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Coordinates: 32°23′8″N 94°52′7″W / 32.38556°N 94.86861°W / 32.38556; -94.86861
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{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2023}}
{{Infobox settlement
{{Infobox settlement
| official_name = Kilgore, Texas
| official_name = Kilgore, Texas
| settlement_type = [[City]]
| settlement_type = [[City]]
| nickname =
| nickname =
| motto = "The City of Stars"
| motto = "The City of Stars"


<!-- Images -->
<!-- Images -->
| image_skyline = Kilgore WorldsRichestAcre 061607.JPG
| image_skyline = Kilgore WorldsRichestAcre 061607.JPG
| imagesize = 250px
| imagesize = 250px
| image_caption = World's Richest Acre Park in downtown Kilgore, where the greatest concentration of oil wells in the world once stood.
| image_caption = World's Richest Acre Park in downtown Kilgore, where the greatest concentration of oil wells in the world once stood.
| image_flag =
| image_flag =
| image_seal = <!-- Maps -->
| image_seal =
<!-- Maps -->
| image_map = Gregg County Kilgore.svg
| image_map = Gregg County Kilgore.svg
| mapsize = 250px
| mapsize = 250px
| map_caption = Location of Kilgore, Texas
| map_caption = Location of Kilgore, Texas


<!-- Location -->
<!-- Location -->
| subdivision_type = [[List of sovereign states|Country]]
| subdivision_type = [[List of sovereign states|Country]]
| subdivision_name = {{Flagicon|USA}} [[United States]]
| subdivision_name = {{Flagicon|USA}} [[United States]]
| subdivision_type1 = [[U.S. state|State]]
| subdivision_type1 = [[U.S. state|State]]
| subdivision_name1 = {{Flagicon|Texas}}[[Texas]]
| subdivision_name1 = {{Flagicon|Texas}}[[Texas]]
| subdivision_type2 = [[List of counties in Texas|Counties]]
| subdivision_type2 = [[List of counties in Texas|Counties]]
| subdivision_name2 = [[Gregg County, Texas|Gregg]], [[Rusk County, Texas|Rusk]]
| subdivision_name2 = [[Gregg County, Texas|Gregg]], [[Rusk County, Texas|Rusk]]


<!-- Government -->
<!-- Government -->
| government_footnotes =
| government_footnotes =
| government_type = [[Council-manager government|Council-Manager]]
| government_type = [[Council-manager government|Council-Manager]]
| leader_title = [[City Council]]
| leader_title = [[City Council]]
| leader_name = [[Mayor]]&nbsp;R.E.&nbsp;Spradlin&nbsp;III<br/> Merlyn Holmes <br/> Harvey McClendon <br/> Neil Barr <br/> Victor A. Boyd
| leader_name = [[Mayor]]&nbsp;R.E.&nbsp;Spradlin&nbsp;III<br/> Merlyn Holmes <br/> Alan VanDoren<br/> Missy Merritt <br/> Victor A. Boyd<ref>{{Cite web |title=City Council {{!}} Kilgore, TX |url=https://cityofkilgore.com/249/City-Council |access-date=2024-04-01 |website=cityofkilgore.com}}</ref>
| leader_title1 = [[City Manager]]
| leader_title1 = [[City Manager]]
| leader_name1 = Josh Selleck<ref>{{Cite web |title=City Manager {{!}} Kilgore, TX |url=https://cityofkilgore.com/424/City-Manager |access-date=2024-04-01 |website=cityofkilgore.com}}</ref>
| leader_name1 = Josh Selleck
| established_title =
| established_title =
| established_date = <!-- Area -->
| established_date =
<!-- Area -->
| unit_pref = Imperial
| unit_pref = Imperial
| area_footnotes = <ref name="CenPopGazetteer2019">{{cite web|title=2019 U.S. Gazetteer Files|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2019_Gazetteer/2019_gaz_place_48.txt|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=August 7, 2020}}</ref>
| area_footnotes = <ref name="CenPopGazetteer2019">{{cite web|title=2019 U.S. Gazetteer Files|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2019_Gazetteer/2019_gaz_place_48.txt|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=August 7, 2020}}</ref>
| area_magnitude =
| area_magnitude =
| area_total_km2 = 48.29
| area_total_km2 = 48.29
| area_land_km2 = 48.20
| area_land_km2 = 48.20
| area_water_km2 = 0.09
| area_water_km2 = 0.09
| area_total_sq_mi = 18.65
| area_total_sq_mi = 18.65
| area_land_sq_mi = 18.61
| area_land_sq_mi = 18.61
| area_water_sq_mi = 0.04
| area_water_sq_mi = 0.04
<!-- Population -->
<!-- Population -->
| population_as_of = [[2010 United States Census|2010]]
| population_as_of = [[2020 United States Census|2020]]
| population_footnotes =
| population_footnotes =
| population_total = 12975
| population_total = 13376
⚫
| population_density_km2 = 308.12
| pop_est_as_of = 2019
⚫
<!--for 2018 pop est.-->| population_density_sq_mi = 798.02
| population_est = 14852
⚫
| population_density_km2 = 308.12
⚫
<!--for 2018 pop est.-->
| population_density_sq_mi = 798.02
<!-- General information -->
<!-- General information -->
| timezone = [[North American Central Time Zone|Central (CST)]]
| timezone = [[North American Central Time Zone|Central (CST)]]
| utc_offset = -6
| utc_offset = -6
| timezone_DST = CDT
| timezone_DST = CDT
| utc_offset_DST = -5
| utc_offset_DST = -5
| elevation_footnotes =
| elevation_footnotes =
| elevation_m = 109
| elevation_m = 109
| elevation_ft = 358
| elevation_ft = 358
| coordinates = {{coord|32|23|8|N|94|52|7|W|region:US_type:city|display=inline,title}}
| coordinates = {{coord|32|23|8|N|94|52|7|W|region:US_type:city|display=inline,title}}
| postal_code_type = [[ZIP code]]s
| postal_code_type = [[ZIP code]]s
| postal_code = 75662-3
| postal_code = 75662-3
| area_code = [[Area code 903|903]]
| area_code = [[Area codes 903 and 430|903, 430]]
| blank_name = [[Federal Information Processing Standard|FIPS code]]
| blank_name = [[Federal Information Processing Standard|FIPS code]]
| blank_info = 48-39124<ref name="GR2">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=2008-01-31|title=U.S. Census website}}</ref>
| blank_info = 48-39124<ref name="GR2">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=2008-01-31|title=U.S. Census website}}</ref>
| blank1_name = [[Geographic Names Information System|GNIS]] feature ID
| blank1_name = [[Geographic Names Information System|GNIS]] feature ID
| blank1_info = 1339101<ref name="GR3">{{cite web|url=http://geonames.usgs.gov|access-date=2008-01-31|title=US Board on Geographic Names|publisher=[[United States Geological Survey]]|date=2007-10-25}}</ref>
| blank1_info = 1339101<ref name="GR3">{{cite web|url=http://geonames.usgs.gov|access-date=2008-01-31|title=US Board on Geographic Names|publisher=[[United States Geological Survey]]|date=2007-10-25}}</ref>
| website = {{URL|cityofkilgore.com}}
| website = {{URL|cityofkilgore.com}}
| footnotes =
| footnotes =
| name =
| name =
|pop_est_footnotes = <ref name="USCensusEst2019CenPopScriptOnlyDirtyFixDoNotUse"/>
}}
}}

