NationMaster - Encyclopedia: Big Spring

Located in Texas at the crossroads of U.S. Highway 87 and Interstate 20, Big Spring’s population of 25,233 (2000 Census) makes it the largest city between Midland to the west, Abilene to the east, Lubbock to the north, and San Angelo to the south. Big Spring was established as the county seat of Howard County in 1882 and is also the largest city in that county. It was named for the spring in nearby Sulphur Draw. The spring was the center of a territorial dispute between Comanche and Shawnee peoples and a popular watering hole for wildlife in the mostly arid area. Official language(s) None. ... United States Highway 87 is a north-south United States highway that runs for 1,998 miles from northern Montana to southern Texas. ... Interstate 20 (abbreviated I-20) is an interstate highway in the southeastern United States. ... This article is about the year 2000. ... Sand storm that passed over Midland, Texas, February 20, 1894 at 6:00 p. ... Nickname: The Friendly Frontier Official website: http://www. ... Nickname: Hub City Official website: www. ... San Angelo is a city located in Tom Green County, Texas, United States. ... A county seat is an administrative center for a county. ... Howard County is a county located in the state of Texas. ... Comanche territory. ... The Shawnee, or Shawano, are a people native to North America. ...

Geography

Big Spring is located at 32°14'36" North, 101°28'31" West (32.243198, -101.475231)^GR1. Image File history File links TXMap-doton-BigSpring. ... The following is a list of sources used in the creation of Wikipedia articles on various geographic topics and locations, such as cities, counties, states, and countries. ...

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 49.7 km² (19.2 mi²). 49.5 km² (19.1 mi²) of it is land and 0.2 km² (0.1 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 0.42% water. The United States Census Bureau (officially Bureau of the Census) is a part of the United States Department of Commerce. ... Square kilometre (US spelling: Square kilometer), symbol km², is an SI unit of surface area. ... A square mile is an Imperial unit of area equal to that of a square with sides each 1 statute mile (5,280 feet, 1,760 yards, 1,609. ...

History

Although the area had long been a popular watering hole for Native Americans including members of the Pawnee and Comanche nations, the first European to view the site now known as Big Spring was probably a member of a Spanish expedition, possibly that of Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca. United States Army Captain Randolph B. Marcy's expedition was the first United States expedition to explore and map the area in 1849. Marcy marked the spring as a campsite on the Overland Trail to California. The site began to collect inhabitants and by the late 1870s, a settlement had sprung up to support buffalo hunters that frequented the area. The original settlement consisted largely of hide huts and saloons. Ranching quickly became a major industry in the area; early ranchers included F.G. Oxsheer, C.C. Slaughter, and B.F. Wolcott..^[1] Indigenous peoples in the United States are comprised of distinct groups of peoples who are indigenous to what are now states or territories of the United States of America. ... Pawnee The Pawnee (also Paneassa, Pari, Pariki) are a Native American tribe that historically lived along the Platte River in what is now Nebraska. ... Comanche territory. ... This article is about the continent. ... Ãlvar NÃºÃ±ez Cabeza de Vaca (c. ... US Army Seal The United States Army is the branch of the United States armed forces that has primary responsibility for land-based military operations. ... Captain is both a nautical term and a rank in various uniformed organizations. ... Randolph Barnes Marcy (April 9, 1812 - November 22, 1887) was a career officer in the United States Army, achieving the rank of Brigadier General before retiring in 1881. ... Exploration is the act of searching or traveling for the purpose of discovery, e. ... Bold text For other uses, see Map (disambiguation). ... 1849 was a common year starting on Monday (see link for calendar). ... Randolph Barnes Marcy (April 9, 1812 - November 22, 1887) was a career officer in the United States Army, achieving the rank of Brigadier General before retiring in 1881. ... Campsites are often situated in or near forests. ... Overland Route or Overland Trail refers to the following travel routes: The Overland Trail (United States), the roughly parallel routes of the Overland Stage Line and First Transcontinental Railroad The Overland Route (Australia), a shipping route via the Suez Canal This is a disambiguation page: a list of articles associated... Official language(s) English Capital Sacramento Largest city Los Angeles Area - Total - Width - Length - % water - Latitude - Longitude Ranked 3rd 410,000 kmÂ² 402. ... // Events and Trends Technology The invention of the telephone (1876) by Alexander Graham Bell. ... Binomial name Bison bison Linnaeus, 1758 Subspecies B. b. ... Saloon may refer to: Any bar, especially in the American Wild West. ... Ranching is the raising of cattle or sheep on rangeland, although one might also speak of ranching with regard to less common livestock such as elk, bison or emu. ... Ranching is the raising of cattle or sheep on rangeland, although one might also speak of ranching with regard to less common livestock such as elk, bison or emu. ...

