Nocona, Texas
Encyclopedia
Nocona is a city along U.S. Highway 82 and State Highway 175 in Montague County
, Texas
, United States
. The population was 3,198 at the 2000 census
.
, the Comanche
chief. The area was first known to white settlers as the last stop in Texas before crossing the Red River on the Chisolm Trail. It was founded in 1887 along a particular bend in the Gainesville, Henrietta and Western Railway
line, which soon became part of the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad
, connecting Gainesville
and Henrietta
, and later Wichita Falls
. Nocona assumed the role of economic and industrial center of northern Montague County, and many older towns in the area, bypassed by the railroad, shuttered and its citizens moved to Nocona. The town has steadily maintained a population of around 3000 since the 1940s, though industries responsible for its growth have come and gone. The "North Field", an oil field between Nocona and the Red River, contributed to Nocona's economy for much of the 20th century and continues to do so on a small scale. The MKT line, which was responsible for Nocona's founding, was abandoned in 1969 and the tracks removed in 1971. Nocona also has a proud history of leather works and has been home to Justin Industries, Nocona Boot Company
, and the Nocona Belt Company. Nocona Boot Company and Justin Industries have since moved; however, the Montague Boot Company has been established in downtown Nocona making boots for the Larry Mahan line at Cavender's Boot City. Also integral to the Nocona economy is the Nocona Athletic Goods Company
(product names are spelled "Nokona"), which manufactures baseball gloves, bats, catcher's equipment, and other sports accessories. The Athletic Goods' facilities burned in July 2006, and production has been moved to a temporary facility. Significant efforts are currently underway to revitalize the Clay Street downtown area. See an example of refurbishing a downtown landmark from start to finish at the F&M Bank Face Lift Project.
Nocona has a lake approximately 10 miles north of the city appropriately named Lake Nocona
, or Farmer's Creek Reservoir. It is a recreational lake popular with people from across north central Texas. On Lake Nocona sits Nocona Hills, an attractive gated lakeside "city" with many homes, a hotel, golf course, landing strip, and other amenities. Nocona is also home to an 18-hole golf course, airstrip (FAA identifier F48), hospital, and one of the finest city parks in Texas.
According to the United States Census Bureau
, the city has a total area of 2.8 square miles (7.3 km²), all of it land.
of 2000, there were 3,198 people, 1,286 households, and 825 families residing in the city. The population density
was 1,134.5 people per square mile (437.9/km²). There were 1,456 housing units at an average density of 516.5/sq mi (199.3/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 93.59% White, 0.25% African American, 0.84% Native American, 0.34% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 3.31% from other races
, and 1.63% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 12.48% of the population.
There were 1,286 households out of which 31.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.1% were married couples
living together, 12.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.8% were non-families. 33.5% of all households were made up of individuals and 19.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.39 and the average family size was 3.04.
In the city the population was spread out with 26.6% under the age of 18, 7.2% from 18 to 24, 25.3% from 25 to 44, 19.2% from 45 to 64, and 21.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 83.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 80.8 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $28,893, and the median income for a family was $35,000. Males had a median income of $24,868 versus $16,500 for females. The per capita income
for the city was $14,080. About 10.6% of families and 16.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 23.3% of those under age 18 and 15.9% of those age 65 or over.
.
Nocona High School's mascot is the Indians.
Montague County, Texas
As of the census of 2000, there were 19,117 people, 7,770 households, and 5,485 families residing in the county. The population density was 20 people per square mile . There were 9,862 housing units at an average density of 11 per square mile...
, Texas
Texas
Texas is the second largest U.S. state by both area and population, and the largest state by area in the contiguous United States.The name, based on the Caddo word "Tejas" meaning "friends" or "allies", was applied by the Spanish to the Caddo themselves and to the region of their settlement in...
, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. The population was 3,198 at the 2000 census
United States Census, 2000
The Twenty-second United States Census, known as Census 2000 and conducted by the Census Bureau, determined the resident population of the United States on April 1, 2000, to be 281,421,906, an increase of 13.2% over the 248,709,873 persons enumerated during the 1990 Census...
