Amarillo
Amarillo, commercial center of the Texas Panhandle, is in southern Potter County and extends into Randall County. When the Fort Worth and Denver City Railway began building across the Panhandle in 1887, a group of Colorado City merchants chose the site to establish stores. In April 1887 J. T. Berry arrived from Abilene to plat the new town. He chose a well-watered section of school land, located along the FW&DC right-of-way in Potter County, which contained a large playa known as Amarillo, or Wild Horse, Lake.
Adapted from the official Handbook of Texas, a state encyclopedia developed by the Texas State Historical Association (TSHA). It is an authoritative source of trusted historical records.
H. Allen Anderson | © Texas State Historical Association
Amarillo at a Glance
Belongs to
Amarillo is part of or belongs to the following places.
Adopt a Town
The Texas Almanac's Land Rush program lets you adopt the town, county, or lake of your choice and share your message with the world. 100% of the proceeds benefit education in Texas.
- Adoption Status: ⭐
- This place has been adopted and will not be available until February 11, 2028
- Adopted by:
- Joseph & Mary Hughes
- Dedication Message:
- in memory of Mary M Hughes
Currently Exists
Yes
Place type
Amarillo is classified as a Town
Associated Names
- (Oneida)
Locations
-
- Latitude
- 35.20188210
- Longitude
- -101.82675000
Has Post Office
Yes
Is Incorporated
Yes
Photos of Amarillo and surrounding areas
Amarillo, Texas
Amarillo, Texas Photo by K. Mitch Hodge on Unsplash
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Amarillo by the Numbers
Population Counts
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Population Counts
Amarillo
| Pop. | Year | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 200,393 | 2020 | United States Census Bureau |
| 203,245 | 2019 | Texas Demographic Center |
| 190,695 | 2010 | United States Census Bureau |
| 173,627 | 2000 | United States Census Bureau |
| 157,571 | 1990 | United States Census Bureau |
| 149,230 | 1980 | United States Census Bureau |
| 127,010 | 1970 | United States Census Bureau |
| 137,969 | 1960 | United States Census Bureau |
| 74,246 | 1950 | United States Census Bureau |
| 51,686 | 1940 | United States Census Bureau |
| 43,132 | 1930 | United States Census Bureau |
| 15,494 | 1920 | United States Census Bureau |
| 9,957 | 1910 | United States Census Bureau |
| 1,442 | 1900 | United States Census Bureau |
| 482 | 1890 | United States Census Bureau |