One notable early rancher was Briton Joseph Heneage Finch, the Seventh Earl of Aylesford. Finch purchased 37,000 acres of ranch land in the area in 1883, and is credited with building Big Spring's first permanent structure, a butcher shop.^[2] For an explanation of terms such as Great Britain, British, United Kingdom, England, Scotland and Wales, see British Isles (terminology) Great Britain lies between Ireland and continental Europe Great Britain is an island lying off the north-western coast of Europe and to the east of Ireland, comprising the main... An acre is an English unit of area, which is also frequently used in the United States and some Commonwealth countries. ... A Ranch is an area of land, including buildings and structures, given primarily to the grazing of livestock on rangeland. ... A LAND attack is a DoS (Denial of Service) attack that consists of sending a special poison spoofed packet to a computer, causing it to lock up. ... 1883 (MDCCCLXXXIII) was a common year starting on Monday (see link for calendar). ... The Butcher and his Servant, drawn and engraved by J. Amman (Sixteenth Century). ...

The completion of the Texas and Pacific Railroad led to the founding in the early 1880s of Abilene, Colorado City, and Big Spring, three railroading and ranching towns where saloons, gambling dens, and prostitutes flourished. These establishments attracted cowboys and later oilfield workers from throughout the region. Prostitution continuted to flourish in Big Spring well into the 1950s. The Settles Hotel was well known as a center for prostitution in Big Spring, with the large sign on the roof being used to signal the presence of prostitutes in the hotel. Nickname: The Friendly Frontier Official website: http://www. ... Colorado City is a city located in Mitchell County, Texas. ... Prostitution is the sale of sexual services. ...

In 1957 anti-prostitution groups gained an influential advocate in Texas attorney general Will Wilson, whose office led the way in disrupting Texas prostitution, including the Galveston racketeers. Church, legal and news media pressure forced many brothels to close and set the prostitution business on a downward course that continued into the 1960s. Wilson's was influential in pressing local law-enforcement officials into curbing prostitution in Big Spring.

Demographics

As of the census^GR2 of 2000, there were 25,233 people, 8,155 households, and 5,463 families residing in the city. The population density was 509.8/km² (1,320.4/mi²). There were 9,865 housing units at an average density of 199.3/km² (516.2/mi²). The racial makeup of the city was 76.69% White, 5.31% African American, 0.59% Native American, 0.63% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 14.41% from other races, and 2.35% from two or more races. 44.64% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. A census is the process of obtaining information about every member of a population (not necessarily a human population). ... The following is a list of sources used in the creation of Wikipedia articles on various geographic topics and locations, such as cities, counties, states, and countries. ... The United States Census Bureau uses the federal governments definitions of race when performing a census. ... The United States Census Bureau uses the federal governments definitions of race when performing a census. ... The United States Census Bureau uses the federal governments definitions of race when performing a census. ... The United States Census Bureau uses the federal governments definitions of race when performing a census. ... The United States Census Bureau uses the federal governments definitions of race when performing a census. ... The United States Census Bureau uses the federal governments definitions of race when performing a census. ... The United States Census Bureau uses the federal governments definitions of race when performing a census. ... The United States Census Bureau uses the federal governments definitions of race when performing a census. ...

