Vernon, Texas | |
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 Vernon City Hall | |
| Motto: "Steer Our Way!" | |
 Location of Vernon, Texas | |
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| Coordinates:34°08′53″N99°18′00″W / 34.14806°N 99.30000°W /34.14806; -99.30000 | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Texas |
| County | Wilbarger |
| Government | |
| • Type | Mayor–city commission |
| Area | |
• Total | 7.90 sq mi (20.47 km2) |
| • Land | 7.90 sq mi (20.45 km2) |
| • Water | 0.0077 sq mi (0.02 km2) |
| Elevation | 1,240 ft (380 m) |
| Population (2020) | |
• Total | 10,078 |
| • Density | 1,276/sq mi (492.8/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| ZIP Codes | 76384–76385 |
| Area code | 940 |
| FIPS code | 48-75308[3] |
| GNIS feature ID | 2412151[2] |
| Website | www |
Vernon is acity and thecounty seat ofWilbarger County, Texas, United States.[4] As of the2020 census, Vernon had a population of 10,078.[5]
The original town was called Eagle Springs by theindigenous community as early as 1858. After theAmerican Civil War, more settlers began moving into the area, and in 1880, they applied for a post office as Eagle Flat. However, the U.S. Post Office rejected the name, saying too many Texas towns were already called Eagle something. The town then chose the name Vernon, afterGeorge Washington's home, Mount Vernon.[6][7]
According to theUnited States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 8.1 sq mi (21.0 km2), of which 0.12% is covered by water.
The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. According to theKöppen climate classification, Vernon has ahumid subtropical climate,Cfa on climate maps.[8]
| Climate data for Vernon, Texas (1991–2020) | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Mean daily maximum °F (°C) | 54.7 (12.6) | 58.5 (14.7) | 67.9 (19.9) | 76.2 (24.6) | 84.5 (29.2) | 92.6 (33.7) | 97.2 (36.2) | 96.5 (35.8) | 88.1 (31.2) | 77.9 (25.5) | 65.1 (18.4) | 55.8 (13.2) | 76.3 (24.6) |
| Daily mean °F (°C) | 41.7 (5.4) | 44.9 (7.2) | 54.4 (12.4) | 62.3 (16.8) | 72.1 (22.3) | 80.7 (27.1) | 84.9 (29.4) | 84.1 (28.9) | 75.9 (24.4) | 64.6 (18.1) | 52.3 (11.3) | 43.2 (6.2) | 63.4 (17.5) |
| Mean daily minimum °F (°C) | 28.7 (−1.8) | 31.3 (−0.4) | 40.9 (4.9) | 48.3 (9.1) | 59.8 (15.4) | 68.9 (20.5) | 72.6 (22.6) | 71.7 (22.1) | 63.8 (17.7) | 51.4 (10.8) | 39.4 (4.1) | 30.6 (−0.8) | 50.6 (10.4) |
| Averageprecipitation inches (mm) | 1.15 (29) | 1.18 (30) | 2.09 (53) | 2.57 (65) | 3.67 (93) | 4.10 (104) | 2.37 (60) | 2.80 (71) | 3.04 (77) | 2.53 (64) | 1.60 (41) | 1.26 (32) | 28.36 (719) |
| Average snowfall inches (cm) | 0.9 (2.3) | 0.3 (0.76) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 1.2 (3.06) |
| Source: NOAA[9] | |||||||||||||
| Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1890 | 2,857 | — | |
| 1900 | 1,993 | −30.2% | |
| 1910 | 3,195 | 60.3% | |
| 1920 | 5,142 | 60.9% | |
| 1930 | 9,137 | 77.7% | |
| 1940 | 9,277 | 1.5% | |
| 1950 | 12,651 | 36.4% | |
| 1960 | 12,141 | −4.0% | |
| 1970 | 11,454 | −5.7% | |
| 1980 | 12,695 | 10.8% | |
| 1990 | 12,001 | −5.5% | |
| 2000 | 11,660 | −2.8% | |
| 2010 | 11,002 | −5.6% | |
| 2020 | 10,078 | −8.4% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census[10] | |||
| Race | Number | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| White (NH) | 5,023 | 49.84% |
| Black or African American (NH) | 814 | 8.08% |
| Native American orAlaska Native (NH) | 91 | 0.9% |
| Asian (NH) | 538 | 5.34% |
| Some other race (NH) | 22 | 0.22% |
| Mixed/multiracial (NH) | 347 | 3.44% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 3,243 | 32.18% |
| Total | 10,078 |
As of the2020 United States census, 10,078 people, 4,160 households, and 2,426 families resided in the city.
As of thecensus[3] of 2000, 11,660 people, 4,506 households, and 2,946 families were residing in the city. Thepopulation density was 1,439.2 people/sq mi (555.8/km2). The 5,166 housing units averaged 637.6/sq mi (246.2/km2). Theracial makeup of the city was 76.33% White, 9.65% African American, 0.69% Native American, 0.71% Asian, 10.74% from other races, and 1.89% from two or more races. Hispanics or Latinos of any race were 22.39% of the population.
