Amarillo, city (1990 pop. 157,615); Potter and Randall cos., N Texas; 35°12'N 101°49'W. Elev. 3,676 ft/1,120 m. The commercial, banking, and industrial center of the Texas Panhandle, Amarillo grew after the coming of the RR in 1887, now a major RR junction and center. At the turn of the cent. it was a market for wheat farmers. After the discovery of gas (1918) and oil (1921), Amarillo developed into an industrial city. Its economy is also based on cattle ranching, meat-packing, flour milling, zinc and copper smelting, wood and fiberglass prods., as well as the production of helicopters, synthetic rubber, and farm and dairy items. Nearby Amarillo Air Force Base to E is closed. The city is the seat of Texas State Technical Col., Amarillo Col. (2 year), and Amarillo Vocational Col. It has civic and art centers. Amarillo Internatl. Airport in E, Tradewinds Airport in S. Nuclear weapons plant and plutonium storage. Close by is a U.S. govt. helium plant, and the 6-story stainless steel Helium Monument, next to Harrington Discovery Center, was dedicated to the helium industry in 1968. Palo Duro Canyon State Park to SE; Buffalo Lake Wildlife Refuge to SW; L. Meredith Natl. Recreation Area and Alibates Flint Quarries Natl. Monument to NE. Inc. 1899.
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Potter and Randall cos., N Texas; 35°12'N 101°49'W. Elev. 3,676 ft/1,120 m. The commercial, banking, and industrial center of the Texas Panhandle, Amarillo grew after the coming of the RR in 1887, now a major RR junction and center. At the turn of the cent. it was a market for wheat farmers. After the discovery of gas (1918) and oil (1921), Amarillo developed into an industrial city. Its economy is also based on cattle ranching, meat-packing, flour milling, zinc and copper smelting, wood and fiberglass prods., as well as the production of helicopters, synthetic rubber, and farm and dairy items. Nearby Amarillo Air Force Base to E is closed. The city is the seat of Texas State Technical Col., Amarillo Col. (2 year), and Amarillo Vocational Col. It has civic and art centers. Amarillo Internatl. Airport in E, Tradewinds Airport in S. Nuclear weapons plant and plutonium storage. Close by is a U.S. govt. helium plant, and the 6-story stainless steel Helium Monument, next to Harrington Discovery Center, was dedicated to the helium industry in 1968. Palo Duro Canyon State Park to SE; Buffalo Lake Wildlife Refuge to SW; L. Meredith Natl. Recreation Area and Alibates Flint Quarries Natl. Monument to NE. Inc. 1899.