'''Kilgore''' is a city in [[Gregg County, Texas|Gregg]] and [[Rusk County, Texas|Rusk]] counties in the [[East Texas|eastern part]] of the [[U.S. state]] of [[Texas]]. Over three-fourths of the city limits is located in Gregg County, the remainder in Rusk County. Kilgore was the childhood residence from age six of the noted classical pianist [[Van Cliburn]], the namesake for Van Cliburn Auditorium on the [[Kilgore College]] campus. The population was 12,975 at the [[2010 United States Census|2010 census]] <ref name="Census 2010">{{Cite web| url=http://factfinder2.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_DP/G001/1600000US4839124| title=Geographic Identifiers: 2010 Demographic Profile Data (G001): Kilgore city, Texas| publisher=U.S. Census Bureau| work=American Factfinder| access-date=March 23, 2017}}{{dead link|bot=medic|date=April 2020}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>and 14,820 at the 2020 census.<ref>https://worldpopulationreview.com/us-cities/kilgore-tx-population</ref>
'''Kilgore''' is a city in [[Gregg County, Texas|Gregg]] and [[Rusk County, Texas|Rusk]] counties in the [[East Texas|eastern part]] of the [[U.S. state]] of [[Texas]]. Over three-fourths of the area within city limits are located in Gregg County, the remainder in Rusk County. The population was 12,975 at the [[2010 United States Census|2010 census]]<ref name="Census 2010">{{Cite web| url=http://factfinder2.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_DP/G001/1600000US4839124| title=Geographic Identifiers: 2010 Demographic Profile Data (G001): Kilgore city, Texas| publisher=U.S. Census Bureau| work=American Factfinder| access-date=March 23, 2017}}{{dead link|bot=medic|date=April 2020}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> and 13,376 at the [[2020 United States census|2020 census]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://worldpopulationreview.com/us-cities/kilgore-tx-population|title = Kilgore, Texas Population 2021 (Demographics, Maps, Graphs)}}</ref>

From the age of six, [[Van Cliburn]] lived in Kilgore; he became an internationally known classical pianist. He is the namesake for Van Cliburn Auditorium on the [[Kilgore College]] campus.


==History==
==History==
Kilgore was founded in 1872 when the [[International–Great Northern Railroad]] completed the initial phase of rail line between [[Palestine, Texas|Palestine]] and [[Longview, Texas|Longview]]. The rail company chose to bypass New Danville, a small community about {{convert|10|mi|0}} southeast of Longview, in lieu of a new townsite platted on {{convert|174|acre|km2}} sold to the railroad by [[Constantine B. Kilgore|Constantine Buckley Kilgore]], the town's namesake. That way the railroad gained the profits from sale and development of these lands.
Kilgore was founded in 1872 when the [[International–Great Northern Railroad]] completed the initial phase of rail line between [[Palestine, Texas|Palestine]] and [[Longview, Texas|Longview]]. The rail company chose to bypass New Danville, a small community about {{convert|10|mi|0}} southeast of Longview, in lieu of a new townsite platted on {{convert|174|acre|km2}} sold to the railroad by [[Constantine B. Kilgore|Constantine Buckley Kilgore]], the town's namesake. That way the railroad gained the profits from sale and development of these lands.


The new town received a post office in 1873 and, with a station and transportation for getting [[commodity crop]]s to market, soon began to draw residents and businesses away from New Danville. By 1885, the population had reached 250, and the community had two [[cotton gin]]s, a church, and its own school. The [[racial segregation in the United States|racially segregated]] Kilgore Independent School District was organized in 1910. By 1914 the town had two banks, several businesses, and a reported population of 700. The 1920s showed continued steady growth, and by 1929 Kilgore was home to an estimated 1,000 residents.
The new town received a post office in 1873 and, with a station and transportation for getting [[commodity crop]]s to market, soon began to draw residents and businesses away from New Danville. By 1885, the population had reached 250, and the community had two [[cotton gin]]s, a church, and a school (for white children only). The [[racial segregation in the United States|racially segregated]] Kilgore Independent School District was organized in 1910. By 1914 the town had two banks, several businesses, and a reported population of 700. The 1920s showed continued steady growth, and by 1929 Kilgore was home to an estimated 1,000 residents.


Prosperity came to a halt, however, when Kilgore was dealt severe blows by a steep decline in cotton prices (on which most of the town's economy was still based), and the effects of the [[Great Depression in the United States|Great Depression]]. Businesses began to close and, by the middle of 1930, the population had fallen to 500; the community appeared destined to become a [[ghost town]]. Black people joined the [[Great Migration (African American)|Great Migration]] out of the South to northern, midwestern, and western cities for work.
Prosperity came to a halt, however, when Kilgore was dealt severe blows by a steep decline in cotton prices (on which most of the town's economy was still based), and the effects of the [[Great Depression in the United States|Great Depression]]. Businesses began to close and, by the middle of 1930, the population had fallen to 500; the community appeared destined to become a [[ghost town]]. Many Blacks joined the [[Great Migration (African American)|Great Migration]] out of the South to northern, midwestern, and western cities for work.


