For Young Feds in Dallas , a Trip to Boom Town
There's always plenty to do in the thriving Federal City of Dallas ... but young Feds looking for a taste of Old West adventure might want to drive about three hours north of the city to explore a fascinating little place called Burkburnett.
Film buffs should be familiar with the strange-sounding named town... it was the setting for the 1940 cult classic Western "Boom Town" starring Clark Gable, Spencer Tracy and Claudette Colbert. The discovery of oil in 1912 and 1918 prompted its Boom Town status. Back then, 20 trains a day ran between Burkburnett and Wichita Falls.
Legend has it that the town was "won" in a poker game.
Where'd it get that strange name? Well, the town was named after Samuel Burk Burnett, who owned the 6666 Ranch. President Teddy Roosevelt was a guest of Mr. Burnett's during a 1904 wolf hunt. Roosevelt returned Burnett's gracious hospitality by pulling some strings with the Post Office-and got the town named "Burkburnett." You just knew there had to be a Fed connection to this road trip! Today, the locals simply call it "Burk."
There's plenty to explore, including the restored Katy Depot downtown and the Felty Outdoor Oil Museum. But the best attractions are the delightful story-telling guides, who take you on an unforgettable journey into the rich past of the area. These experienced storytellers will lead you on the trails of the famous Red River Valley and the land of the Wichita. And they'll regale you with tales of the wild, turbulent days when gushers led most of the West to believe that the town sat atop the richest pool of oil in history.
Tours are available by advance appointment and last two hours, including a video presentation. Before you go, log on to www.trailsandtales.org or call 888-569-2875 for more information about Burkburnett. We noticed on the site that the town sponsors a monthly "Beans & Cornbread" Day (October 27, November 24 and December 29)... any young Feds willing to check that out and report back to us? (Send us an email at afterhours@youngfeds.org)
To get to Burkburnett from Dallas, take Highway 114 West to U.S. Route 287 North and catch Interstate 44 East. Get off at Exit 11.
Happy Trails!
