Wichita Falls, TX

Wichita Falls was named for the Wichita Indians who lived near the waterfalls on what is now the Wichita River. In 1882, the Fort Worth and Denver Railroad brought the first train to the area, establishing Wichita Falls as an agricultural and trade center. The oil boom in the early 1900s made the city headquarters for north Texas petroleum production, service and manufacturing.

Wichita Falls is the seat for Wichita County and the leading gateway to Texas on I-44. It is the major trade and industrial center with economy based on Sheppard Air Force Base, oil processing and other varied manufacturing. Cultural aspects include a symphony orchestra, ballet, community theater, museum and art center, and activities at Midwestern State University.

Sheppard Air Force Base is a technical training center, one of the largest of five in the U.S., and hosts the only NATO pilot training program in the world.

There's a full calendar of events throughout the year including World of Wheels and Home & Garden Expo in February; Spring Fling in April; Red River Rodeo and Texas-Oklahoma Oil Bowl Classic in June; Ranch Round-Up and Hotter 'N Hell Hundred Bike Race Festival in August; T&O Fair and Fallfest in September; MSU-Burns Fantasy of Lights and City Lights Festival in December.

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