Kilgore's fortunes changed dramatically on October 3, 1930, when [[wildcatter]] [[Columbus Marion Joiner|Columbus M. "Dad" Joiner]] struck [[petroleum|oil]] near the neighboring town of [[Henderson, Texas|Henderson]]. This well, known as the Daisy Bradford #3, marked the discovery of the vast [[East Texas Oil Field]]. Seemingly overnight Kilgore was transformed from a small farming town on the decline into a bustling [[boomtown]]. The Daisy Bradford #3 was subsequently followed by the Lou Della Crim No. 1 and many others.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.east-texas.com/joinerville-texas-daisy-bradford.htm|title=Joinerville in East Texas|last=East-Texas.com|website=www.east-texas.com}}</ref><ref name=oo>{{cite book |last1=Olien |first1=Diana |last2=Olien |first2=Roger |title=Oil in Texas, The Gusher Age, 1895-1945 |date=2002 |publisher=University of Texas Press |location=Austin |isbn=0292760566 |pages=170–171}}</ref> By 1936, the population had increased to more than 12,000, and Kilgore's skyline was crowded with [[oil derrick]]s.
Kilgore's fortunes changed dramatically on October 3, 1930, when [[wildcatter]] [[Columbus Marion Joiner|Columbus M. "Dad" Joiner]] struck [[petroleum|oil]] near the neighboring town of [[Henderson, Texas|Henderson]]. This well, known as the Daisy Bradford #3, marked the discovery of the vast [[East Texas Oil Field]]. Seemingly overnight Kilgore was transformed from a small farming town on the decline into a bustling [[boomtown]]. The Daisy Bradford #3 was subsequently followed by the Lou Della Crim No. 1 and many others.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.east-texas.com/joinerville-texas-daisy-bradford.htm|title=Joinerville in East Texas|last=East-Texas.com|website=www.east-texas.com}}</ref><ref name=oo>{{cite book |last1=Olien |first1=Diana |last2=Olien |first2=Roger |title=Oil in Texas, The Gusher Age, 1895-1945 |date=2002 |publisher=University of Texas Press |location=Austin |isbn=0292760566 |pages=170–171}}</ref> By 1936, the population had increased to more than 12,000, and Kilgore's skyline was crowded with [[oil derrick]]s.
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==Geography==
==Geography==

[[File:Main Street, Kilgore, TX sign IMG 5924.JPG|200px|right|thumb|Main Street promotional sign in Kilgore]]
[[File:Main Street, Kilgore, TX sign IMG 5924.JPG|200px|right|thumb|Main Street promotional sign in Kilgore]]
Kilgore is located in southern Gregg County at {{coord|32|23|8|N|94|52|7|W|type:city}} (32.385534, -94.868502),<ref name="GR1">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/geographies/reference-files/time-series/geo/gazetteer-files.html|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=2011-04-23|date=2011-02-12|title=US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990}}</ref> and extends south into Rusk County. [[U.S. Route 259]] passes through the east side of the city as a limited-access bypass, leading northeast {{convert|11|mi}} to [[Longview, Texas|Longview]] and south {{convert|17|mi}} to [[Henderson, Texas|Henderson]]. Kilgore's city limits extend {{convert|3|mi|0}} north from the city center as far as [[Interstate 20]], with access from Exits 583, 587, and 589. I-20 leads east {{convert|69|mi}} to [[Shreveport, Louisiana]], and west {{convert|119|mi}} to [[Dallas]].
Kilgore is located in southern Gregg County at {{coord|32|23|8|N|94|52|7|W|type:city}} (32.385534, –94.868502),<ref name="GR1">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/geographies/reference-files/time-series/geo/gazetteer-files.html|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=2011-04-23|date=2011-02-12|title=US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990}}</ref> and extends south into Rusk County. [[U.S. Route 259]] passes through the east side of the city as a limited-access bypass, leading northeast {{convert|11|mi}} to [[Longview, Texas|Longview]] and south {{convert|17|mi}} to [[Henderson, Texas|Henderson]]. Kilgore's city limits extend {{convert|3|mi|0}} north from the city center as far as [[Interstate 20]], with access from Exits 583, 587, and 589. I-20 leads east {{convert|69|mi}} to [[Shreveport, Louisiana]], and west {{convert|119|mi}} to [[Dallas]].


According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], Kilgore has a total area of {{Convert|40.7|sqkm|order=flip}}, of which {{convert|40.6|sqkm|order=flip}} are land and {{Convert|0.1|sqkm|order=flip|2}}, or 0.22%, are covered by water.<ref name="Census 2010"/>
According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], Kilgore has a total area of {{convert|40.7|sqkm|order=flip}}, of which {{convert|40.6|sqkm|order=flip}} are land and {{convert|0.1|sqkm|order=flip|2}}, or 0.22%, are covered by water.<ref name="Census 2010"/>


===Major highways===
===Major highways===

*[[Image:I-20 (TX).svg|20px]] [[Interstate 20 in Texas|Interstate 20]]
*[[Image:US 259.svg|20px]] [[US Route 259|Highway 259]]
* [[Image:I-20 (TX).svg|20px]] [[Interstate 20 in Texas|Interstate 20]]
*[[Image:Texas 31.svg|20px]] [[Texas State Highway 31|State Highway 31]]
* [[Image:US 259.svg|20px]] [[US Route 259|Highway 259]]
*[[Image:Texas 42.svg|20px]] [[Texas State Highway 42|State Highway 42]]
* [[Image:Texas 31.svg|20px]] [[Texas State Highway 31|State Highway 31]]
*[[File:Texas 135.svg|20px]] [[Texas State Highway 135]]
* [[Image:Texas 42.svg|20px]] [[Texas State Highway 42|State Highway 42]]
* [[File:Texas 135.svg|20px]] [[Texas State Highway 135]]


