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Sweetwater, Texas
Located in the
Panhandle Plains
region, the town of Sweetwater, Texas is in
Nolan
county.
In early Texas history, Nolan County was a part of Bexar Territory, which constituted approximately one-half of the entire state. Nolan county, along with 54 other counties, was established in 1876. It is named for pioneer and scout Philip Nolan, who explored the Spanish province of Texas before 1800. When buffalo hunters were making a concentrated effort to eliminate the buffalo in West Texas during the 1870's, the area where Sweetwater is now located was a favorite camping place. The waters of Sweet Water Creek were clean and sweet tasting as compared to the surrounding streams which were bitter with the taste of Gypsum. Originally the Kiowa Indians called the creek Mobeetie - meaning sweet water, and later the buffalo hunters called the area Sweetwater, for the characteristics of the water. In time, a combination trading post/post office was established on the banks of the creek, 2 ½ miles south east of the present city. Aside from the store, which was a dugout, the town consisted of only tents for the pioneers and their families. When the town applied for a name for the post office and found there was already another Sweetwater, the name reverted back to Mobeetie. Citizens continued to call the settlement Sweet-Water, and finally in 1918, the name was formally changed to Sweetwater. The tiny settlement remained virtually unchanged until 1881, when the Texas and Pacific Railroad extended its tracks to Sweetwater. Nolan County was then officially organized and the first session of the newly formed county commission met on January 28, 1881. Sweetwater was declared the County Seat on April 12, 1881. Shortly thereafter, the town as relocated on the present site and the first permanent structure was erected. Sweetwater was first incorporated as a town in 1884. Because of the severe blizzard and drought in 1885-1886, many people left the area and the town charter lapsed. It was revived in 1897, but two years later the Charter was declared null and void. Finally 1902, under statutes for a city or town, Sweetwater became fully incorporated. Located at the junction of Interstate 20, Highway 84, and Highway 70, Sweetwater has a population of about 12,000, with educational facilities among the finest in the state. Higher education flourishes on the campus of Texas State Technical College West Texas on the far western edge of the city. Quality medical care is provided by Rolling Plains Memorial Hospital. Sweetwater is a center of agriculture, manufacturing, and oil transportation. With 327 days of sunshine annually, Sweetwater is a prime location for boating or fishing on three beautiful lakes, or enjoying the two excellent 18-hole golf courses. Camping, tennis, and manicured public parks are a big attraction, and almost every weekend there are events scheduled in the Nolan County Coliseum complex. Additional meeting facilities are available in the restored City Auditorium, built in 1926. Sweetwater is the home of Avenger Field, training base for the Women's Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) during WW II; in 1993, a memorial to these daring ladies was erected at the site of their original Wishing Well, with a Walk of Honor to commemorate each trainee. Enjoy history and do a little shopping at the same time, by taking the downtown Walking Tour. Stop in at the restored Simmons home, which houses the Chamber of Commerce, and don't miss the Pioneer City-County Museum, an outstanding collection of artifacts, including a special WASP exhibit. The museum is also housed in a restored Southwestern home. Sweetwater is also host to many high school football play-off games in the historic Mustang Bowl. Mustang Bowl was chosen as one of the top 2 high school football stadiums in the State by the Austin American Statesman. Annual events include the famous Sweetwater Jaycees Annual World's Largest Rattlesnake Round-Up, enhanced by a Cook-Off. The AJRA Rodeo is held in during the Easter weekend, with the AJRA National Finals scheduled in July. During the Holiday see the dazzling Trail of Lights, highlighted by a lighted evening parade. This is always a sparkling display, with blocks and blocks of lights forming a spectacular celebration of Holiday Joy. The quality of life in Sweetwater was nationally recognized in 1988 when it was named an All-America City in honor of its outstanding character and achievements. Sweetwater is a place for a visit or a lifetime, where you will experience city convenience - country style.
Credits:
Old Postcards courtesy www.txgenweb.org/postcards
Courthouse Photos courtesy www.barnfield.net
State Park and Historic Site Photos courtesy State of Texas.
Misc. City Photos courtesy local tourism offices.
Misc. Photos courtesy All Across Texas.
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