# Kilgore

> city in the state of Texas, United States

**Wikidata**: [Q973998](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q973998)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kilgore,_Texas)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kilgore

## Summary
Kilgore is a city located in the state of Texas, United States, specifically situated within Gregg and Rusk Counties. Founded in 1872 and incorporated in 1931, it is widely known as the "City of Stars" and the "Oil Capital of the World" due to its significant role in the Texas Oil Boom. As of 2024, the city has a population of 13,470 and serves as a college town and tourist destination in the Piney Woods region of East Texas.

## Key Facts
- **Classification**: City in the United States, specifically Texas; defined as a college town and tourist destination.
- **Location**: Situated in Gregg County and Rusk County, Texas, within the Piney Woods and East Texas regions. Geographic coordinates are 32.3856°N, 94.8686°W.
- **Area**: Total area is approximately 40.70 to 48.17 square kilometers; water comprises 0.2177% of the area.
- **Population**: 13,470 (2024 census); 13,376 (2020 census); 12,975 (2010 census).
- **Elevation**: 109 meters above sea level.
- **Founding**: Founded in 1872 by Malcolm Crim.
- **Incorporation**: Incorporated in February 1931.
- **Etymology**: Named after Constantine B. Kilgore or the Kilgore International & Great Northern-Missouri Pacific Railroad Station.
- **Time Zone**: Central Time Zone (UTC−06:00 standard; UTC−05:00 daylight saving).
- **Postal Code**: 75662 (75663 for PO Boxes).
- **Demonym**: Kilgoreites.
- **Climate**: Humid subtropical climate.

## FAQs
**Where is Kilgore located?**
Kilgore is located in the Piney Woods region of East Texas, spanning both Gregg and Rusk counties. It is part of the Longview metropolitan area and lies near the Sabine River, Lake Cherokee, and Lake Tyler.

**What is Kilgore's historical significance?**
Founded in 1872 by Malcolm Crim, Kilgore is historically significant for the Texas Oil Boom, earning it the nickname "Oil Capital of the World." It was formally incorporated in February 1931.

**What are the demographic and economic details of Kilgore?**
As of 2024, the city has a population of 13,470 with a median household income of $66,295. The population is nearly evenly split between males (6,756) and females (6,714).

**What government bodies and services operate in Kilgore?**
The city is governed by the Kilgore City Council, with Ronnie E. Spradlin III serving as Mayor since 2010. The city owns the Kilgore Public Library and Kilgore City Hall, and maintains archives at the City of Kilgore Archives.

## Why It Matters
Kilgore serves as a notable example of an American city defined by its natural resources and cultural heritage. Its identity as the "Oil Capital of the World" highlights its pivotal role in the petroleum industry, specifically the Texas Oil Boom. Culturally, it distinguishes itself as the home of the Rangerettes and maintains a unique branding as the "City of Stars" (Urbs Stellarum). The city’s evolution from a settlement of 300 people in 1880 to a modern college town with a diversified economy demonstrates significant regional development in East Texas.

## Notable For
- **The "City of Stars":** Known by its motto "Urbs Stellarum" and nicknames such as "Oil Capital of the World" and "Home of the Rangerettes."
- **Texas Oil Boom:** The city is a primary location for this significant historical event.
- **Rangerettes:** The city is the home of this famed dance team, noted in its nicknames and cultural imagery.
- **Twin City Relationship:** Maintains a twinned administrative body relationship with Rzhyshchiv.
- **Geographic Extremes:** Precise geographic boundaries are documented, from the northernmost point (32.4467604°N) to the southernmost (32.3532975°N).
- **Linguistic Diversity:** Officially recognizes English and Spanish, with demonyms ranging from Kilgoreites to Kilgoreño.

## Body

### History and Etymology
Kilgore was founded in 1872 by Malcolm Crim. The city's name is derived from either Constantine B. Kilgore or the Kilgore International & Great Northern-Missouri Pacific Railroad Station. The earliest written record dates to 1872. Originally much smaller, the settlement had a population of 300 by 1880. The city was officially incorporated in February 1931. It succeeded the settlement of Danville and contains the administrative territorial entity of Fredonia.

### Governance and Administration
The city operates under the authority of the City of Kilgore and is a member of the Texas Municipal League. The legislative body is the Kilgore City Council.
- **Mayoral History:**
  - Malcolm Crim (1931–1933)
  - Roy H. Laird (1933–1950)
  - Eugene C. Elder (1951–1957)
  - Liggett Nicholas Crim Sr. (1957–1961)
  - Ronnie E. Spradlin III (2010–Present)

The city maintains archives and owns the Kilgore Public Library and Kilgore City Hall.

