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Burkburnett, TX

Frequently asked questions

Burkburnett, TX

Burkburnett is a city in Wichita County, Texas, United States. It is part of the Wichita Falls, Texas metropolitan statistical area. Its population was 10,939 at the 2020 census.

According to the United States Census Bureau, Burkburnett has a total area of 9.5 square miles (24.6 km²), all land.

Originally settled by ranchers as early as 1856, this community was known by some locals as Nesterville. By 1880, the town had a small store with a population of 132. From 1882 until 1903, a post office operated there under the designation Gilbert, named after the North Texas pioneer Mabel Gilbert. In 1906, a nearby wealthy rancher named Samuel Burk Burnett sold more than 16,000 acres (65 km²) of his land in northern Wichita County to a group of investors who were seeking to extend into the wheat-growing area of Western Oklahoma the Wichita Falls and Northwestern Railway, one of the Frank Kell/Joseph A. Kemp properties based in Wichita Falls.

Within Burnett's former land near the railroad, lots were auctioned off the following year and a post office was established. The town was named Burkburnett by U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt, who visited the area for a wolf hunt that was hosted by the wealthy rancher Burnett. In 1912, oil was discovered west of the town, attracting thousands to the area, and by 1918, approximately 20,000 people had settled around the oilfield. This part of the town's history was chronicled in the film, Boom Town with Clark Gable and Spencer Tracy. The Great Depression hurt the town's population, which was boosted again in 1941 as Sheppard Air Force Base was established nearby.

The city of Burkburnett places a significant emphasis on the well-being of its residents. With access to healthcare facilities such as the United Regional Health Care System, the city ensures that its community has quality medical services. Additionally, the Burkburnett Family YMCA serves as a hub for health and wellness activities, offering fitness programs, sports leagues, and community events. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs offered by the Burkburnett Parks and Recreation Department. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include Crossfit and Forever Fit. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Burkburnett, such as the Permian Park and Burk Royalty and Friendship Community Park Loop. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in Burkburnett, TX include Castaway Cove Waterpark, River Bend Nature Center, and Museum of North Texas History.

Population: 10,939 (2020). Elevation: 1,007 feet (307 m). Area: 11.54 sq mi (29.90 km²). ZIP Code: 76354. Area code: 940.

FAQs

What is Burkburnett, TX famous for?

Where fortunes are made and lost overnight. This is the famous oil town of Burkburnett, Texas. Beneath its surface lies one of the world's richest oil deposits. A forest of oil derricks that are all in operation, can be seen in every direction from the station in the foreground.

How did Burkburnett, TX got its name?

In 1905, part of the vast Burnett empire was sold to Frank Kell and J.A. Kemp of Wichita Falls who were building a railroad through Burnett's ranch to the "Big Pasture." A town lot sale held by Kemp and Kell on June 6, 1907 marks the official beginning of the city which would later become world-famous as the center of a gigantic oil boom. At the suggestions of Teddy Roosevelt, the town was named for his wolf hunt host, Burk Burnett. The oil-crazy days were dramatized in story and song and later became the subject of the Clark Gable - Spencer Tracy movie, Boomtown.

What are the demographics of Burkburnett, TX?

Burkburnett, TX is home to a population of 10.9k people, of which 98.4% are citizens. As of 2021, 2.9% of Burkburnett, TX residents were born outside of the country (315 people). In 2021, there were 8.98 times more White (Non-Hispanic) residents (8.68k people) in Burkburnett, TX than any other race or ethnicity. There were 966 White (Hispanic) and 357 Two+ (Non-Hispanic) residents, the second and third most common ethnic groups.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Burkburnett

United Regional Health Care System

Burkburnett Family YMCA 

Burkburnett Parks and Recreation Department

Crossfit 

Forever Fit

Permain Park 

Burk Royalty and Friendship Community Park Loop

Castaway Cove Waterpark

River Bend Nature Center

Museum of North Texas History

Loc.gov

Data USA

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