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Kilgore, TX

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Kilgore, TX

Kilgore is a city in Gregg and Rusk counties in the eastern part of the U.S. state of Texas. Over three-fourths of the area within city limits are located in Gregg County, the remainder in Rusk County. The population was 12,975 at the 2010 census and 13,376 at the 2020 census. 

From the age of six, Van Cliburn lived in Kilgore; he became an internationally known classical pianist. He is the namesake of Van Cliburn Auditorium on the Kilgore College campus.

Kilgore is located in southern Gregg County at 32°23′8″N 94°52′7″W (32.385534, –94.868502), and extends south into Rusk County. U.S. Route 259 passes through the east side of the city as a limited-access bypass, leading northeast 11 miles (18 km) to Longview and south 17 miles (27 km) to Henderson. Kilgore's city limits extend 3 miles (5 km) north from the city center as far as Interstate 20, with access from Exits 583, 587, and 589. I-20 leads east 69 miles (111 km) to Shreveport, Louisiana, and west 119 miles (192 km) to Dallas. 

According to the United States Census Bureau, Kilgore has a total area of 15.7 square miles (40.7 km²), of which 15.7 square miles (40.6 km²) are land and 0.04 square miles (0.1 km²), or 0.22%, are covered by water.

Kilgore was founded in 1872 when the International-Great Northern Railroad completed the initial phase of the rail line between Palestine and Longview. The rail company chose to bypass New Danville, a small community about 10 miles (16 km) southeast of Longview, in lieu of a new townsite platted on 174 acres (0.70 km²) sold to the railroad by Constantine Buckley Kilgore, the town's namesake. That way the railroad gained the profits from the sale and development of these lands.

The new town received a post office in 1873 and, with a station and transportation for getting commodity crops to market, soon began to draw residents and businesses away from New Danville. By 1885, the population had reached 250, and the community had two cotton gins, a church, and a school (for white children only). The racially segregated Kilgore Independent School District was organized in 1910. By 1914 the town had two banks, several businesses, and a reported population of 700. The 1920s showed continued steady growth, and by 1929 Kilgore was home to an estimated 1,000 residents.

Health and wellness are integral to Kilgore's community ethos. The Kilgore Community Wellness Alliance actively promotes healthy living through various programs and initiatives. Kilgore's commitment to well-being is further reinforced by healthcare facilities such as the Kilgore Family Care Center, ensuring that residents receive quality medical services. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs offered by the Kilgore Parks and Facilities 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 Planet Fitness, CrossFit, and Iron 24. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Kilgore, such as the Creekside Trail and the Driller Park. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in Kilgore, TX include East Texas Oil Museum - Kilgore College, World's Richest Acre Park, Rangerette Showcase & Museum.

Population: 15,056 (2021). Elevation: 358 ft (109 m). Area: 18.65 sq mi (48.29 km²). ZIP Code: 75662. Area code(s): 903.

FAQs

What is Kilgore, TX known for?

In 1990 the population was 11,066. In the early 1990s, the town housed a major office of the Oil and Gas Division of the Railroad Commission and the headquarters of various branches of the petroleum industry. The East Texas Oil Museum and Kilgore College, the home of the famed Kilgore Rangerettes, are also located in Kilgore.  

Is Kilgore, TX a good place to live?

Living in Kilgore offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Kilgore, there are a lot of parks. Many families and young professionals live in Kilgore and residents tend to lean conservative. The public schools in Kilgore are above average.

Why is Kilgore, TX called the city of stars?

According to the Kilgore Chamber of Commerce website, the lights on top of the oil derricks are turned on the first Saturday after Thanksgiving. Over eighty oil derricks are remaining. Hence the name, City of Stars.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Kilgore

Kilgore Community Wellness Alliance 

Kilgore Family Care Center

Kilgore Parks and Facilities Department

Planet Fitness

CrossFit 

Iron 24

Creekside Trail 

Driller Park

East Texas Oil Museum - Kilgore College

World's Richest Acre Park

Rangerette Showcase & Museum

About Kilgore

Niche

Adventuresofacarryon

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