==Demographics==
==Demographics==
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|2000= 11301
|2000= 11301
|2010= 12975
|2010= 12975
|estyear=2019
|estimate=14852
|estref=<ref name="USCensusEst2019CenPopScriptOnlyDirtyFixDoNotUse">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest/data/tables.2019.html|date=May 24, 2020|title=Population and Housing Unit Estimates|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=May 27, 2020}}</ref>
|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census<ref name="DecennialCensus">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|title=Census of Population and Housing|publisher=Census.gov|access-date=June 4, 2015}}</ref>
|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census<ref name="DecennialCensus">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|title=Census of Population and Housing|publisher=Census.gov|access-date=June 4, 2015}}</ref>
|2020=13376}}
⚫
}}
{| class="wikitable"
⚫
As of the [[census]]<ref name="GR2" /> of 2000, 11,301 people, 4,403 households, and 2,963 families resided in the city. The [[population density]] was 734.3 people per square mile (283.5/km{{sup|2}}). The 4,766 housing units averaged 309.7 per square mile (119.6/km{{sup|2}}). The [[Race (United States Census)|racial makeup]] of the city was 78.22% White, 12.34% African American, 0.41% Native American, 0.68% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 6.95% from other races, and 1.38% from two or more races. Hispanics or Latinos of any race were 11.11% of the population.
|+'''Kilgore racial composition as of 2020'''<ref>{{Cite web |title=Explore Census Data |url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?g=1600000US4839124&tid=DECENNIALPL2020.P2 |access-date=2022-05-25 |website=data.census.gov}}</ref><br /> (NH = Non-Hispanic){{efn|Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos can be of any race.<ref>https://www.census.gov/ {{nonspecific|date=August 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=About the Hispanic Population and its Origin |url=https://www.census.gov/topics/population/hispanic-origin/about.html |website=www.census.gov |access-date=18 May 2022}}</ref>}}
!Race
!Number
!Percentage
|-
|[[Non-Hispanic or Latino whites|White]] (NH)
|7,762
|58.03%
|-
|[[Non-Hispanic or Latino African Americans|Black or African American]] (NH)
|1,857
|13.88%
|-
|[[Native Americans in the United States|Native American]] or [[Alaska Native]] (NH)
|34
|0.25%
|-
|[[Asian Americans|Asian]] (NH)
|111
|0.83%
|-
|[[Pacific Islander Americans|Pacific Islander]] (NH)
|5
|0.04%
|-
|Some Other Race (NH)
|32
|0.24%
|-
|[[Multiracial Americans|Mixed/Multi-Racial]] (NH)
|577
|4.31%
|-
|[[Hispanic and Latino Americans|Hispanic or Latino]]
|2,998
|22.41%
|-
|'''Total'''
|'''13,376'''
|
⚫
|}
As of the [[2020 United States census]], there were 13,376 people, 5,060 households, and 3,476 families residing in the city.

⚫
As of the [[census]]<ref name="GR2" /> of 2000, 11,301 people, 4,403 households, and 2,963 families resided in the city. The population density was {{convert|734.3|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. The 4,766 housing units averaged {{convert|309.7|/mi2|/km2|disp=preunit|units&nbsp;|units|}}. The [[Race (United States Census)|racial makeup]] of the city was 78.22% White, 12.34% African American, 0.41% Native American, 0.68% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 6.95% from other races, and 1.38% from two or more races. Hispanics or Latinos of any race were 11.11% of the population.


Of the 4,403 households, 30.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.5% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 12.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.7% were not families. About 27.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.48 and the average family size was 3.03.
Of the 4,403 households, 30.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.5% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 12.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.7% were not families. About 27.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.48 and the average family size was 3.03.
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==Arts and culture==
==Arts and culture==
[[File:Kilgore, TX Library IMG 5893.JPG|200px|left|thumb|Kilgore Public Library]]
[[File:Kilgore, TX Library IMG 5893.JPG|200px|left|thumb|Kilgore Public Library]]
Kilgore is the home of the [[Mount Tabor Indian Community]], a cultural heritage organization and [[nonprofit organization]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Brewer |first1=Graham Lee |last2=Ahtone |first2=Tristan |title=In Texas, a group claiming to be Cherokee faces questions about authenticity |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/mount-tabor-indian-community-texas-indigenous-rcna3746 |access-date=28 May 2022 |work=NBC News |date=27 December 2021}}</ref>


===Texas Shakespeare Festival===
===Texas Shakespeare Festival===
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===East Texas Pipe Organ Festival===
===East Texas Pipe Organ Festival===

Every November, Kilgore hosts the East Texas Pipe Organ Festival, which honors the work of [[pipe organ]] voicer Roy Perry (1906-1978). Perry, a longtime resident of Kilgore, worked for the [[Aeolian-Skinner]] Organ Company, and he oversaw the construction of highly regarded pipe organs at [[St. Mark's Cathedral (Shreveport, Louisiana)]] and [[Washington National Cathedral]].
Every November, Kilgore hosts the East Texas Pipe Organ Festival, which honors the work of [[pipe organ]] voicer Roy Perry (1906–1978). Perry, a longtime resident of Kilgore, worked for the [[Aeolian-Skinner]] Organ Company, and he oversaw the construction of highly regarded pipe organs at [[St. Mark's Cathedral (Shreveport, Louisiana)]] and [[Washington National Cathedral]].

===Kilgore Film Festival===
The Kilgore Film Festival began in 1998 under the sponsorship of KTPB, the former public radio station of Kilgore College.<ref>{{cite news|date=21 September 2008|title=Kilgore Film Festival celebrates ten years of unique movies|newspaper=Kilgore News Herald|url=https://www.kilgorenewsherald.com/news/2008-09-21/front_page/004.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713151319/https://www.kilgorenewsherald.com/news/2008-09-21/front_page/004.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=13 July 2011}}</ref> Each year a festival is held in the Spring and Fall offering moviegoers a chance to see unique and award-winning selections. The festival is held at Kilgore's 4 Star Cinema.


==Government==
==Government==
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===Local government===
===Local government===
According to the city's most recent Comprehensive Annual Financial Report Fund Financial Statements, the city's various funds had $17.4 million in revenues, $19.4 million in expenditures, $19.5 million in total assets, $0.8 million in total liabilities, and $17.5 million in investments.<ref name="City of Kilgore 2009 CAFR">[http://www.cityofkilgore.com/sites/cityofkilgore.com/files/files/Audits/2009%20Annual%20Financial.pdf City of Kilgore 2009 CAFR] retrieved 2010-11-11</ref>
According to the city's most recent Comprehensive Annual Financial Report Fund Financial Statements, the city's various funds had $17.4 million in revenues, $19.4 million in expenditures, $19.5 million in total assets, $0.8 million in total liabilities, and $17.5 million in investments.<ref name="City of Kilgore 2009 CAFR">[http://www.cityofkilgore.com/sites/cityofkilgore.com/files/files/Audits/2009%20Annual%20Financial.pdf City of Kilgore 2009 CAFR] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140701121002/http://www.cityofkilgore.com/sites/cityofkilgore.com/files/files/Audits/2009%20Annual%20Financial.pdf |date=2014-07-01 }} retrieved 2010-11-11</ref>


