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History of Amarillo, Texas, USA
Journey back in time to Amarillo, Texas, USA
Explore the history, people, photographs, newspapers, postcards, and genealogy connected to Amarillo, Texas, USA.
ABOUT THE PLACE
About Amarillo
Amarillo has the world's largest helium well.
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VINTAGE AMARILLO
Amarillo Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards
Amarillo, Texas, USA
Postcard
Santa Fe Building and Polk Street, Amarillo, Texas
Amarillo, Texas, USA
Postcard
Hotel Herring, Amarillo, Texas
Amarillo, Texas, USA
Postcard
Polk Street, Amarillo, Texas
Genealogy gifts & optional resources
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
Genealogy Gifts & Resources Related to AMARILLO
TEXAS Roots Ceramic Mug - Texas Genealogy - Texan Family History
My Ancestors Came From Texas! That explains a lot about my love for BBQ brisket and my skill in spotting a Texan in a 10-gallon hat anywhere in the world. Unleash your inner Texan with our "My Ancestors Came From Texas!" ceramic mug. This mug is perfect for your morning coffee, evening tea, or any beverage in between. Featuring a witty caption that proudly declares your love for BBQ brisket and your uncanny ability to spot a Texan in a 10-gallon hat anywhere in the world, this mug is a must-have for anyone with Texas roots.
LOCAL HISTORY
Discover Amarillo: History, News, Travel, and Stories
Explore the events, newspaper stories, people, and moments that shaped Amarillo through the years.
1895 - Amarillo
Amaril'lo, a post-town, the capital of Potter co, Tex., on the Denver, Texas & Fort Worth Railway, 333 miles N.W. of Fort Worth. It has 7 churches, 2 banks, and 2 newspaper offices. Pop: in 1890, 422.
1916
Amaril'lo, a banking post-town, the capital of Potter co., Tex., on the Fort Worth and Denver City and other railroads, 333 miles NW. of Fort Worth. Pop. in 1890, 422 ; in 1900, 1442.
1929 - FIVE DEAD IN AMARILLO FIRE. SCORE ARE HURT WHEN OLD HOTEL IS DESTROYED IN EARLY MORNING BLAZE. ALL AVENUES OF ESCAPE ARE CUT OFF AND MANY ARE FORCED TO LEAP FROM THIRD STORY WINDOWS.
(By The Associated Press.)
Amarillo, May 11. - Trapped by flames which destroyed the Tourist hotel here early today, five men were burned to death, or killed when they jumped to the pavement from third story windows. Three of the victims were burned to death and two killed when they leaped. At least a score were injured, three seriously.
The dead:
PETER KEARNS, Pine, Colo.
RAYMOND COZART, Detroit, Texas.
HOYT CROWE, Tulia, Texas.
J. P. PURDIAN, or PERDIAN, Amarillo.
An Unidentified Man.
Guests fought their way to safety through scenes of the wildest confusion, screams punctuating the roar of the flames as they swept through the ancient structure, one of the oldest buildings in the business district. Many actually made their way to safety through the flames, while others, blocked from ordinary exits by the fire escaped through windows.
Several Missing.
Although firemen continued to rake the ruins, no other bodies had been found. Neither had numerous hotel guests been...
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Amarillo, May 11. - Trapped by flames which destroyed the Tourist hotel here early today, five men were burned to death, or killed when they jumped to the pavement from third story windows. Three of the victims were burned to death and two killed when they leaped. At least a score were injured, three seriously.
The dead:
PETER KEARNS, Pine, Colo.
RAYMOND COZART, Detroit, Texas.
HOYT CROWE, Tulia, Texas.
J. P. PURDIAN, or PERDIAN, Amarillo.
An Unidentified Man.
Guests fought their way to safety through scenes of the wildest confusion, screams punctuating the roar of the flames as they swept through the ancient structure, one of the oldest buildings in the business district. Many actually made their way to safety through the flames, while others, blocked from ordinary exits by the fire escaped through windows.
Several Missing.
Although firemen continued to rake the ruins, no other bodies had been found. Neither had numerous hotel guests been...
1934 - March 25 - A spring storm produced 21 inches of snow at Amarillo TX in 24 hours. However, much of the snow melted as it fell, and as a result, the snow cover was never any deeper than 4.5 inches.
1934 - Amarilloan Electrocute, Two Others Hurt In Mishap
Transformer Skids Into Live Wire Carrying 13,000 Volts; Eighteen-year-old Boy Killed Instantly.
Amarillo, Texas, May 29. – One man was electrocuted and two others were seriously burned shortly before noon today when a transformer they were trying to load onto a truck skidded into a live wire carrying 18,000 volts.
Howard COY, 18, was killed instantly. His brother, Boyd COY, and W. G. STREET, a local contractor and employer of the COY brothers were in a critical condition at local hospitals.
The transformer had been disconnected and placed on skids, preparatory to loading it when the men apparently lost control of it. STREET had contracted to move the transformer to a sub-station in the south part of the city, according to officials of the Southwestern Public Service company. No employe of the power company was present.
