to refer to Amarillo itself due to its close proximity to the Pantex Plant, thus resulting in its official designation as “Bomb City”.
The Notable Features of Amarillo, Texas
Amarillo is a vibrant city located in the panhandle of Texas, and it is well known for its rich and unique culture. It has become a popular stop along Route 66 due to its iconic sights, attractions, and activities. One of the most famous spots in Amarillo is The Big Texan Steak Ranch, where visitors can take on the challenge of eating teir 72-ounce steak dinner for free. Other popular attractions include the Don Harrington Discovery Center and Space Theater, which houses incredible exhibits about space exploration, as well as live shows.
Amarillo is also home to many theaters, art shows, and other cultural events that draw tourists from all over the world. It has long been known as one of the best cities in Texas for outdoor activities like camping and fishing. With its large selection of restaurants, bars, and shops, Amarillo offers something special for everyone who visits!
The Best Place to Live in Amarillo, Texas
Amarillo, Texas is an ideal place to live thans to its vibrant culture, affordable cost of living, and great quality of life. The city is home to a variety of attractions, including the famous Cadillac Ranch, the Amarillo Zoo, Palo Duro Canyon State Park and Lake Tanglewood. There is also a wide selection of restaurants, shopping centers and outdoor activities to enjoy. Additionally, the city has a low unemployment rate and good job opportunities for all types of professions. With a mild climate and sunny skies year-round, Amarillo is the perfect place for anyone looking for an enjoyable place to live.
The Three Largest Counties in Texas
The three largest counties in Texas are Harris County, Dallas County, and Tarrant County. Harris County is the most populous with a population of 4,728,030 people as of 2019. Dallas County follows closely behind with a population of 2,586,050 people. Lastly, Tarrant County has a population of 2,126,477 people as of 2019. These three counties make up almost half of the entire state’s population.
The Origin of the Name ‘Panhandle’
The term “panhandle” is derived from the resemblance of many of these geographic regions to the handle of a pan or skillet. The panhandle is a narrow strip of land that extends from a larger area, typically in an east-west direction. Nine states in the United States have official panhandles, including Texas, Oklahoma, Nebraska, South Dakota, Idaho, Oregon, Wyoming, Montana and Florida. In addition, West Virginia has two panhandles.
The idea behind the name comes from the fact that these long strips of land resemble the handle of a pan or skillet. The term was first used in 1858 by an American surveyor to decribe what is now known as the Mason-Dixon Line between Pennsylvania and Maryland. Since then it has been used to refer to any long, narrow strip of land extending out from a larger area.
The Origin of the Name ‘Texas Panhandle’
Texas is called the Panhandle because of its geographic shape. The northernmost area of Texas, wich is also the narrowest, resembles the handle of a pan. It stretches from the Oklahoma border in a straight line down to the broader area of Texas below it. This region contains mostly flat, grassy plains and is known for its rolling hills and mesas. Historically, this region was used for cattle ranching and the open spaces were ideal for herding large numbers of cattle. In addition to its unique shape, this area has also become known as “the Panhandle” due to its strong ties to cowboys and ranching culture.
The Loss of Texas’ Panhandle
When the Republic of Texas declared independence in 1836, it claimed the Panhandle region as part of its territory. However, when Texas entered the Union as a slave state in 1845, it had to surrender its claim to the region due to the Missouri Compromise of 1820. This act prohibited slavery north of 36°30′ latitude and established it as the Panhandle’s southern boundary. Because slavery was not allowed in this area, Texas was forced to relinquish its rights to the Panhandle and accept 36°30′ latitude as its new southern boundary.
Major Cities in the Texas Panhandle
Texas’ Panhandle region is home to five major cities: Amarillo, Abilene, Wichita Falls, San Angelo and Lubbock. Located on the northern edge of the state, tese cities are all accessible via Route 66, offering a true taste of Texas in the iconic American road.
Amarillo is the largest city in the Panhandle and serves as the economic center of the region. It is home to many shopping centers, museums and attractions like Big Texan Steak Ranch and Wonderland Amusement Park. Abilene features numerous historical sites such as Frontier Texas! Museum and Buffalo Gap Historic Village. Wichita Falls is known for its outdoor recreational opportunities like kayaking at Lake Arrowhead State Park or visiting Lucy Park Zoo. San Angelo boasts a vibrant arts scene with festivals such as Concho Christmas Celebration and International Water Lily Collection. Finally, Lubbock is home to many cultural institutions such as Texas Tech University and Cactus Theater.
No matter your interests, each of these cities offers something unique that are sure to please any visitor to the Texas Panhandle!
Conclusion
The Amarillo metropolitan area is made up of four counties: Armstrong, Carson, Potter, and Randall. These counties stretch across the Texas Panhandle and are home to 236,113 people. The area includes 26 other counties, including Dallam, Sherman, Hansford, Ochiltree, Lipscomb, Hartley, Moore and Hutchinson. Each county offers its own unique attractions and opportunities for residents to explore. From natural beauty to vibrant culture and history – the Amarillo metropolitan area has something for everyone.