The structure of the management and coordination of city services is:<ref name="City of Kilgore 2009 CAFR"/>
The structure of the management and coordination of city services is:<ref name="City of Kilgore 2009 CAFR"/>
Line 159: Line 209:
|-
|-
| City Attorney
| City Attorney
|Blake Armstrong
|Robert G. Schleier
|-
|-
|City Clerk
|City Clerk
|Rachel Rowe
|Deborah Dane
|-
|-
|Municipal Court Judge
|Municipal Court Judge
Line 174: Line 224:
|-
|-
|Public Works Director
|Public Works Director
|Clay Evers
|Seth Sorensen
|-
|-
|Finance Director
|Finance Director
|Landon Ward
|Lawanna Williams
|-
|-
|Fire Chief
|Fire Chief
|Mark Henderson
|Johnny Bellows
|-
|-
|Library Director
|Library Director
|Stacey Cole
|Linda Johnson
|-
|-
|Planning Director
|Planning Director
|Carol Windham
|Carol Windham
|}
|}

===Tribal government===
Kilgore is the home of the [[Mount Tabor Indian Community]], one of five tribes recognized by the States of Texas. Three of the tribes the [[Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas]]; Tigua of [[Ysleta del Sur Pueblo]]; [[Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas]] are all also Federally Recognized tribes. The [[Lipan Apache]] Tribe of Texas, recognized in 2008 is the only other tribe besides the Mount Tabor Indian Community, that is state recognized. The Mount Tabor Indian Community was recognized on May 10, 2017. As of 2021 Cheryl Giordano serves as Tribal Chairman and Rex Thompson as Deputy Chairman.


===State government===
===State government===
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===Federal government===
===Federal government===
At the federal level, the two U.S. senators from Texas are Republicans [[John Cornyn]] and [[Ted Cruz]]. Kilgore is part of [[Texas' 1st congressional district]], which is currently represented by Republican [[Louie Gohmert]].
At the federal level, the two U.S. senators from Texas are Republicans [[John Cornyn]] and [[Ted Cruz]]. Kilgore is part of [[Texas's 1st congressional district]], which is currently represented by Republican [[Nathaniel Moran]].


==Education==
==Education==
Line 202: Line 249:


===Public schools===
===Public schools===
The city is served by the [[Kilgore Independent School District]]. A small portion of the town is also served by the [[Sabine ISD]].
The city is served by the [[Kilgore Independent School District]]. A small portion of the town is also served by the [[Sabine ISD]].


===Colleges and universities===
===Colleges and universities===
Line 212: Line 259:


==Notable events==
==Notable events==

On September 23, 1983, five men and women were abducted from a [[KFC|Kentucky Fried Chicken]] restaurant in Kilgore and found [[Kentucky Fried Chicken murders|slain]], execution-style, in an oilfield outside of town. The crime went unsolved until November 2005, when two men, already in prison for other crimes, were charged, tried and convicted for this crime.<ref>[[Kentucky Fried Chicken murders]]</ref>
On September 23, 1983, five men and women were abducted from a [[KFC|Kentucky Fried Chicken]] restaurant in Kilgore and found [[Kentucky Fried Chicken murders|slain]], execution-style, in an oilfield outside of town. The crime went unsolved until November 2005, when two men, already in prison for other crimes, were charged, tried and convicted for this crime.<ref>[[Kentucky Fried Chicken murders]]</ref>


In 2001, the Kilgore College Ranger football team had a [[perfect season]], winning the [[Southwest Junior College Football Conference]]. The 2001 squad finished #2 in the nation, losing the [[NJCAA]] national championship when the coaches poll gave the championship to [[Georgia Military College]].
In 2001, the Kilgore College Ranger football team had a [[perfect season]], winning the [[Southwest Junior College Football Conference]]. The 2001 squad finished #2 in the nation, losing the [[NJCAA]] national championship when the coaches poll gave the championship to [[Georgia Military College]].


On December 18, 2004, the Kilgore High School "Ragin' Red" Bulldog football team completed a perfect season (16-0) after winning the Class 4A Division II state championship game, 33–27, in a double-overtime thriller against the Dallas Lincoln Tigers at Baylor University's Floyd Casey Stadium in Waco. Nick Sanders blocked a potential go-ahead field goal attempt by Lincoln and returned it for the winning touchdown.<ref>{{cite web| url= http://lubbockonline.com/stories/121904/hig_121904055.shtml|title=Kilgore outlasts Dallas Lincoln in 2OT for 4A title |publisher=Lubbock Avalanche-Journal |access-date=January 13, 2015}}</ref>
On December 18, 2004, the Kilgore High School "Ragin' Red" Bulldog football team completed a perfect season (16–0) after winning the Class 4A Division II state championship game, 33–27, in a double-overtime thriller against the Dallas Lincoln Tigers at Baylor University's Floyd Casey Stadium in Waco. Nick Sanders blocked a potential go-ahead field goal attempt by Lincoln and returned it for the winning touchdown.<ref>{{cite web| url= http://lubbockonline.com/stories/121904/hig_121904055.shtml|title=Kilgore outlasts Dallas Lincoln in 2OT for 4A title |publisher=Lubbock Avalanche-Journal |access-date=January 13, 2015}}</ref>


==In popular culture==
==In popular culture==
Line 222: Line 270:
</ref>
</ref>
*In the 2011 film ''[[Country Strong]]'', actor [[Garrett Hedlund]] makes the quote, "Ms. Dallas or Ms. Kilgore? What's the difference?" to co-star [[Leighton Meester]].
*In the 2011 film ''[[Country Strong]]'', actor [[Garrett Hedlund]] makes the quote, "Ms. Dallas or Ms. Kilgore? What's the difference?" to co-star [[Leighton Meester]].
*[[Michael Herr]]'s Vietnam War memoir ''[[Dispatches (book)|Dispatches]]'' features an unnamed helicopter door-gunner from Kilgore. The man's attitude and appearance partially inspired the character of [[Lt. Colonel William Kilgore]] in Francis Ford Coppola's ''[[Apocalypse Now]]'' and the door gunner's dialogue in Stanley Kubrick's later Vietnam film ''[[Full Metal Jacket]]''. Herr contributed to the screenplays of both films.
*[[Michael Herr]]'s Vietnam War memoir ''[[Dispatches (book)|Dispatches]]'' features an unnamed helicopter door-gunner from Kilgore. The man's attitude and appearance partially inspired the character of [[Lt. Colonel William Kilgore]] in Francis Ford Coppola's ''[[Apocalypse Now]]'' and the door gunner's dialogue in Stanley Kubrick's later Vietnam film ''[[Full Metal Jacket]]''. Herr contributed to the screenplays of both films.
* Actor [[Matt Damon]] mentions Kilgore when impersonating his friend [[Matthew McConaughey]] on the ''[[Late Show with David Letterman]]''.<ref>{{cite AV media |title=Matt Damon on Letterman impersonates McConaughey |language=en |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9qv9sixrdMU |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/9qv9sixrdMU| archive-date=2021-12-11 |url-status=live|work=[[CBS]] |access-date=2019-04-20 |time=0:59 |date=2016-12-11}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
* Actor [[Matt Damon]] mentions Kilgore when impersonating his friend [[Matthew McConaughey]] on the ''[[Late Show with David Letterman]]''.<ref>{{cite AV media |title=Matt Damon on Letterman impersonates McConaughey |language=en |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9qv9sixrdMU |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/9qv9sixrdMU| archive-date=2021-12-11 |url-status=live|work=[[CBS]] |access-date=2019-04-20 |time=0:59 |date=2016-12-11}}{{cbignore}}</ref>