.
History
The city is named for Peta NoconaPeta Nocona
Peta Nocona was a chief of the Comanche band Noconi. He led his tribe during the extensive Indian Wars in Texas from the 1830s to 1860. He was the son of the Comanche chief Iron Jacket and father of chief Quanah Parker. His band Noconis, or Wanderers, or travellers were named after him...
, the Comanche
Comanche
The Comanche are a Native American ethnic group whose historic range consisted of present-day eastern New Mexico, southern Colorado, northeastern Arizona, southern Kansas, all of Oklahoma, and most of northwest Texas. Historically, the Comanches were hunter-gatherers, with a typical Plains Indian...
chief. The area was first known to white settlers as the last stop in Texas before crossing the Red River on the Chisolm Trail. It was founded in 1887 along a particular bend in the Gainesville, Henrietta and Western Railway
Gainesville, Henrietta and Western Railway
The Gainesville, Henrietta and Western Railway Company was chartered on July 23, 1886, to build a rail line from Gainesville in Cooke County, Texas, to Seymour in Baylor County, Texas, a distance of . The line was to cross Montague, Clay and Wichita counties....
line, which soon became part of the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad
Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad
The Missouri–Kansas–Texas Railroad was incorporated May 23, 1870. In its earliest days the MKT was commonly referred to as "the K-T", which was its stock exchange symbol; this common designation soon evolved into "the Katy"....
, connecting Gainesville
Gainesville, Texas
Gainesville is a city in and the county seat of Cooke County, Texas, United States. The population was 15,538 at the 2000 census.-History:...
and Henrietta
Henrietta, Texas
Henrietta is a city in and the county seat of Clay County, Texas, United States. It is part of the Wichita Falls, Texas Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 3,264 at the 2000 census.-History:...
, and later Wichita Falls
Wichita Falls, Texas
Wichita Falls is a city in and the county seat of Wichita County, Texas, United States, United States. Wichita Falls is the principal city of the Wichita Falls Metropolitan Statistical Area, which encompasses all of Archer, Clay and Wichita counties. According to the U.S. Census estimate of 2010,...
. Nocona assumed the role of economic and industrial center of northern Montague County, and many older towns in the area, bypassed by the railroad, shuttered and its citizens moved to Nocona. The town has steadily maintained a population of around 3000 since the 1940s, though industries responsible for its growth have come and gone. The "North Field", an oil field between Nocona and the Red River, contributed to Nocona's economy for much of the 20th century and continues to do so on a small scale. The MKT line, which was responsible for Nocona's founding, was abandoned in 1969 and the tracks removed in 1971. Nocona also has a proud history of leather works and has been home to Justin Industries, Nocona Boot Company
Enid Justin
Enid Justin , a native of Montague County, Texas, founded the Nocona Boot Company in the small community of Nocona, Texas.-Family life:...
, and the Nocona Belt Company. Nocona Boot Company and Justin Industries have since moved; however, the Montague Boot Company has been established in downtown Nocona making boots for the Larry Mahan line at Cavender's Boot City. Also integral to the Nocona economy is the Nocona Athletic Goods Company
Nocona Athletic Goods Company
Nocona Athletic Goods Company was founded in 1926 by the Storey family in Nocona, Texas. In 1934, The Nokona baseball glove was trademarked...
(product names are spelled "Nokona"), which manufactures baseball gloves, bats, catcher's equipment, and other sports accessories. The Athletic Goods' facilities burned in July 2006, and production has been moved to a temporary facility. Significant efforts are currently underway to revitalize the Clay Street downtown area. See an example of refurbishing a downtown landmark from start to finish at the F&M Bank Face Lift Project.
Nocona has a lake approximately 10 miles north of the city appropriately named Lake Nocona
Lake Nocona, Texas
Lake Nocona or Farmer's Creek Reservoir was begun in 1959 and completed in October 1960. It is formed by a dam on Farmer's Creek about nine miles northeast of Nocona, Texas in northeastern Montague County and is owned and operated by North Montague County Water Supply District. The lake was...
