Amarillo, Texas, stands as a captivating crossroads where the spirit of the Old West seamlessly merges with the vibrancy of a modern 21st-century city. Surrounded by vast working ranches that have maintained their day-to-day operations largely unchanged since the late 1800s, Amarillo offers a unique glimpse into Texas history and culture.
The Untamed Plains: Early History of the Texas Panhandle
Long before European settlement, the expansive plains of what would become the Texas Panhandle were home to roving Native American tribes, who dominated the area for centuries. Spanish explorer Francisco Coronado was the first European to witness this immense landscape, nearly eight decades before the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock. This region remained a formidable stronghold against encroaching European expansion until the Red River War concluded in 1875, finally opening the