==Notable people==
==Notable people==
{{See also|Category:People from Kilgore, Texas}}
{{See also|Category:People from Kilgore, Texas}}
* [[Van Cliburn]], noted piano virtuoso, lived and grew up in Kilgore from age 6 through age 17. His family's modest home was in the 700 block of South Martin Street.
* [[Van Cliburn]] (1934–2013), noted piano virtuoso, lived and grew up in Kilgore from age 6 through age 17. His family's modest home was in the 700 block of South Martin Street.
* [[Dana Dodd]] (1985–2003), murder victim; body found in Kilgore in 2006.
* [[Dana Dodd]] (1985–2003), murder victim; body found in Kilgore in 2006.
* [[Charles Hurwitz]] (born 1940), businessman and financier, he is known for his role in the [[savings and loan crisis]] and controversy around the [[Headwaters Forest Reserve|Headwater Forest]] lumber logging in the 1990s; he was born and raised in Kilgore.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|last=Meyers|first=Bill|title=Money: the Charles Hurwitz story|url=http://www.iiipublishing.com/hurwitzm.htm|url-status=live|access-date=2021-04-17|website=|publisher=Coast Magazine}}</ref><ref name="harris">{{Cite book|last=Harrris|first=David|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=WDvNaVv_sX4C|title=The Last Stand: The War Between Wall Street and Main Street over California's Ancient Redwoods|publisher=Sierra Club Books|year=1996|pages=27|isbn=9780871569448}}</ref>
* [[Charles Hurwitz]] (born 1940), businessman and financier, he is known for his role in the [[savings and loan crisis]] and controversy around the [[Headwaters Forest Reserve|Headwater Forest]] lumber logging in the 1990s; he was born and raised in Kilgore.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|last=Meyers|first=Bill|title=Money: the Charles Hurwitz story|url=http://www.iiipublishing.com/hurwitzm.htm|access-date=2021-04-17|website=|publisher=Coast Magazine}}</ref><ref name="harris">{{Cite book|last=Harrris|first=David|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=WDvNaVv_sX4C|title=The Last Stand: The War Between Wall Street and Main Street over California's Ancient Redwoods|publisher=Sierra Club Books|year=1996|pages=27|isbn=9780871569448}}</ref>
*[[Ron Shepherd]] (born 1960), former outfielder for the [[Toronto Blue Jays]]; attended [[Kilgore High School]].
*[[Ron Shepherd]] (born 1960), former outfielder for the [[Toronto Blue Jays]]; attended [[Kilgore High School]].
*[[David Van Os]] (born 1950), Civil Rights, Labor Lawyer, Politician; attended [[Kilgore High School]].
*[[Ally Venable]] (born 1999), American blues rock guitar player, singer, and songwriter.


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
Line 245: Line 295:
==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}
{{notelist}}
{{Portal|Texas}}
{{Portal|Texas}}


==External links==
==External links==
{{Commons category}}
{{Commons category}}
* {{wikivoyage-inline|Kilgore}}
* {{wikivoyage inline|Kilgore}}
* [http://cityofkilgore.com City of Kilgore official website]
* [http://cityofkilgore.com City of Kilgore official website]
* [https://tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/hek02 Texas State Historical Association]
* [https://tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/hek02 Texas State Historical Association]

Latest revision as of 05:51, 29 July 2024

Kilgore, Texas
City
World's Richest Acre Park in downtown Kilgore, where the greatest concentration of oil wells in the world once stood.
World's Richest Acre Park in downtown Kilgore, where the greatest concentration of oil wells in the world once stood.
Motto: 
"The City of Stars"
Location of Kilgore, Texas
Location of Kilgore, Texas
Coordinates: 32°23′8″N 94°52′7″W / 32.38556°N 94.86861°W / 32.38556; -94.86861
CountryUnited States United States
StateTexasTexas
CountiesGregg, Rusk
Government
 • TypeCouncil-Manager
 • City CouncilMayor R.E. Spradlin III
Merlyn Holmes
Alan VanDoren
Missy Merritt
Victor A. Boyd[1]
 • City ManagerJosh Selleck[2]
Area
[3]
 • Total18.65 sq mi (48.29 km2)
 • Land18.61 sq mi (48.20 km2)
 • Water0.04 sq mi (0.09 km2)
Elevation
358 ft (109 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total13,376
 • Density798.02/sq mi (308.12/km2)
Time zoneUTC-6 (Central (CST))
 • Summer (DST)UTC-5 (CDT)
ZIP codes
75662-3
Area code(s)903, 430
FIPS code48-39124[4]
GNIS feature ID1339101[5]
Websitecityofkilgore.com

Kilgore is a city in Gregg and Rusk counties in the eastern part of the U.S. state of Texas. Over three-fourths of the area within city limits are located in Gregg County, the remainder in Rusk County. The population was 12,975 at the 2010 census[6] and 13,376 at the 2020 census.[7]

From the age of six, Van Cliburn lived in Kilgore; he became an internationally known classical pianist. He is the namesake for Van Cliburn Auditorium on the Kilgore College campus.

History

[edit]

Kilgore was founded in 1872 when the International–Great Northern Railroad completed the initial phase of rail line between Palestine and Longview. The rail company chose to bypass New Danville, a small community about 10 miles (16 km) southeast of Longview, in lieu of a new townsite platted on 174 acres (0.70 km2) sold to the railroad by Constantine Buckley Kilgore, the town's namesake. That way the railroad gained the profits from sale and development of these lands.

