Tyler, Texas facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Tyler, Texas
City
Downtown Caldwell Auditorium City Hall Smith County Courthouse KLTV studios
Seal
Nickname(s):  Rose City, Rose Capital, Rose Capital of America
Motto(s):  A Natural Beauty
Location in Smith County and Texas
Country	United States
State	Texas
County	Smith
Founded	1846 (179 years ago) (1846)
Incorporated	January 29, 1850 (175 years ago) (1850-01-29)
Named for	John Tyler
Area
• City	58.31 sq mi (151.02 km2)
• Land	57.79 sq mi (149.67 km2)
• Water	0.52 sq mi (1.34 km2)
Elevation	499 ft (152 m)
Population  (2020)
• City	105,995
• Estimate  (2022)	109,286
• Rank	US: 289th TX: 38th
• Density	1,891/sq mi (730.2/km2)
• Urban	131,028 (US: 258th)
• Urban density	1,607/sq mi (620.5/km2)
• Metro	241,922 (US: 198th)
• Metro density	263/sq mi (101.4/km2)
Demonym(s)	Tylerite
Time zone	UTC–6 (Central (CST))
• Summer (DST)	UTC–5 (CDT)
ZIP Codes	75701-75709 75798-75799
Area code(s)	903 and 430
FIPS code	48-74144
GNIS feature ID	2412122
U.S. routes
Major state highways
Primary airport	Tyler Regional Airport

Tyler is a city in Smith County, Texas, United States. It is also the county seat, which means it is the main city where the county government is located. In 2020, about 105,995 people lived in Tyler. This makes it one of the largest cities in Northeast Texas.

Tyler is often called the "Rose Capital of America." This is because it has a long history of growing and selling roses. The city is home to the largest rose garden in the United States. This garden covers 14 acres and has over 38,000 rose bushes. Each October, Tyler hosts the annual Texas Rose Festival, which brings in many visitors.

In 1985, the international Adopt-a-Highway program started in Tyler. This program lets groups help keep roads clean. You can still see signs near Tyler that say "First Adopt-A-Highway in the World."

Tyler is an important center for business, education, and healthcare in Northeast Texas. It has several colleges, including the University of Texas at Tyler. The city is also home to the Caldwell Zoo and the Broadway Square Mall.

History of Tyler, Texas

Tyler became an official town on April 11, 1846. The Texas government created Smith County and chose Tyler as its main city. The town was named after John Tyler, who was the tenth President of the United States. He helped Texas become part of the U.S.

In its early years, from 1847 to 1873, Tyler's economy was mostly based on farming. Growing cotton was very important. Logging was also a big industry. Before the American Civil War, many enslaved people were forced to work in the area. In 1860, about 35% of Tyler's population was enslaved. Many people in Tyler supported the Confederate States of America during the Civil War. The town was even home to a large factory that made weapons for the Confederacy.

Later, in the late 1800s, growing fruit became important. Peaches were a major crop. However, a disease affected the peach trees. By the 1920s, farmers in the area started growing roses instead. Within 20 years, most of the roses sold in the U.S. came from the Tyler area.

In 1971, the University of Texas at Tyler was opened. The Broadway Square Mall opened in 1975. The city's population grew to over 70,000 by 1980. In recent years, Tyler has focused on preserving its historic buildings.

Geography and Climate

Tyler is located in Northeast Texas, in the Southern United States. It is part of a larger area called Ark-La-Tex, where Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas meet. Tyler is about 100 miles (160 km) east of Dallas.

The city is the main government center for Smith County, Texas. Many smaller towns are located around Tyler, like Whitehouse and Lindale. Tyler covers about 57.97 square miles (150.1 km2). Most of this area is land, with a small amount of water.

Cityscape and Architecture

Downtown Tyler

Tyler has a downtown area with a mix of old and new buildings. You can see buildings with Art Deco and neoclassical styles from the 1800s and early 1900s. There are also newer buildings with modern designs.

Two important historic areas are the Brick Streets Historic District and the Charnwood Residential Historic District. The Brick Streets area has 29 blocks with many buildings from the 1900s. It is known for its brick-paved streets. Charnwood is Tyler's first historic district. It has 12 blocks of older homes from the late 1800s and early 1900s.

Weather and Climate

Tyler has a humid subtropical climate, which means it has hot, humid summers and mild winters. This type of weather is common in the Southern United States.

During spring and summer, the area can have strong thunderstorms. These storms can bring heavy rain, hail, strong winds, and even tornadoes. Summers are usually hot and humid. Temperatures often go above 90°F (32°C) for many days each year.

The highest temperature ever recorded in Tyler was 115°F (46°C) in 2011. The lowest temperature was -3°F (-19°C), which happened in 1930 and again in 2021.

Population and People

Tyler has grown a lot over the years. In 1880, only 2,423 people lived there. By 2020, the population had grown to 105,995. This makes Tyler the most populated city in Northeast Texas. The larger Tyler area, including nearby towns, had about 233,479 people in 2020.

Map of racial distribution in Tyler, 2020 U.S. census. Each dot is one person: ⬤ White ⬤ Black ⬤ Asian ⬤ Hispanic ⬤ Multiracial ⬤ Native American/Other

Most homes in Tyler are single-family houses. About half of the people own their homes, and the other half rent. Tyler is generally more affordable to live in than Dallas.

Tyler is mostly a middle-class community. In 2019, the average household income was about $52,294. About 12.6% of the people lived below the poverty line.

Racial and Ethnic Makeup (2020 Census)

Tyler's population has become more diverse over time. In 2020, about 47.91% of residents were non-Hispanic white. About 22.76% were Black or African American. And 22.66% were of Hispanic or Latino background.

