Lubbock History and Information
The Texas Tech University System (TTUS) is based in Lubbock and consists of Texas Tech University, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, and Angelo State University. With an annual operating budget nearing $2 billion, the TTUS educates approximately 47,000 undergraduate, graduate and professional students as well as employs more than 18,000 faculty and staff. Collectively, the TTUS generates a combined economic impact of $7.5 billion for the state of Texas. The oldest and largest TTUS campus is Texas Tech University (TTU) which is located in Lubbock and home to almost 40,000 undergraduate, graduate, law and health sciences students. TTU occupies 1,900 acres making it the second largest contiguous campus in the United States. TTU is the only university in Texas to house an undergraduate and graduate university, law school, and medical school on the same campus.
Prior to the late 1800's, the Apache, Comanche, Kiowa, and Cheyenne Nations dominated this region where they roamed the high plains living off the large populations of buffalo, antelope, wolves, and coyotes. Indeed, the Lubbock Lake Landmark State Historical Park houses an active archaeological site that has uncovered the remains of an ancient Native American civilization dating back more than 12,000 years. The city of Lubbock was named after Tom S. Lubbock who was a Texas Ranger and signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence. The city began as two smaller towns named "Old Lubbock" and "Monterey" which were consolidated in 1890 to establish the town of Lubbock. As agriculture continued to grow within the region, and as the railroads continued to expand, Lubbock became the marketing center of the region and earned the nickname "Hub of the Plains."
In 1923, the citizens of Lubbock were successful in their bid to the state to establish a new college, called Texas Technological College (now called Texas Tech University). The college opened its doors in 1925 with 1,379 students. In 1976, Texas Tech University underwent a major expansion with the establishment of the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. Known as the "Music Crossroads of West Texas,: Lubbock has produced many musical legends, including Lubbock's son, Buddy Holly, who attracted followers and inspired musicians all around the world. Other well-known Lubbock musicians include Mac Davis, Waylon Jennings, Delbert McClinton, the Dixie Chicks, the Josh Abbott Band, Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Joe Ely, Tanya Tucker, Lloyd Maines, Terry Allen, Butch Hancock, The Maines Brothers, Bob Wills Tommy X. Hancock and his Supernatural Family. Thousand of visitors come to Lubbock every year to experience the great music, shopping, fine arts, performing arts, unique dining, Big XII sports, and entertainment. The population of Lubbock and its surrounding communities have continued to grow over the past four decades with a total population approaching 300,000 people.
The Lubbock community has a wide selection of reasonably priced apartments, duplex housing and rental homes including some within walking distance to the University and Health Sciences Center.
Visit OR , online guides featuring a variety of homes and apartments to choose from.
Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport provides nonstop service to all of the major airports that serve as hubs for Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, and United Airlines including Denver, Albuquerque, Las Vegas, Austin, Dallas/Ft. Worth and Houston.
Visit
Lubbock is the cultural center of West Texas featuring a variety of art galleries, museums and performing arts including dance, ballet, symphony and theater. Some these attractions are listed below:
Museum of Texas Tech University
The museum houses collections in the arts, humanities, and the sciences numbering
nearly 2 million objects and consists of several components, including the Moody Planetarium
& Natural Science Research Laboratory.
Southwest Collection (at Texas Tech University)
Features an amazing collection of books, magazine, journals, photographs, and manuscripts
that record the history of our region. Also home to the Vietnam Archives.
Lubbock Regional Arts Center
See ever changing exhibits of regional contemporary art and Lubbock Community Theater
showcases. Features and supports the works of all creative artists - visual, performing,
cultural, literary and others. Facilities include a studio, theatre, & lobby all geared
for intensive arts use.
Lubbock Municipal Garden and Arts Center
A multi-use facility built to house non-profit organizations having to do with artistic,
cultural, or educational endeavors. Gallery exists and functions to serve local artists
and organizations with the purpose of promoting an active continuing interest in the
arts.
Lubbock Lake National Historic and State Archeological Landmark (also known as Lubbock
Lake Site)
Houses an active archeological site that has uncovered the remains of an ancient Native
American civilization dating back more than 12,000 years.
Buddy Holly Center
The Center collects, preserves, and interprets artifacts relevant to Lubbock's most
famous native son, Buddy Holly, as well as to other performing artists and musicians
of West Texas.
Ranching Heritage Center
An outdoor museum in Lubbock, Texas, established to preserve the history of ranching,
pioneer life and the development of the livestock industry in North America. More
than 35 authentic furnished ranch buildings and structures have been relocated to
show the evolution of ranch life from the late 1780's through the 1930's.
Science Spectrum Museum
With over 200 interactive exhibits, an Omnimax Theatre, live animals, live demonstrations,
a dedicated area for younger children, fun shops, and traveling exhibits, it's easy
to experience the science of fun! The Science Spectrum is a hands-on science and technology
center where all ages can see exciting demonstrations, interact with stimulating hands-on
exhibits, and participate in the wonder of education at their own pace.
Silent Wings Museum
The Silent Wings Museum is dedicated to the history of the American military glider
program.
Texas Air Museum
Features World War I, World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam era displays, as well
as static aircraft and other vehicles.
Mt. Blanco Fossil Museum
A scientific and educational institution dedicated to a correct interpretation of
Earth history and fossil remains. Includes a gift shop and houses the Mt. Blanco Art
Museum.
The American Wind Power Center
Conceived as the most comprehensive collection of historic windmills in the world.
The Center tells the story of how the windmill, more than any other invention, helped
to settle the West.
Civic Center Theater
Symphony, musicals, and special performances throughout the year.
Lubbock Community Theater
Features a wide variety of live theater productions.
Lubbock Symphony Orchestra
Outstanding symphony, Pops, Holiday and special concerts.
Ballet Lubbock
Special performances throughout the year.
City Bank Auditorium
Home of Broadway musicals and other special performances.
United Spirit Arena
Home of the Texas Tech men鈥檚 and women鈥檚 basketball teams as well as venue for national
and international sports and musical acts.
Whether your interests include sampling some of the award-winning wines produced in the greater Lubbock area or experiencing the great outdoors at the many different lakes, canyons and mountains, Lubbock and nearby New Mexico have it all. Some of the many area attractions and outdoor activities are listed below:
Wineries
Llano Estacado Winery
Known as Texas' most award-winning winery. Most of the world-class grapes used by
the winery are grown within a 100-mile radius of Lubbock.
Cap*Rock Winery
The beautiful architecture makes Cap*Rock a favorite place for special events and
gatherings.
La Diosa Cellars
The eclectic atmosphere has a wonderful flow with the cultural decorations and bistro
menu.
McPherson Cellars Winery
Experience the welcoming beauty of the winery's tasting room, outdoor courtyard and
spacious event center.
Pheasant Ridge Winery
A family-owned, self-contained winery and vineyard that has a long and dedicated tradition
of producing fine, state-grown wines.