The new town received a post office in 1873 and, with a station and transportation for getting commodity crops to market, soon began to draw residents and businesses away from New Danville. By 1885, the population had reached 250, and the community had two cotton gins, a church, and a school (for white children only). The racially segregated Kilgore Independent School District was organized in 1910. By 1914 the town had two banks, several businesses, and a reported population of 700. The 1920s showed continued steady growth, and by 1929 Kilgore was home to an estimated 1,000 residents.

Prosperity came to a halt, however, when Kilgore was dealt severe blows by a steep decline in cotton prices (on which most of the town's economy was still based), and the effects of the Great Depression. Businesses began to close and, by the middle of 1930, the population had fallen to 500; the community appeared destined to become a ghost town. Many Blacks joined the Great Migration out of the South to northern, midwestern, and western cities for work.

Kilgore's fortunes changed dramatically on October 3, 1930, when wildcatter Columbus M. "Dad" Joiner struck oil near the neighboring town of Henderson. This well, known as the Daisy Bradford #3, marked the discovery of the vast East Texas Oil Field. Seemingly overnight Kilgore was transformed from a small farming town on the decline into a bustling boomtown. The Daisy Bradford #3 was subsequently followed by the Lou Della Crim No. 1 and many others.[8][9] By 1936, the population had increased to more than 12,000, and Kilgore's skyline was crowded with oil derricks.

Oil production continued at a breakneck pace throughout the early 1930s, with more than 1,100 producing oil wells within city limits at the height of the boom. The explosive growth left most civic services overwhelmed, and as a result Kilgore was forced to incorporate in 1931. With the city flooded with male workers and roustabouts, law enforcement struggled to keep order among the shanties, tents, and ramshackle honky-tonks that crowded Kilgore's main streets. On one occasion, they had to summon help from the Texas Rangers to keep the peace.

By the mid-1930s the oil boom had begun to subside, and most of the small oil companies and wildcatters had sold out to major corporations. The boom was essentially over by 1940. But oil production has remained central to the city's economy. The population, which fluctuated wildly throughout the 1930s, stabilized at around 10,000 in the 1950s. A 2015 estimate placed it at just under 15,000 residents.

Geography

[edit]
Main Street promotional sign in Kilgore

Kilgore is located in southern Gregg County at 32°23′8″N 94°52′7″W / 32.38556°N 94.86861°W / 32.38556; -94.86861 (32.385534, –94.868502),[10] and extends south into Rusk County. U.S. Route 259 passes through the east side of the city as a limited-access bypass, leading northeast 11 miles (18 km) to Longview and south 17 miles (27 km) to Henderson. Kilgore's city limits extend 3 miles (5 km) north from the city center as far as Interstate 20, with access from Exits 583, 587, and 589. I-20 leads east 69 miles (111 km) to Shreveport, Louisiana, and west 119 miles (192 km) to Dallas.

According to the United States Census Bureau, Kilgore has a total area of 15.7 square miles (40.7 km2), of which 15.7 square miles (40.6 km2) are land and 0.04 square miles (0.1 km2), or 0.22%, are covered by water.[6]

Major highways

[edit]

Demographics

[edit]
Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
1880248—
19406,708—
19509,63843.7%
196010,0924.7%
19709,495−5.9%
198011,33119.3%
199011,066−2.3%
200011,3012.1%
201012,97514.8%
202013,3763.1%
U.S. Decennial Census[11]
Kilgore racial composition as of 2020[12]
(NH = Non-Hispanic)[a]
Race Number Percentage
White (NH) 7,762 58.03%
Black or African American (NH) 1,857 13.88%
Native American or Alaska Native (NH) 34 0.25%
Asian (NH) 111 0.83%
Pacific Islander (NH) 5 0.04%
Some Other Race (NH) 32 0.24%
Mixed/Multi-Racial (NH) 577 4.31%
Hispanic or Latino 2,998 22.41%
Total 13,376

As of the 2020 United States census, there were 13,376 people, 5,060 households, and 3,476 families residing in the city.

As of the census[4] of 2000, 11,301 people, 4,403 households, and 2,963 families resided in the city. The population density was 734.3 inhabitants per square mile (283.5/km2). The 4,766 housing units averaged 309.7 units per square mile (119.6 units/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 78.22% White, 12.34% African American, 0.41% Native American, 0.68% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 6.95% from other races, and 1.38% from two or more races. Hispanics or Latinos of any race were 11.11% of the population.

Of the 4,403 households, 30.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.5% were married couples living together, 12.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.7% were not families. About 27.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.48 and the average family size was 3.03.

In the city, the population was distributed as 24.6% under the age of 18, 12.5% from 18 to 24, 26.2% from 25 to 44, 20.3% from 45 to 64, and 16.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 94.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.1 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $43,129, and for a family was $61,765. Males had a median income of $45,995 versus $30,124 for females. The per capita income for the city was $21,297. About 9.7% of families and 15.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 19.1% of those under age 18 and 13.9% of those age 65 or over.[15]

Arts and culture

[edit]
Kilgore Public Library

Kilgore is the home of the Mount Tabor Indian Community, a cultural heritage organization and nonprofit organization.[16]

Texas Shakespeare Festival

[edit]

Kilgore is home to the Texas Shakespeare Festival, an annual summer repertory company. Founded in 1986, the Texas Shakespeare Festival presents four shows in rotating repertory every summer at the Van Cliburn Auditorium on the campus of Kilgore College.

Kilgore Public Library

[edit]

Based on the style of Normandy cottages, construction of the Kilgore Public Library began in 1933 and was completed in 1939. The New Deal agencies, the Public Works Administration and Works Progress Administration of the President Franklin D. Roosevelt administration, participated in the construction.

East Texas Pipe Organ Festival

[edit]

Every November, Kilgore hosts the East Texas Pipe Organ Festival, which honors the work of pipe organ voicer Roy Perry (1906–1978). Perry, a longtime resident of Kilgore, worked for the Aeolian-Skinner Organ Company, and he oversaw the construction of highly regarded pipe organs at St. Mark's Cathedral (Shreveport, Louisiana) and Washington National Cathedral.

Kilgore Film Festival

[edit]

The Kilgore Film Festival began in 1998 under the sponsorship of KTPB, the former public radio station of Kilgore College.[17] Each year a festival is held in the Spring and Fall offering moviegoers a chance to see unique and award-winning selections. The festival is held at Kilgore's 4 Star Cinema.