Of the 4,506 households, 31.3% had children under 18 living with them, 49.7% were married couples living together, 11.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.6% were not families. About 31.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.4% had someone living alone who was 65 or older. The average household size was 2.44, and the average family size was 3.07.
In the city, the age distribution was 26.6% under 18, 10.1% from 18 to 24, 25.2% from 25 to 44, 20.9% from 45 to 64, and 17.2% who were 65 or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 92.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.4 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $28,194, and for a family was $36,913. Males had a median income of $25,167 versus $18,971 for females. Theper capita income for the city was $15,747. About 10.2% of families and 14.1% of the population were below thepoverty line, including 17.2% of those under 18 and 14.6% of those age 65 or over.
In 1905, the Wichita Mill and Elevator Company, owned and managed by entrepreneur Frank Kell ofWichita Falls, bought a mill in Vernon. Kell's business partner was W. O. Anderson.[14]
Major businesses and industries in Vernon include aTyson Foods (formerlyWright Brand Foods) bacon-processing plant, aRhodia, Inc. guar-processing plant,North Texas State Hospital, which is operated by the Texas Health and Human Services System, the Adolescent Forensic Program, a maximum security residential treatment program for youth aged 13-17[15] (formerly the Victory Field Correctional Academy, operated by theTexas Youth Commission), and theTexas AgriLife (Texas A&M System)Research andExtension Center.
The nearbyWaggoner Ranch holds the distinction of being the largest spread in Texas under one fence. The ranch remains operational, with business inpetroleum,farming,horses, andcattle. The Waggoner produces some of the best ranch horses in Texas,[citation needed] many from the breeding of thequarter horsePoco Bueno. According to the wishes of E. Paul Waggoner, Poco Bueno is buried in a standing position on the corner at the main entrance to the ranch.
Otherwise known as “Cruise Night” is held the second weekend of August every year - a car show that exhibits a variety of 1930s to 1985 model cars.
Vernon is host to various events annually, including the four-day Santa Rosa Roundup rodeo in May, which is sponsored by the local Santa Rosa Palomino Club.
Since 1884, Doan's May Picnic has been held on the first Saturday of May at theghost town of Doans, located 15 miles north of Vernon. Abarbecue lunch andT-shirts are available for sale, and a king and queen are crowned at the annual event. One of the shirts for 2017 featured a design byHarold Dow Bugbee, the latecurator of thePanhandle-Plains Historical Museum inCanyon, Texas, which depictsTexas Longhorns and acowboy crossing theRed River at Doan's Crossing, where thepostmaster Corwin F. Doan (1848–1929) also operated a store to supply the cowboys.[16] Bugbee's sculpture is part of the 1931 Trail Drivers Monument located at Doans. Riders cross the river from Oklahoma and usually arrive just before noon. The 1881adobe house, the oldest in Wilbarger County, is open for tours during the picnic.[17]
TheVernon Independent School District serves students in prekindergarten through grade 12. The district's school campuses include three elementary schools (prekindergarten through grade 5), a middle school (grades 6–8) andVernon High School (grades 9–12). The district also operates an alternative-education program and an education program for juveniles of the Adolescent Forensic Program at North Texas State Hospital
Vernon High School's football team, the Vernon Lions, was one of the strongest programs in the 3A division until recently. The Lions won the 3A state championship in 1990 and were ranked number one all year.
Vernon High School's first team state championship came in the 1984–1985 season as the Lady Lions won the 3A girls basketball state title.
Vernon High School is also known for its tennis team, which has completed 23 straight years of going to the Texas Tennis Coaches Association State Team Tennis Tournament. VHS Tennis has six TTCA state team tennis titles and has finished no lower than third place in 22 of the 23 years.
Vernon College, a two-yearcommunity college, is located here and maintains a branch campus inWichita Falls. Academic offerings includecosmetology,nursing, and vocational-technical programs.Athletically, Vernon College fields women's softball, women's volleyball, men's baseball, androdeo teams. The rodeo team is consistently ranked high in junior college-level competition.
Vernon is located 50 miles northwest of Wichita Falls, and about 160 to 180 miles from surrounding metropolitan areas, including Amarillo, Abilene, Oklahoma City, and the DFW Metroplex. The city is served by four U.S. routes:70,183,283, and287.
Wilbarger County Airport is located five miles north of Vernon; the nearest airport with scheduled flights isWichita Falls Municipal Airport, 50 miles to the east, which predominantly offers flights of commuter airlines to Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport.
The nearest international airports from Vernon with major airline connections include Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City, andRick Husband Amarillo International Airport in Amarillo.
The area is also served by aBNSF rail freight line bypassing downtown from Fort Worth to Amarillo.
OnApril 10, 1979, Vernon and surrounding Wilbarger County were struck by an F4 tornado, a part of a large storm in theRed River Valley. Much of Vernon was damaged or destroyed, and 11 people were killed as the tornado passed throughFoard and Wilbarger Counties before it dissipated in a rural portion ofTillman County, Oklahoma. That same day, tornadoes also devastated the larger nearby cities of Wichita Falls andLawton.
Places adjacent to Vernon, Texas | |
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Municipalities and communities ofWilbarger County, Texas,United States | ||
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