City History

Amarillo Grew as a Cattle and Railroad Hub

Amarillo was founded in 1887 when the Fort Worth and Denver City Railway arrived and quickly became a major cattle-shipping point for the Texas Panhandle.

Potter County History & Culture

The town was platted in April 1887 on school land near a playa lake. It was named after Amarillo Lake and creek, likely from Spanish words for the yellow soil or wildflowers in the area. The Fort Worth and Denver City Railway reached the area that October.

By 1890, Amarillo had become one of the busiest cattle-shipping points in the region. Three more railroad lines followed by 1903. By 2020, the city had grown to more than 200,000 people and remains the economic center of the Texas Panhandle. Read the full history at tshaonline.org.

Source to confirm: Handbook of Texas — Amarillo, TX

More Potter County notes

Property Tax

Who Appraises Your Property in Potter County

The Potter County Appraisal District sets the value on your property, and that value determines what you owe in taxes.

Read note ->

Property Tax

Homestead Exemption Can Cut Your Tax Bill

If your home in Potter County is your primary residence, you can apply for a homestead exemption and lower your taxable value.

Read note ->

Property Tax

Farming or Ranching? Ag Valuation Can Save You Money

Land used for farming, ranching, or wildlife management in Potter County may qualify for a lower tax appraisal based on what the land produces, not what it sells for.

Read note ->

County Services

The County Tax Office Handles More Than Taxes

The Potter County Tax Office in Amarillo collects property taxes and processes vehicle registrations for county residents.

Read note ->