, or Farmer's Creek Reservoir. It is a recreational lake popular with people from across north central Texas. On Lake Nocona sits Nocona Hills, an attractive gated lakeside "city" with many homes, a hotel, golf course, landing strip, and other amenities. Nocona is also home to an 18-hole golf course, airstrip (FAA identifier F48), hospital, and one of the finest city parks in Texas.
Geography
Nocona is located at 33°47′18"N 97°43′35"W.According to the United States Census Bureau
United States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
, the city has a total area of 2.8 square miles (7.3 km²), all of it land.
Demographics
As of the censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there were 3,198 people, 1,286 households, and 825 families residing in the city. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 1,134.5 people per square mile (437.9/km²). There were 1,456 housing units at an average density of 516.5/sq mi (199.3/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 93.59% White, 0.25% African American, 0.84% Native American, 0.34% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 3.31% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 1.63% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 12.48% of the population.
There were 1,286 households out of which 31.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.1% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 12.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.8% were non-families. 33.5% of all households were made up of individuals and 19.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.39 and the average family size was 3.04.
In the city the population was spread out with 26.6% under the age of 18, 7.2% from 18 to 24, 25.3% from 25 to 44, 19.2% from 45 to 64, and 21.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 83.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 80.8 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $28,893, and the median income for a family was $35,000. Males had a median income of $24,868 versus $16,500 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the city was $14,080. About 10.6% of families and 16.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 23.3% of those under age 18 and 15.9% of those age 65 or over.
Education
The City of Nocona is served by the Nocona Independent School DistrictNocona Independent School District
Nocona Independent School District is a public school district based in Nocona, Texas . Nocona ISD provides more than the standard K-12 curriculum. NISD offers extended opportunities for students ranging from Head Start for very young children to college dual credit courses via distance learning...
.
Nocona High School's mascot is the Indians.
Notable residents
- David Graham Gardner: Owner of "The Nocona Telephone Company." The Telephone Company was established in 1904 over a hardware store with two operators to handle day-calls, and an all-night operator. In the 1920s, the company added the first "line trucks." The company was sold in 1964 by his two children, David G. "Bubba" Gardner,Jr., and Sue Gardner Parsons. D.G. Gardner was born in Acton, Texas on Sept 30, 1874, and his wife, Mable Holland Gardner was born in ArkansasArkansasArkansas is a state located in the southern region of the United States. Its name is an Algonquian name of the Quapaw Indians. Arkansas shares borders with six states , and its eastern border is largely defined by the Mississippi River...
on July 18, 1887. D.G.'s father, Graham Gardner, lived in GranburyGranbury, TexasGranbury is a city in Hood County, Texas, in the United States. As of the 2000 census, the city population was 5,718. It is the county seat of Hood County and the principal city of the Micropolitan Statistical Area....
, TexasTexasTexas is the second largest U.S. state by both area and population, and the largest state by area in the contiguous United States.The name, based on the Caddo word "Tejas" meaning "friends" or "allies", was applied by the Spanish to the Caddo themselves and to the region of their settlement in...
during the Civil War, and fought with "Hood's Brigade". The Gardner's were long time friends of The "Justin" family.
- "Jackrabbit" Jack CrainJack CrainJack Crain was a football player for the University of Texas at Austin who later served three terms in the Texas House of Representatives. He was named an All Southwest Conference player in 1939 and 1940, and was twice selected All-American.-High school:Crain grew up in Nocona, Texas, where he...
: 1939, 1941 All Southwest Conference and two-time All-American Halfback, Texas legend, and the man who saved University of Texas football in 1939. Mr. Crain also served four terms as a Texas state representative for district 61. Nocona's high school football stadium is named for him. An account of the game that changed Texas football is at Mack Brown's Texas Football. See Jack Crain's playbook and details about his life at Nocona Community Web.
- Herman Joseph JustinHerman Joseph JustinHerman Joseph Justin was born in Lafayette, Indiana. Justin's father's profession, cigar making, didn't suit H. J., so he moved to Texas in 1877 at the age of 18. First settling in Gainesville, Texas at a time when Indian raids from the Oklahoma Territory were just beginning to wane, Justin was...
