Our Town: Brownfield to celebrate 100 years
LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) - The seat of Terry County is celebrating its centennial this year. And down Highway 62, the community’s name may seem perfectly fitting ― but it wasn’t intended to be.
“The Brownfield name actually came from the first settlers, I believe his name was A.R. Brownfield, who settled here in the early 1900s,” Kelly Burris, Brownfield Assistance City Manager, said.
It was a humble beginning for what would become the seat of Terry County. One major reason for incorporation was to provide power for the rest of the region. That was in 1921.
“By 1923 the City of Brownfield had electricity,” Burris said.
While the power plant shutdown 80 years later, the city has grown to provide a different kind of juice.
“The grape and wine industry is getting bigger and we’re hopeful that keeps progressing,” Burris said.
There may be something special in the soil or water. Brownfield also produces some all-star athletes. Among them, famed Texas Tech Lady Raider Cheryl Swoopes and new head basketball coach Mark Adams.
“Also our basketball girls just made it to state and won this year,” Burris said. “It’s a great accomplishment for them, we’re so happy they worked so hard for that so its’ just another legacy that Brownfield gets to carry and we’re so lucky for that.”
The city will celebrate its centennial July 5, along with Independence Day. There will be live music and a park parade.
“The 100-year celebration for us is a huge accomplishment. we’re super excited, it’s a great milestone for the city, and we’re just excited for it,” Burris said.
The city will also put on a fireworks show for the first time in more than 20 years thanks to the rainfall in May.
Copyright 2021 KCBD. All rights reserved.