There were 8,155 households out of which 32.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.3% were married couples living together, 14.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.0% were non-families. 29.2% of all households were made up of individuals and 14.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.51 and the average family size was 3.10. The examples and perspective in this article or section may not represent a worldwide view. ...

In the city the population was spread out with 23.6% under the age of 18, 9.9% from 18 to 24, 32.7% from 25 to 44, 19.7% from 45 to 64, and 14.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females there were 125.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 132.3 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $28,257, and the median income for a family was $35,448. Males had a median income of $27,636 versus $21,863 for females. The per capita income for the city was $14,119. 22.2% of the population and 17.1% of families were below the poverty line. 30.0% of those under the age of 18 and 18.3% of those 65 and older were living below the poverty line. The per capita income for a group of people may be defined as their total personal income, divided by the total population. ... Map of countries showing percentage of population living in poverty The poverty line is the level of income below which one cannot afford to purchase all the resources one requires to live. ...

Culture and Economics

Big Spring’s economy is primarily based on agriculture (with cotton as the primary crop) and petroleum production and refining. Public-sector institutions such as Howard College, a federal prison, and a VA hospital are also major employers in the area. Cotton plant as imagined and drawn by John Mandeville in the 14th century Cotton is a soft fiber that grows around the seeds of the cotton plant (Gossypium spp. ... Pumpjack pumping an oil well near Sarnia, Ontario Petroleum (from Greek petra â€“ rock and elaion â€“ oil or Latin oleum â€“ oil ), crude oil, sometimes colloquially called black gold or Texas Tea, is a thick, dark brown or greenish liquid. ... Refining is the process of purification of a substance, usually used of a natural resource that is almost in a usable form, but which is more useful in its pure form. ... This is a list of U.S. federal prisons. ... Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the component of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs that implements the medical assistance program of the VA through the administration and operation of numerous VA outpatient clinics, hospitals, medical centers and longterm healthcare facilities (i. ...

Big Spring’s population and economy have seen steady declines since the closure of Webb Air Force Base, a training site for Air Force bombardiers and pilots, in 1977. Webb Air Force Base was an Air Force facility that operated from 1951 to 1977 in west Texas near Big Spring. ... The United States Air Force (USAF) is the aerospace branch of the United States armed forces. ... The crews of bomber aircraft, historically, included a bombardier, as they were known in the United States, or a bomb aimer, as they were known in other countries, who was responsible for targetting the planes munitions. ... Aviators are people who fly aircraft either for pleasure or for a job. ... For the album by Ash, see 1977 (album). ...

In recent years Big Spring has been the site of several major hang gliding championship tournaments, including the U.S. Hang Gliding Nationals. Big Spring will host the Hang Gliding World Championship in 2007. Hang gliding is one of the windsports. ... Hang gliding is one of the windsports. ... Hang gliding is one of the windsports. ... 2007 (MMVII) will be a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

The opening scenes of the film Midnight Cowboy, the 1969 Academy Award winner for Best Picture, were filmed in Big Spring. The city was also the site for the filming of parts of Hangar 18. Midnight Cowboy is a 1969 film written by Waldo Salt based on the novel by James Leo Herlihy, and directed by John Schlesinger. ... 1969 (MCMLXIX) was a common year starting on Wednesday (the link is to a full 1969 calendar). ... Academy Awards The Academy Awards, popularly known as the Oscars, are the most prominent film awards in the United States. ... Hangar 18 is a 1980 movie that was released to capitalize on the UFO interest of the era. ...