Religion in Tyler

Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, see of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Tyler

First Baptist Church of Tyler

Tyler is in a region called the Bible Belt, where many people are Christian. Most Christians in Tyler are Protestant. The largest groups are Baptists, followed by Methodists and Pentecostals. There is also a large Roman Catholic community.

Some people in Tyler follow other religions. There are small communities of Jewish and Muslim people.

Economy and Jobs

People's Petroleum building in downtown Tyler

Chamber of Commerce office in downtown Tyler

Besides its famous rose industry, Tyler is home to Brookshire Grocery Company. This company runs several grocery store chains in Texas and nearby states. Its main distribution center is in Tyler.

Tyler also has a growing manufacturing industry. Companies here make things like pipes, air conditioners, and equipment for the oil and gas industry.

Many people in Tyler work in healthcare and education. The largest employers include:

• Christus Trinity Mother Frances Health System
• UT Health East Texas
• Tyler Independent School District
• Sanderson Farms (a food company)
• Walmart
• Trane Technologies (makes air conditioners)
• Brookshire Grocery Company
• University of Texas at Tyler
• Tyler Junior College

Fun Things to Do

Caldwell Zoo entrance

Tyler offers many fun activities for visitors and residents.

• Texas Rose Festival: This big festival happens every October. It celebrates Tyler's rose industry with a parade, a Rose Queen, and other events. You can learn about the festival's history at the Rose Museum, located in the Tyler Municipal Rose Garden.
• Caldwell Zoo: This popular zoo is a great place to see animals.
• Lakes: Tyler is close to several lakes, including Lake Bellwood, Lake Palestine, and Lake Tyler. These lakes are perfect for boating, fishing, and swimming.
• Azalea Trail: In spring, you can follow special routes in the city to see beautiful azalea flowers. Young women called "Azalea Belles" dress in old-fashioned gowns to greet visitors.
• Tyler State Park: Just north of the city, this park offers camping, canoeing, paddle boating, and hiking trails. You can also go fishing and birdwatching.
• Smith County Historical Society: This group runs a museum and archives in the old Carnegie Library building. You can see exhibits about Smith County's history, from the Caddo Indians to modern times.
• Camp Ford Historic Park: This park was once the largest Prisoner of War camp west of the Mississippi River during the American Civil War. You can visit the site and learn about its history.
• East Texas State Fair: This annual fair is held in Tyler and offers rides, food, and entertainment.

Sports and Recreation

Tyler has several college sports teams:

• University of Texas at Tyler Patriots (NCAA Division II)
• Texas College Steers (HBCU)
• Tyler Junior College Apaches (NJCAA)

The city has also been home to many baseball teams over the years, including the Tyler Trojans and Tyler East Texans.

If you like disc golf, Tyler is a great place to be! It has 15 disc golf courses and many leagues. Users of the UDisc app have even ranked Tyler as one of the best disc golf places in the U.S.

Education in Tyler

Tyler High School

Caldwell Elementary School Arts Academy

Tyler has many schools and colleges.

Colleges and Universities

• University of Texas at Tyler: Part of the University of Texas System.
• University of Texas Health Center at Tyler: Also part of the University of Texas System, focusing on health sciences.
• Texas College: A historically Black college or university (HBCU).
• Tyler Junior College: A two-year college.

Public Schools

Most public schools in Tyler are part of the Tyler Independent School District. This district includes high schools like Tyler High School and Tyler Legacy High School. There are also charter schools like Tyler ISD Early College High School. Some parts of Tyler are served by nearby school districts like Whitehouse Independent School District.

Private Schools

Tyler also has several private schools. These include Grace Community School (Texas), All Saints Episcopal School, and schools connected to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Tyler, such as St. Gregory Cathedral School and Bishop Thomas K. Gorman Regional Catholic Middle and High School.

Media and News

Tyler has many ways to get news and entertainment.

Newspaper

• Tyler Morning Telegraph

Television Stations

Radio Stations

There are many AM and FM radio stations in Tyler playing different types of music and talk shows.

AM Stations

FM Stations

Healthcare Services

Tyler has several hospitals and clinics that provide medical care. These include:

• UT Health Tyler
• Trinity Mother Frances Health System
• UT Health North Campus Tyler
• Texas Spine & Joint Hospital

Transportation in Tyler

Aerial photo of Tyler Pounds Regional Airport

Most people in Tyler use cars to get around. Several major highways pass through or near the city. Interstate 20 runs north of Tyler, and U.S. Highway 69 goes through the center of town. Loop 323 circles the city, and Loop 49 is a newer "outer loop."

Public Transportation

Tyler Transit shuttle

Tyler Transit offers bus services within the city every day except Sundays and holidays. You can buy tickets or passes at the Tyler Transit office. There is also a special paratransit service for people with disabilities. Greyhound Lines provides bus service from a downtown station.

Air Travel

Tyler Pounds Regional Airport offers flights to and from Dallas–Fort Worth International Airport. This connects Tyler to major airline routes.

Train Service

Tyler was once an important hub for railroads, especially the "Cotton Belt Route." While there is no passenger train service to Tyler today, Amtrak's Texas Eagle train stops in Mineola, which is a short distance north of Tyler.

Notable Events in Tyler's History

• In 2003, parts of the Space Shuttle Columbia landed near Tyler after it broke apart in the atmosphere.
• In 2009, a large fire destroyed several historic buildings in downtown Tyler.
• A very important court case, Plyler v. Doe, started in the Tyler Independent School District in 1982. This case decided that immigrant children cannot be denied schooling.

Famous People from Tyler

Sister Cities

Tyler has special partnerships with cities around the world. These "sister cities" are:

• Lo Barnechea, Chile
• Jelenia Góra, Poland
• Liberia, Costa Rica
• San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
• Yachiyo, Japan

See also

In Spanish: Tyler (Texas) para niños