History of the Hub City: Celebrating 108 Years

Lubbock, Texas. Photo from Lubbock Parks and Rec.

On March 16, 1909 the city of Lubbock was incorporated, becoming home to 1,938 people. Located at the convergence of U.S. Routes 62 and 84, the Hub City became the center for all things agriculture, transportation, education and technology.

According to the city website, Lubbock was named for Thomas S. Lubbock, a Texas Ranger and Confederate Army officer.

The cattle industry was what drew many to the plains, but the discovery of water and production of cotton led most to stay. The mild climate with warm days and cool nights makes Lubbock ideal for crops like cotton and vineyards.

Texas Tech Administration Building. Photo from TSHA.

In 1923, Texas Technological College was created by legislative action, opening the doors of only six buildings in 1925 with 914 students. The school became Texas Tech University in 1969.

According to lubbockhospitality.net, Lubbock was named the Music Crossroads of Texas by the Texas State Legislature, producing famous musicians such as rock ’n’ roll legend Buddy Holly, as well as Mac Davis and the Maines Brothers.

108 years later, what’s new?

Lubbock is now home to more than 240,000 people. Texas Tech University has an enrollment of more than 36,000 students, and now houses medical and law schools. Lubbock is also home to Lubbock Christian University.

Texas Tech Administration Building. Photo from Wikimedia Commons.

Still recognized as a leader in agriculture, Lubbock produces between two and three billion bales of cotton a year.

According to Texas State Historical Association (TSHA), Lubbock has 62 parks, three country clubs and four public golf courses. What was once called “a treeless desolate waste of uninhabited solitude” is now known for its recreation and culture such as the Lubbock Symphony Orchestra and the Lubbock Civic Ballet.

Lubbock is known to be one of the most conservative cities in the country. And, the city is also said to be home to the most restaurants per capita in the U.S. and a top winery, Llano Estacado.

Lubbock has grown and changed in its 108 years of incorporation. With Texas Tech’s enrollment projection of more than 40 thousand students by the year 2020, the trend is likely to continue.

About Katie Main

Katie Main is the Hub's Community Reporter. She is a sophomore journalism major from Cypress, Texas. She enjoys cooking, traveling and staying up to date with politics.