Notable residents, past and present

Daniel Lamont Bubba Franks (born January 6, 1978 in Riverside, California) is an American football tight end currently playing for the Green Bay Packers of the NFL. The Packers chose him with the 14th overall selection in the first round of the 2000 NFL Draft out of the University of... Note: Basketball teams from Chicago and Anderson once used the name Packers as well. ... The tight end (TE) is a position in American football on the offensive team. ... Official language(s) English Capital Sacramento Largest city Los Angeles Area - Total - Width - Length - % water - Latitude - Longitude Ranked 3rd 410,000 kmÂ² 402. ... High school - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia /**/ @import /skins-1. ... United States simply as football, is a competitive team sport that is both fast-paced and strategic. ... Jake Pickle hands Coretta Scott King a squeaky pickle at a campaign rally in Austin (1976) James Jarrell Pickle (October 11, 1913 â€“ June 18, 2005) also known as J.J. Jake Pickle, was a United States Representative from the 10th congressional district of Texas from 1963 to 1995. ... The chamber of the United States House of Representatives is located in the south wing of the Capitol building, in Washington, D.C.. This photograph shows a rare glimpse of the four vote tallying boards (the blackish squares across the top), which display each members name and vote as... The current boundaries of Texas District 10. ... Official language(s) None. ... 1963 (MCMLXIII) was a common year starting on Tuesday (the link is to a full 1963 calendar). ... 1995 (MCMXCV) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

