Region: Prairies and Lakes
Weatherford dates back to the 1850s, when it was selected to be the seat of
Parker County. The city is named after Jefferson Weatherford, a member of the
Texas Senate when the county was created. In its early years, the town was the
last settlement on the Western frontier on a wagon trains route between Fort
Worth and Fort Belknap. The southwest area of town boasts many Victorian-style
residences built in late 1800s. Industries include oil field equipment, silicone
and plastic products. Weatherford Junior College, established in 1869, is the
oldest continuing two-year college in the Southwest.
Just minutes west of DFW, the city is known to horse trainers as the Cutting
Horse Capital of the World, and the Texas Legislature has named the county the
Peach Capital of Texas. The annual Parker County Peach Festival is held the
second Saturday in June, Candlelight Tour of Homes the second Saturday in
December and the Sheriff's Posse Rodeo in June.
Weatherford's First Mondays evolved from trade days held when court was in
session on the first Monday of each month. The event is now held on weekends
preceding the first Monday of each month. At U.S. 80/180, three blocks east of
courthouse. www.weatherfordparks.com.