Physicians said the current apparently passed through STREET’S body. There were burns in the palms of his hands and on the soles of his feet.
“I don’t...
Read more
Amarillo, Texas, May 29. – One man was electrocuted and two others were seriously burned shortly before noon today when a transformer they were trying to load onto a truck skidded into a live wire carrying 18,000 volts.
Howard COY, 18, was killed instantly. His brother, Boyd COY, and W. G. STREET, a local contractor and employer of the COY brothers were in a critical condition at local hospitals.
The transformer had been disconnected and placed on skids, preparatory to loading it when the men apparently lost control of it. STREET had contracted to move the transformer to a sub-station in the south part of the city, according to officials of the Southwestern Public Service company. No employe of the power company was present.
Physicians said the current apparently passed through STREET’S body. There were burns in the palms of his hands and on the soles of his feet.
“I don’t...
1935 - March 28-31 - A severe duststorm blanketed Amarillo, TX, for 84 hours. During one six hour period the visibility was near zero.
1953 - March 18 - KGNC (now KAMR) TV channel 4 in Amarillo, TX (NBC) begins broadcasting
1954 - Fire at Amarillo Destroys Theater, Routs Hotel Guests.
AMARILLO, Texas, (AP) -- Fire destroyed a theater here Tuesday and routed 10 guests in an adjoining second-floor hotel.
Firemen said the blaze apparently smouldered for hours before flames burst through the roof of the Capitol Theater, one of Amarillo's oldest.
The roof collapsed and spread the blaze to the seats below.
There were no reported injuries.
An Amarillo newsboy reported the fire at 4:19 a.m. It was out of control before fire companies arrived.
Guests in the hotel said they smelled smoke earlier, but couldn't locate its source.
A small jewelry store and barber shop flanking the theater lobby suffered heavy smoke damage, but the hotel and a bar below were saved by a fire wall.
The blaze apparently started in the rear of the theater, but the cause was not known. No damage estimate was given.
The theater was owned by the Richard Coon Hospital estate of Dalhart and was operated by Trans-Texas Theaters, Inc., with headquarters in Dallas.
W. H. Coon of...
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Firemen said the blaze apparently smouldered for hours before flames burst through the roof of the Capitol Theater, one of Amarillo's oldest.
The roof collapsed and spread the blaze to the seats below.
There were no reported injuries.
An Amarillo newsboy reported the fire at 4:19 a.m. It was out of control before fire companies arrived.
Guests in the hotel said they smelled smoke earlier, but couldn't locate its source.
A small jewelry store and barber shop flanking the theater lobby suffered heavy smoke damage, but the hotel and a bar below were saved by a fire wall.
The blaze apparently started in the rear of the theater, but the cause was not known. No damage estimate was given.
The theater was owned by the Richard Coon Hospital estate of Dalhart and was operated by Trans-Texas Theaters, Inc., with headquarters in Dallas.
W. H. Coon of...
Show more local history, news & stories
Amarillo, Texas is the windiest city in the U.S. with an average wind speed of 13.6 mph.
Here's a list of some of the top places to visit and things to do in Amarillo:
Cadillac Ranch: This iconic art installation features ten half-buried Cadillacs, nose down in the ground, covered in graffiti. It's a must-visit spot to let your creative juices flow, as spray painting the cars is encouraged.
Palo Duro Canyon State Park: Known as the "Grand Canyon of Texas," this stunning natural wonder is perfect for hiking, mountain biking, and camping. The park offers breathtaking vistas, colorful canyons, and an amphitheater with a famous outdoor musical, "Texas."
American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum: Amarillo is known as the "Horse Capital of the World," and this museum celebrates the history and heritage of the American Quarter Horse. It's a fascinating place to learn about these iconic animals.
The Big Texan Steak Ranch: If you're a carnivore, this legendary steakhouse is a must-visit. They're famous for their 72-ounce steak challenge. Can you finish it in an hour and get it for free?
Amarillo Botanical Gardens: This oasis of lush greenery...
Read more
Palo Duro Canyon State Park: Known as the "Grand Canyon of Texas," this stunning natural wonder is perfect for hiking, mountain biking, and camping. The park offers breathtaking vistas, colorful canyons, and an amphitheater with a famous outdoor musical, "Texas."
American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum: Amarillo is known as the "Horse Capital of the World," and this museum celebrates the history and heritage of the American Quarter Horse. It's a fascinating place to learn about these iconic animals.
The Big Texan Steak Ranch: If you're a carnivore, this legendary steakhouse is a must-visit. They're famous for their 72-ounce steak challenge. Can you finish it in an hour and get it for free?
Amarillo Botanical Gardens: This oasis of lush greenery...
GENEALOGY IN AMARILLO
Discover YOUR Roots: Amarillo Ancestry
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BIRTHS & DEATHS
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Amarillo, Texas, USA
We currently have information about 7 ancestors who were born or died in Amarillo.
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Updated: 10/16/2023 9:47:34 AM
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