About Lubbock
Lubbock, Texas (33º35' N, 101º51'W) is located in northwest
Texas. Considered to be at the center of the South Plains, the area
is located between the Permian Basin to the south and the Texas
Panhandle to the north. Lubbock's official elevation is 3,256 feet.
Lubbock was named after Thomas S. Lubbock, a former Texas Ranger
and Confederate officer. His brother, Francis R. Lubbock, was the
governor of Texas during the Civil War.
The county of Lubbock was founded in 1876. The settlement that is
the present-day city of Lubbock was not formed until late 1890. Two
settlements within the county, Old Lubbock and Monterey, were
combined to form the settlement of Lubbock. During the following
year, the settlement of Lubbock was named the county seat for
Lubbock County. The city was incorporated on March 16, 1909.
Shortly after incorporation, rail service was established in
Lubbock. As agriculture continued to grow within the region and as
the railroads continued to expand, Lubbock became the marketing
center of the region and earned the name "Hub of the Plains".
Lubbock continued to grow as the city's opportunities increased.
In 1925, Texas Technological College opened its doors, providing
Lubbock with a major boost to its economy. While Lubbock felt the
effects of the Great Depression, the city started to bounce back
with the opening of two military training bases during World War II.
After the war, Lubbock experienced a tremendous growth rate. During the '40s,
Lubbock's rate of growth was second nationally only to Albuquerque.
Lubbock experienced its worst disaster on May 11, 1970, when a
tornado, considered to be one of the strongest in recorded history,
came through the center of town, wreaking havoc over three square
miles of the city. Twenty-six people were killed and there was more
than $135 million in damage. The city quickly repaired or replaced
the damaged buildings. Part of this renovation included the
construction of the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center, built as a
memorial to those who died from this devastating tornado.
As of 2006, the estimated population of Lubbock was 212,365.
Lubbock continues to grow, relying on the vast agricultural industry
of the area as well as on a variety of manufacturing facilities.