Region: Panhandle Plains
The city is named for Wichita people who lived near waterfalls on what is now the Wichita River. In 1882, Fort Worth and Denver Railroad brought first train to area, establishing the town as an agricultural and trade center. Oil boom in early 1900s made city headquarters for north Texas petroleum production, service and manufacturing. City is seat for Wichita County and leading gateway to Texas on I-44. The city is a major trade and industrial center with an economy based on Sheppard Air Force Base, oil processing and other varied manufacturing. Cultural amenities include symphony orchestra, ballet, community theater, museum, and art center and activities at Midwestern State University.
Sheppard Air Force Base is a technical training center, one of five in the U.S., and hosts the only NATO pilot training program in the world.
Be sure to check out the Littlest Skyscraper, a 1919 building that was built, according to legend, as a result of a $200,000 stock fraud perpetrated on unsuspecting investors. Legend has it that the architect presented the dimensions for the proposed skyscraper in feet, but instead built it in inches. When completed, the building measured 10 feet wide, 18 feet deep and 30 feet tall, with access to all four floors by climbing a skinny ladder-like staircase. Located just off Seventh and Ohio on LaSalle Streets.
There's a full calendar of events throughout the year, including Red River Wine Festival in April; Western Swing Music Festival, Red River Rodeo and Texas-Oklahoma Oil Bowl Game in June; Texas Ranch Round-Up and Festival and Hotter 'N Hell Hundred Bike Race and Festival in August; Downtown City Lights Festival in November; and MSU-Burns Fantasy of Lights Display in December.