Region: Panhandle Plains
Canadian became county seat when Hemphill County was organized in 1887. It's on the Canadian River and the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad in the northwestern part of the county. Early settlers held one of the first rodeos in Texas. A chief commercial center of county, today Canadian derives much of its economy from ranching and some oil activity.
Northwest of Canadian is the Black Kettle National Grasslands, administered by the National Forest Service. Visitors find campsites, RV sites and picnic grounds at small Lake Marvin. Fishing for bass, channel catfish and sunfish. Nature trails popular during fall foliage season, and visitors often see deer, wild turkey and waterfowl.
The Canadian Arts Alliance brings varied performances throughout the year at the renovated 1939 Texas Crown Performance Hall. 806/323-6234. www.texascrownhall.org.