Turkey, Texas
– King of Western Swing.
The small town of Turkey, Texas, gets its unusual name from the abundance of wild turkeys in the area when it was first settled. Located in Hall County, in the heart of the Texas Panhandle, the town’s name reflects the natural landscape that early settlers encountered.
According to Don Turner, a volunteer at the Bob Wills Museum, the town was originally named ‘Turkey Roost’. In Mr. Turner’s words, “There’s a creek close by. When Turkey was founded, …the post office was a dugout, and the dugout was on a creek where all the wild turkey roosted. And then that’s how Turkey originally got its name… Later on, it [the Post Office] was moved into town and they had to change it to just Turkey, Texas, then.”
Early Settlement and Founding
Turkey was settled in the late 19th century, with the first post office established in 1893 under the name “Turkey Roost.” The name was later shortened to simply “Turkey” when the town officially incorporated in 1926. Like many towns in Texas during that time, Turkey was founded on agriculture, with ranching and farming forming the backbone of its economy. The town served as a local trading post for nearby ranches, and the arrival of the Fort Worth and Denver Railway in 1927 boosted its development, making Turkey a hub for transporting cattle and crops.
History and Growth
While Turkey never grew into a large city, it carved out a niche for itself as a bustling agricultural center. During its early years, the town was home to cotton gins, feed stores, and other businesses that supported local farmers and ranchers. However, what really put Turkey on the map was its association with a legendary figure in American music history—Bob Wills.
Bob Wills, known as the King of Western Swing, was born near Turkey in 1905. He spent much of his early life in the area before going on to revolutionize country music by blending traditional folk music with jazz and swing rhythms. Wills’ legacy is a significant part of Turkey’s identity today, and the town celebrates him with the Bob Wills Day Festival each year, drawing fans from across the country.
Downtown Turkey: A Step Back in Time
Turkey’s downtown area offers a charming glimpse into the past. The main street is lined with historic buildings that date back to the early 20th century, many of which have been preserved and repurposed into shops and cafes. Walking through downtown Turkey, visitors can see the influence of the town’s agricultural roots, with original storefronts and signs still intact.
At the heart of downtown is the Bob Wills Museum, dedicated to the life and music of the Western Swing legend. The museum offers visitors a chance to explore memorabilia from Wills’ career, including instruments, records, and personal items. The building itself reflects the town’s historic character and serves as a focal point for Turkey’s connection to Western Swing.
Interesting Facts About Turkey, Texas
Bob Wills Day: Every year, on the last weekend of April, Turkey hosts Bob Wills Day, a celebration of the town’s most famous son. The festival features live music, parades, dances, and a chance for Western Swing fans to come together and honor Wills’ contributions to music. The event has been held annually since 1972, and it remains one of the town’s biggest attractions.
Small Population, Big Spirit: While Turkey has a population of less than 400 residents, the town’s spirit is strong. It is known for its close-knit community, where everyone knows each other, and local pride runs deep.
Turkey Today: A Town with a Rich Heritage
Today, Turkey may be small, but it is a town that embraces its rich heritage. Agriculture still plays a role in the local economy, but tourism has become increasingly important, particularly with the annual Bob Wills Day Festival. The town attracts visitors who want to experience the charm of small-town Texas and explore its unique musical history.
Turkey has also become a popular stop for those exploring the Texas Panhandle’s scenic beauty, offering a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of larger cities. The town’s preservation of its history, especially through the Bob Wills Museum and its historic downtown area, makes it a delightful destination for anyone interested in Texas history and culture.
Conclusion
Turkey, Texas, may be small in size, but its legacy, particularly through its connection to Bob Wills, looms large in the world of music and Texas history. From its early days as an agricultural hub to its present-day celebration of Western Swing, Turkey offers visitors a unique blend of history, charm, and community spirit. Whether you’re passing through on a road trip or attending Bob Wills Day, this little town has a lot to offer those who take the time to stop and explore.
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