Government

[edit]
Kilgore City Hall sign evokes the importance of oil to the city's history.

Local government

[edit]

According to the city's most recent Comprehensive Annual Financial Report Fund Financial Statements, the city's various funds had $17.4 million in revenues, $19.4 million in expenditures, $19.5 million in total assets, $0.8 million in total liabilities, and $17.5 million in investments.[18]

The structure of the management and coordination of city services is:[18]

Department Director
City Manager Joshua C. Selleck
City Attorney Blake Armstrong
City Clerk Rachel Rowe
Municipal Court Judge Glenn D. Phillips
Police Chief Todd Hunter
General Services Director B. J. Owen
Public Works Director Clay Evers
Finance Director Landon Ward
Fire Chief Mark Henderson
Library Director Stacey Cole
Planning Director Carol Windham

State government

[edit]

Kilgore is represented in the Texas Senate by Republican Bryan Hughes, District 1, and in the Texas House of Representatives by Republican David Simpson, District 7 and Travis Clardy, District 11.

Federal government

[edit]

At the federal level, the two U.S. senators from Texas are Republicans John Cornyn and Ted Cruz. Kilgore is part of Texas's 1st congressional district, which is currently represented by Republican Nathaniel Moran.

Education

[edit]
The East Texas Oil Museum is located on the campus of Kilgore College.

Public schools

[edit]

The city is served by the Kilgore Independent School District. A small portion of the town is also served by the Sabine ISD.

Colleges and universities

[edit]

Kilgore College is home to the Rangers and the Kilgore College Rangerettes.

Media

[edit]

The Kilgore News Herald is a twice-weekly newspaper published in the city.[19]

Notable events

[edit]

On September 23, 1983, five men and women were abducted from a Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant in Kilgore and found slain, execution-style, in an oilfield outside of town. The crime went unsolved until November 2005, when two men, already in prison for other crimes, were charged, tried and convicted for this crime.[20]

In 2001, the Kilgore College Ranger football team had a perfect season, winning the Southwest Junior College Football Conference. The 2001 squad finished #2 in the nation, losing the NJCAA national championship when the coaches poll gave the championship to Georgia Military College.

On December 18, 2004, the Kilgore High School "Ragin' Red" Bulldog football team completed a perfect season (16–0) after winning the Class 4A Division II state championship game, 33–27, in a double-overtime thriller against the Dallas Lincoln Tigers at Baylor University's Floyd Casey Stadium in Waco. Nick Sanders blocked a potential go-ahead field goal attempt by Lincoln and returned it for the winning touchdown.[21]

[edit]

Notable people

[edit]
See also: Category:People from Kilgore, Texas
[edit]
  • St. Lukes United Methodist Church in downtown Kilgore
    St. Lukes United Methodist Church in downtown Kilgore
  • First Baptist Church of Kilgore
    First Baptist Church of Kilgore
  • Citizens Bank in downtown Kilgore
    Citizens Bank in downtown Kilgore
  • Driller Park
    Driller Park
  • Kilgore College was established during the 1930s oil boom.
    Kilgore College was established during the 1930s oil boom.
  • The Kilgore History and Art Center is located downtown in a former post office building.
    The Kilgore History and Art Center is located downtown in a former post office building.
  • The Crim Theatre in downtown Kilgore dates back to the 1930s.
    The Crim Theatre in downtown Kilgore dates back to the 1930s.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "City Council | Kilgore, TX". cityofkilgore.com. Retrieved April 1, 2024.
  2. ^ "City Manager | Kilgore, TX". cityofkilgore.com. Retrieved April 1, 2024.
  3. ^ "2019 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved August 7, 2020.
  4. ^ a b "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
  5. ^ "US Board on Geographic Names". United States Geological Survey. October 25, 2007. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
  6. ^ a b "Geographic Identifiers: 2010 Demographic Profile Data (G001): Kilgore city, Texas". American Factfinder. U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved March 23, 2017.[dead link]
  7. ^ "Kilgore, Texas Population 2021 (Demographics, Maps, Graphs)".
  8. ^ East-Texas.com. "Joinerville in East Texas". www.east-texas.com.
  9. ^ Olien, Diana; Olien, Roger (2002). Oil in Texas, The Gusher Age, 1895-1945. Austin: University of Texas Press. pp. 170–171. ISBN 0292760566.
  10. ^ "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990". United States Census Bureau. February 12, 2011. Retrieved April 23, 2011.
  11. ^ "Census of Population and Housing". Census.gov. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
  12. ^ "Explore Census Data". data.census.gov. Retrieved May 25, 2022.
  13. ^ https://www.census.gov/ [not specific enough to verify]
  14. ^ "About the Hispanic Population and its Origin". www.census.gov. Retrieved May 18, 2022.
  15. ^ "American Community Survey results for Kilgore, TX 2007-2011". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 12, 2020. Retrieved November 13, 2013.
  16. ^ Brewer, Graham Lee; Ahtone, Tristan (December 27, 2021). "In Texas, a group claiming to be Cherokee faces questions about authenticity". NBC News. Retrieved May 28, 2022.
  17. ^ "Kilgore Film Festival celebrates ten years of unique movies". Kilgore News Herald. September 21, 2008. Archived from the original on July 13, 2011.
  18. ^ a b City of Kilgore 2009 CAFR Archived 2014-07-01 at the Wayback Machine retrieved 2010-11-11
  19. ^ "Kilgore News Herald". Kilgore News Herald. Retrieved August 2, 2012.
  20. ^ Kentucky Fried Chicken murders
  21. ^ "Kilgore outlasts Dallas Lincoln in 2OT for 4A title". Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. Retrieved January 13, 2015.
  22. ^ ""East Texas Red" ~ Woody Guthrie". www.woodyguthrie.org. Retrieved March 29, 2018.
  23. ^ Matt Damon on Letterman impersonates McConaughey. CBS. December 11, 2016. Event occurs at 0:59. Archived from the original on December 11, 2021. Retrieved April 20, 2019.
  24. ^ Meyers, Bill. "Money: the Charles Hurwitz story". Coast Magazine. Retrieved April 17, 2021.
  25. ^ Harrris, David (1996). The Last Stand: The War Between Wall Street and Main Street over California's Ancient Redwoods. Sierra Club Books. p. 27. ISBN 9780871569448.
  1. ^ Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos can be of any race.[13][14]
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