: Founder of the Justin Industries. H. J. Justin was born in Indiana in 1859 and moved to Gainesville, Texas in 1877. He opened his boot business at Spanish FortSpanish Fort, TexasSpanish Fort is an unincorporated town in north central Montague County, Texas, United States at the end of Farm Road 103 one mile south of the Red River.-History:...
along the Chisholm Trail in 1879 with a $35 loan from the local barber. His boots became known for quality craftsmanship and durability among cowboys. In 1887, he moved the business to Nocona to be near the new railroad. He died in 1918. In 1925, his sons moved Justin Industries to Fort WorthFort Worth, TexasFort Worth is the 16th-largest city in the United States of America and the fifth-largest city in the state of Texas. Located in North Central Texas, just southeast of the Texas Panhandle, the city is a cultural gateway into the American West and covers nearly in Tarrant, Parker, Denton, and...
, TexasTexasTexas is the second largest U.S. state by both area and population, and the largest state by area in the contiguous United States.The name, based on the Caddo word "Tejas" meaning "friends" or "allies", was applied by the Spanish to the Caddo themselves and to the region of their settlement in...
.
- Enid JustinEnid JustinEnid Justin , a native of Montague County, Texas, founded the Nocona Boot Company in the small community of Nocona, Texas.-Family life:...
: Founder of the Nocona Boot CompanyEnid JustinEnid Justin , a native of Montague County, Texas, founded the Nocona Boot Company in the small community of Nocona, Texas.-Family life:...
and daughter of H.J. "Joe" Justin, founder of Justin Boots. Ms. Justin was a long time supporter of youth programs in Nocona such as the boys' and girls' Little LeagueLittle LeagueLittle League Baseball and Softball is a non-profit organization in South Williamsport, Pennsylvania, United States which organizes local youth baseball and softball leagues throughout the U.S...
and the city park. A detailed account of her life and business is at the University of North Texas oral history program.
- Joe Hancock: Perhaps one of Nocona's most famous products is not a person at all, but an American Quarter HorseAmerican Quarter HorseThe American Quarter Horse is an American breed of horse that excels at sprinting short distances. Its name came from its ability to outdistance other breeds of horses in races of a quarter mile or less; some individuals have been clocked at speeds up to 55 mph...
legend. Joe Hancock foaled circa 1925, was raised by John Jackson Hancock, and was trained by Elbert Bird Ogle in Claypool, OK. One of his many claims to fame is having never been beaten in a quarter-mile race. After his racing career, he lived out his days at the 6666/Triangle ranch until he died in 1943. He was inducted into the American Quarter Horse Association's Hall of Fame in 1992.
- Ruth RoachRuth RoachRuth Scantlin, later Ruth Scantlin Roach, later Ruth Scantlin Roach Salmon , was a professional bronc rider, and world champion rodeo performer. Her 24-year career began in 1914 and ended in 1938, when she retired from the rodeo and started a ranching business in Nocona, Texas, with her husband,...
(1896-1986), championship bronc rider and rodeo performer, retired to a ranch near Nocona.
- Charles C. "Charlie" RobertsonCharlie RobertsonCharles Culbertson Robertson was an American Major League Baseball pitcher.Born in Dexter, Texas, and grew up in Nocona, Texas graduating from Nocona High School in 1915. Charles attended Austin College from 1917 until 1919. He began his career with the Chicago White Sox in 1919 at the age of 23...
: A 1915 Nocona High School graduate, Mr. Robertson went on to play major league baseball with the Chicago White SoxChicago White SoxThe Chicago White Sox are a Major League Baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois.The White Sox play in the American League's Central Division. Since , the White Sox have played in U.S. Cellular Field, which was originally called New Comiskey Park and nicknamed The Cell by local fans...