### Geography and Climate
Kilgore is located in North America within the Piney Woods and East Texas regions. It spans Gregg and Rusk counties.
- **Coordinates:**
  - Center: 32.3990358°N, -94.8594545°W
  - Northernmost: 32.4467604°N
  - Southernmost: 32.3532975°N
  - Easternmost: 32.4061086°N, -94.7917678°W
  - Westernmost: 32.4214922°N, -94.9166268°W
- **Environment:** The city has a humid subtropical climate. It is located near the Sabine River, Lake Cherokee, and Lake Tyler. The total area is approximately 40.70 square kilometers (2010 data), with water making up 0.2177% of the surface.

### Demographics and Economy
The population has grown significantly since its founding:
- **1880:** 300
- **2010:** 12,975
- **2020:** 13,376
- **2024:** 13,470 (Male: 6,756; Female: 6,714)

There are approximately 5,060 households (2020). The economy has seen growth in median income, rising from $44,000 in 2010 to $66,295 in 2024. Per capita income was recorded as $25,528 for the 2016–2020 period. The UN/LOCODE for the city is USKGR.

### Culture and Identity
Kilgore has a distinct cultural identity characterized by multiple nicknames, including "K-Town," "El Dirty K," and "The City of Stars." It is officially recognized as a college town and a tourist destination.
- **Motto:** "City of Stars" (Urbs Stellarum).
- **Languages:** English and Spanish are used.
- **Demonym:** Residents are known as Kilgoreites, Kilgoreño, Kilgoreña, or Kilgoriensis.
- **Sister City:** Rzhyshchiv.

### Media and Digital Presence
The city maintains an active digital footprint.
- **Websites:** Official site is cityofkilgore.com.
- **Social Media:** Facebook (CityofKilgore), Instagram (visitkilgore), YouTube (cityofkilgore9033).
- **Identifiers:** The city is listed under various IDs including GNIS 1339101, GeoNames 4703199, and has a subreddit (r/KilgoreTexas).

### Transport and Infrastructure
Kilgore is accessible via local dialing codes 903 and 430. The postal code is 75662 (with 75663 for PO Boxes). The city's infrastructure supports its status as a tourist destination and college town.

## References

1. archINFORM
2. [The Independent](https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/checkout-time-at-the-last-motel-5370990.html)
3. [Source](https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-congratulates-kilgore-as-tourism-friendly-texas-certified-community#:~:text=“Tourism%20creates%20opportunity%2C%20drives%20economic,all%20we%20have%20to%20offer.”)
4. [Source](https://directory.tml.org/profile/city/1010)
5. [Source](https://scholarworks.sfasu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?params=/context/ethj/article/2801/&path_info=ETHJ_35_1_Article4.pdf)
6. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
7. MusicBrainz
8. 2010 U.S. Gazetteer Files
9. [2010 United States Census](https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?g=0100000US%241600000&y=2010&d=DEC%20Redistricting%20Data%20%28PL%2094-171%29)
10. [2020 United States Census](https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?t=Populations%20and%20People&g=0100000US,%241600000&y=2020)
11. [Source](https://data.census.gov/table/ACSDP5Y2024.DP05)
12. [Source](https://www.kilgore.edu/about-kilgore-college/history/#:~:text=C.M.%2520“Buck”%2520Kilgore%252C%2520whose,an%2520enrollment%2520of%2520125%2520students.)
13. [Source](https://www.up.com/aboutup/train_town/kilgore_tx/index.htm)
14. [Source](https://www.cityofkilgore.com/280/Report-A-Problem)
15. [2016–2020 American Community Survey](https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?d=ACS%205-Year%20Estimates%20Detailed%20Tables)
16. [Source](https://data.census.gov/table/ACSST5Y2019.S1101)
17. [Source](https://data.census.gov/table/ACSDP5Y2024.DP05?q=Kilgore+city,+Texas)
18. [Source](https://data.census.gov/table/ACSDP5Y2010.DP05?q=Kilgore+city,+Texas)
19. GeoNames
20. [Source](https://service.unece.org/trade/locode/us.htm)
21. 2016 U.S. Gazetteer Files
22. 2023 U.S. Gazetteer Files
23. [United States Census Bureau](https://data.census.gov/table/ACSST5Y2024.S1901)
24. [Source](https://data.census.gov/table/ACSST5Y2010.S1901?q=Kilgore+city,+Texas)
25. [Source](https://data.census.gov/table/ACSST5Y2010.S1901)
26. [archINFORM](https://www.archinform.net/service/wd_aiort.php)
27. [Source](https://maps.apple.com/place?auid=9707967609789916284&lsp=7618)
28. [2016–2020 American Community Survey](https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?t=Income%20and%20Poverty&g=0100000US,%241600000&tid=ACSST5Y2020.S1902)
29. [Source](https://www.cityofkilgore.com/153/About)
30. YouTube API