Points of interest

References

External links

Categories: Cities in Texas | Howard County, Texas Image File history File links Flag_of_Texas. ... Official language(s) None. ... This is a list of articles that have something substantive to do with the state of Texas. ... The history of Texas or Texas history began around 10,000 BC when the first humans arrived in what is now Texas. ... Official language English (de facto) Spanish, French, German and Native American languages regionally Capital Washington-on-the-Brazos (1836) Harrisburg (1836) Galveston (1836) Velasco (1836) Houston (1837â€“1839) Austin (1839â€“1845) Largest city San Antonio de BÃ©xar Presidents David G. Burnet, Sam Houston, Mirabeau B. Lamar, Anson Jones Area... For approximately 100 years, from the end of Reconstruction until the 1970s, the Democratic Party was dominant in Texas Politics. ... The following are people who were either born/raised or have lived for a significant period of time in Texas // Military/War Founders of The Republic of Texas Stephen F. Austin (1793â€“1836), the Father of Texas Edward Burleson (1798â€“1851), Texas soldier, general, and statesman David G. Burnet (1788... This is a list of United States state capitals: See also List of current and former capital cities within the United States List of capitals of subnational entities Reference http://www. ... Nickname: Live Music Capital of the World, ATX Official website: www. ... Texas bluebonnet (Lupinus texensis). ... This list of regions of the United States includes official (governmental) and non-official areas within the borders of the United States, not including U.S. states, the federal district of Washington, D.C. or standard subentities such as cities or counties. ... The Ark-La-Tex, Arklatex, or ArkLaTex is a U.S. socio-economic region where Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas and Oklahoma intersect. ... Casa Grande is a prominent peak in the Chisos Mountains of the Big Bend area of west Texas. ... The Brazos Valley is a region in Texas consisting of Brazos County, Robertson County, Grimes County, Washington County, Madison County, and Leon County, with Brazos County and the cities of College Station and Bryan at its center. ... Central Texas (a part of which is Texas Hill Country), is a region in the U.S. state of Texas. ... The Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex (also DFW Metroplex, or simply the Metroplex) encompasses the combined metropolitan area of the cities of Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas. ... Deep East Texas is a subregion of East Texas in the US state of Texas. ... Red counties show the core of East Texas, counties shown as pink may or may not be included in East Texas, and thus their inclusion varies from source to source. ... The Edwards Plateau is a region of west-central Texas which is bounded by the Balcones Fault to the south and east, the Llano Uplift and the plains region to the north, and the Pecos River to the west. ... Galveston Bay is a large estuary located along Texass coastline. ... Houston Houston metropolitan area from space. ... North Texas is a distinct cultural and geographic area forming the central-northeastern section of the US state of Texas. ... Northeast Texas is a region in the northeast corner of the U.S. state of Texas. ... The Permian Basin is a basin in the western part of the U.S. state of Texas, from just south of Lubbock to just south of Midland & Odessa, and it extends Westward into the Southeastern part of New Mexico. ... The Piney Woods is an area of East, Southeast & Northeast, Texas (A line from Paris, Texas to Houston, Texas). ... Geography The Rio Grande Valley is located in the southernmost tip of Texas. ... The Texas Hill Country, as seen from near Interstate 10. ... The Texas Panhandle is a region of the state of Texas consisting of the northernmost 26 counties in the state. ... Llano Estacado is a region in the southwestern United States that encompasses parts of northeastern New Mexico and northwestern Texas. ... Southeast Texas is a region in the southeast corner of the U.S. state of Texas. ... South Texas is a region of the U.S. state of Texas which lies roughly south of, or beginning at, San Antonio. ... West Texas is a region in Texas which has more in common geographically with the Southwestern United States than it does with East Texas and North Texas. ... State seal of Texas. ... Texas has 25 metropolitan areas (MSAs) defined by the United States Census Bureau. ... Nickname: The Friendly Frontier Official website: http://www. ... Nickname: Rotor City, USA Motto: Official website: http://www. ... Nickname: Live Music Capital of the World, ATX Official website: www. ... The Round Rock Round Rock is a city located in the U.S. state of Texas within the Austinâ€“Round Rock metropolitan area and Williamson County. ... Flag of Beaumont, Texas Beaumont is a city and county seat of Jefferson County, Texas and is within the Beaumontâ€”Port Arthur metropolitan area. ... Port Arthur is a town located in Jefferson County within the Beaumontâ€“Port Arthur metropolitan area and is situated in East Texas. ... Brownsville is a city located in Cameron County, Texas, United States. ... Harlingen is a city located in Cameron County in the Rio Grande Valley of south Texas, United States. ... Location in the state of Texas County Brazos County, Texas Area - Total - Water 112. ... City nicknames: Aggieland, heart of the Research Valley Location in the State of Texas County Brazos County Mayor Ron Silvia Area - Land - Water 104. ... Corpus Christi skyline from harbor. ... Nickname: Big D Official website: www. ... Nickname: Cowtown Motto: Official website: ci. ... Nickname: none Motto: Official website: http://www. ... Nickname: Star of the Southwest and Land of the Sun Official website: www. ... Houston redirects here. ... City nickname: The Land of Sugar City slogan: Sugar Land. ... Baytown is a city located along the Gulf Coast region in the U.S. state of Texas within the Houstonâ€“Sugar Landâ€“Baytown Metropolitan Area. ... Killeen is a city located in Bell County, Texas. ... Temple is a city located in Bell County, Texas. ... Laredo is the county seat of Webb County, Texas, United States, on the north bank of the Rio Grande (RÃo Bravo), across from Nuevo Laredo, Mexico. ... Flag of Longview Longview is a city located in Texas. ... The Old Harrison County Courthouse in Whetstone Square is the centerpiece of the Wonderland of Lights, one of the largest light festivals in the United States, and is lit with thousands of lights during the celebration. ... Nickname: Hub City Official website: www. ... McAllen is a city in Hidalgo County, Texas. ... Edinburg is a city located in Hidalgo County, Texas. ... Mission is a city located in Hidalgo County, Texas. ... Sand storm that passed over Midland, Texas, February 20, 1894 at 6:00 p. ... Odessa is a city located in Texas. ... San Angelo is a city located in Tom Green County, Texas, United States. ... Nickname: Alamo City Official website: www. ... Sherman is a city located in Grayson County, Texas. ... Denison is a city located in Grayson County, Texas. ... The famous post office on state line in Texarkana TX/AR Texarkana is a city located in Bowie County, Texas and is situated in East Texas. ... Nickname: Rose Captital of America Motto: Official website: www. ... Victoria is a city located in Victoria County, Texas. ... Waco is the county seat of McLennan County, Texas. ... Wichita Falls is a city in Wichita County, Texas, United States. ... Index: Contents: Top - 0â€“9 A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z A Anderson County formed in 1846 from part of Houston County. ...

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