This Panhandle town was named for the many Hereford cattle that once grazed here. Today cattle remain an important part of the city’s economy: an estimated three million head of cattle are moved through here every year and the town’s motto is “The Beef Capital of the World.” Hereford is the county seat of Deaf Smith County.
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Attractions
E.B. Black Historical House. A large Victorian home built in 1909 by local rancher and furniture merchant E.B. Black is now a museum administered by the Deaf Smith County Historical Society. Open to public tours, the home has been designated a Texas Historical Landmark by the Texas Historical Commission and is entered in the National Register of Historic Places. 508 W. Third St.
Deaf Smith County Historical Museum. This local history museum traces pioneer life in Deaf Smith County. One of its most interesting exhibits is a handcarved wooden circus model made in the 1930s. 400 Sampson St.
Prisoner of War Camp Chapel. During World War II, some 4,000 Italian POWs were interned in Deaf Smith County near Hereford. While there, the prisoners constructed a small chapel to honor their fallen comrades. Now restored, the chapel sits amid cornfields and is open to tour. 3 1/2 miles S. of Hereford off U.S. 60.
Festivals
MAY:
Pioneer Days Celebration.
JULY/AUGUST:
Spicer Gripp Memorial Roping. The traditional cowboy craft of roping is celebrated at this multiday event with roping competitions, entertainment and a cook-off. Spicer Gripp Memorial Event Center in Veteran’s Park.
DECEMBER:
Hereford’s Christmas Celebration of Lights Parade. A Christmas parade starts the official holiday season followed by holiday lighting in the park and the arrival of Santa Claus. Dameron Park, E. Park Ave.
Map
For More Information
Deaf Smith County Chamber of Commerce
Photo credit: Billy Hathorn (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 or GFDL], via Wikimedia Commons