, St. Louis Browns, and Boston Braves. It was with the White Sox that Charlie RobertsonCharlie RobertsonCharles Culbertson Robertson was an American Major League Baseball pitcher.Born in Dexter, Texas, and grew up in Nocona, Texas graduating from Nocona High School in 1915. Charles attended Austin College from 1917 until 1919. He began his career with the Chicago White Sox in 1919 at the age of 23...
pitched one of only 17 perfect gamePerfect gameA perfect game is defined by Major League Baseball as a game in which a pitcher pitches a victory that lasts a minimum of nine innings and in which no opposing player reaches base. Thus, the pitcher cannot allow any hits, walks, hit batsmen, or any opposing player to reach base safely for any...
s ever recorded in American major league baseball on April 30, 1922.
- Robert E. (Bob) Storey was selected as a Distinguished Graduate by Nocona High School (Nocona Independent School DistrictNocona Independent School DistrictNocona Independent School District is a public school district based in Nocona, Texas . Nocona ISD provides more than the standard K-12 curriculum. NISD offers extended opportunities for students ranging from Head Start for very young children to college dual credit courses via distance learning...
). His father-inlaw, Cadmus McCall, was the founder of the Nocona Leather Goods, now the Nocona Athletic Goods CompanyNocona Athletic Goods CompanyNocona Athletic Goods Company was founded in 1926 by the Storey family in Nocona, Texas. In 1934, The Nokona baseball glove was trademarked...
. Bob Storey started making the first ball gloves at the factory in 1934. Nocona Athletic Goods is the only American glove manufacturer left in the US. Storey was selected to the National Sporting Goods Hall of Fame in 1983 for his innovations to the baseball mitt and his design changes to the standard college football's shape. View the NSGA Hall of Fame listing on Storey.
- Cadmus McCall (1876–1953) played a major role in two of the most important economic entities in Nocona, TX. First, as President of the Farmers & Merchants National Bank, he helped to finance much of the actual construction of the town, as well as providing the necessary capital for the development of the North Field Oil boom. Second, McCall also built the Nocona Leather Goods (now the Nocona Athletic Goods CompanyNocona Athletic Goods CompanyNocona Athletic Goods Company was founded in 1926 by the Storey family in Nocona, Texas. In 1934, The Nokona baseball glove was trademarked...
) in 1926. This business has and continues to be one of the main employers in Nocona, TX. See Cadmus McCall referenced on a historic monument at the Nocona Community Network.
Transportation
U.S. Highway 82 East - West: GeorgiaGeorgia (U.S. state)Georgia is a state located in the southeastern United States. It was established in 1732, the last of the original Thirteen Colonies. The state is named after King George II of Great Britain. Georgia was the fourth state to ratify the United States Constitution, on January 2, 1788...
to New MexicoNew MexicoNew Mexico is a state located in the southwest and western regions of the United States. New Mexico is also usually considered one of the Mountain States. With a population density of 16 per square mile, New Mexico is the sixth-most sparsely inhabited U.S...
FM 103Farm to Market Road 103Farm to Market Road 103 or FM 103 is a two-lane, state-maintained highway that connects the farming areas of northern Montague County including Spanish Fort, Rowland, Red River Station, and Prairie Valley to Nocona, Texas...
North - South: Nocona to Spanish FortSpanish Fort, TexasSpanish Fort is an unincorporated town in north central Montague County, Texas, United States at the end of Farm Road 103 one mile south of the Red River.-History:...
FM 1759Farm to Market Road 1759Farm to Market Road 1759 or FM 1759, is a two-lane, state-maintained highway that connects the farming areas of north central Montague County to Nocona...
East - West: Nocona to northwestern Montague County
FM 1956Farm to Market Road 1956Farm to Market Road 1956, FM 1956, or Hoosier Highway is a two-lane, state-maintained highway that connects the farming areas of northeastern Montague County including Capps Corner, Illinois Bend, and Corinth to Nocona, Texas...
East - West: Nocona to Capps CornerCapps Corner, TexasCapps Corner is an unincorporated town in Montague County, Texas, United States.The town is at the intersection of Farm to market road 1956, or "Hoosier Highway", and Farm to Market Road 677, 13 miles east of Nocona, 8 miles north of Saint Jo, and 6 miles south of Illinois Bend in far...