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Nocona, Texas
Nocona welcome sign
Nocona welcome sign
Location of Nocona, Texas
Location of Nocona, Texas
Montague County Nocona.svg
Country United States
State Texas
County Montague
Area
 • Total 2.81 sq mi (7.29 km2)
 • Land 2.81 sq mi (7.29 km2)
 • Water 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2)
Elevation
971 ft (296 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total 3,002
 • Density 1,068.3/sq mi (411.8/km2)
Time zone UTC-6 (Central (CST))
 • Summer (DST) UTC-5 (CDT)
ZIP code
76255
Area code(s) 940
FIPS code 48-51648
GNIS feature ID 2411259

Nocona is a city in Montague County, Texas, United States. It is located along U.S. Highway 82 and State Highway 175. In 2020, the city had a population of 3,002 people. Nocona is known for its rich history and its connection to the leather goods industry.

History of Nocona

The city of Nocona is named after Peta Nocona. He was a famous Comanche chief. This area was once a key stop on the Chisolm Trail. This trail was used to move cattle across Texas.

Nocona was founded in 1887. It grew around a bend in the Gainesville, Henrietta and Western Railway line. This railway later became part of the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad. The railroad connected Nocona to other towns like Gainesville and Henrietta. It also connected to Wichita Falls.

The railroad helped Nocona become an important center for business and industry. Many older towns nearby lost their businesses. Their citizens often moved to Nocona. The city's population has stayed around 3,000 since the 1940s.

Nocona's Industries

For much of the 20th century, the "North Field" oil field helped Nocona's economy. This oil field is located between Nocona and the Red River. It still contributes to the economy today.

The railroad that helped found Nocona was closed in 1969. Its tracks were removed in 1971.

Nocona has a proud history of making leather goods. Famous companies like Justin Industries and Nocona Boot Company were once here. The Nocona Belt Company also operated in the city. While some companies have moved, the Montague Boot Company now makes boots in downtown Nocona. They make boots for the Larry Mahan line.

Another important company is the Nocona Athletic Goods Company. They make sports equipment like baseball gloves and bats. Their products are spelled "Nokona." In 2006, their main facility burned down. Production moved to a temporary place.

Recreation and Amenities

About 10 miles north of the city is Lake Nocona. It is also called Farmer's Creek Reservoir. This lake is a popular spot for fun activities. People from all over north-central Texas enjoy it.

Near Lake Nocona is Nocona Hills. This is a private community with many homes. It also has a hotel, a golf course, and a landing strip for small planes. Nocona also has its own 18-hole golf course, an airport (FAA identifier F48), a hospital, and a great city park.

Geography and Climate

Nocona has a total area of about 2.8 square miles (7.29 square kilometers). All of this area is land.

Nocona's Climate

The weather in Nocona has hot and humid summers. The winters are usually mild to cool. This type of weather is called a humid subtropical climate. On climate maps, it is marked as Cfa.

Population Information

Historical population
Census Pop.
1880 381
1890 381 0.0%
1900 961 152.2%
1910 1,333 38.7%
1920 1,422 6.7%
1930 2,352 65.4%
1940 2,605 10.8%
1950 3,022 16.0%
1960 3,127 3.5%
1970 2,871 −8.2%
1980 2,992 4.2%
1990 2,870 −4.1%
2000 3,198 11.4%
2010 3,033 −5.2%
2020 3,002 −1.0%
U.S. Decennial Census

2020 Census Details

In 2020, there were 3,002 people living in Nocona. There were 1,100 households and 785 families.

Nocona racial composition
(NH = Non-Hispanic)
Race Number Percentage
White (NH) 2,126 70.82%
Black or African American (NH) 13 0.43%
Native American or Alaska Native (NH) 18 0.6%
Asian (NH) 27 0.9%
Some Other Race (NH) 2 0.07%
Mixed/Multi-Racial (NH) 128 4.26%
Hispanic or Latino 688 22.92%
Total 3,002

Education in Nocona

The Nocona Independent School District serves the city of Nocona. Students attend schools within this district. The mascot for Nocona High School is the Indians and the Braves.

Notable People from Nocona

Many interesting people have connections to Nocona:

  • Jack Crain (also known as "Jackrabbit") - a football player and Texas state representative.
  • Otis Dudley Duncan - a well-known sociologist.
  • Joe Hancock - a legendary American Quarter Horse, born around 1925.
  • Herman Joseph Justin - the founder of Justin Industries, a famous boot company.
  • Enid Justin - the daughter of H.J. Justin, who founded the Nocona Boot Company.
  • Ruth Roach (1896–1986) - a champion bronc rider and rodeo performer. She retired to a ranch near Nocona.
  • Charles C. "Charlie" Robertson - a major league baseball player for the Chicago White Sox and other teams.

Transportation Routes

Several important roads pass through or near Nocona:

  • US 82.svg U.S. Highway 82 - This highway runs from east to west, connecting Georgia to New Mexico.
  • Texas FM 103.svg FM 103 - This road runs north to south, from Nocona to Spanish Fort.
  • Texas FM 1759.svg FM 1759 - This road runs east to west, from Nocona to northwestern Montague County.
  • Texas FM 1956.svg FM 1956 - This road runs east to west, from Nocona to Capps Corner.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Nocona (Texas) para niños

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