1. Amarillo, Texas - The City of Yellow Grass
Amarillo, Texas, was originally known as Oneida, but was renamed after the yellow grass that grows in the area. The grass, known as Amarillo, is a type of perennial bunchgrass native to the region, and is characterized by its bright yellow color. The city of Amarillo has embraced its namesake, and the Amarillo yellow grass can be seen growing in many of the city's parks and public spaces.
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Advertisement2. The Helium Capital of the World
Amarillo, Texas is known as the Helium capital of the world, and for good reason. This city is located within a 250 mile radius of the majority of the world's helium supply. This makes Amarillo a key player in the global helium market, and a major contributor to the world's helium supply.
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3. Home to the Grand Canyon of Texas
Amarillo, Texas is home to the second largest canyon in the United States - Palo Duro Canyon. Spanning 120 miles long and 20 miles wide, this canyon is a breathtaking sight to behold. It is the largest canyon within the state of Texas and is second only to the Grand Canyon in size. Palo Duro Canyon is a popular destination for hikers, campers, and sightseers alike, offering a variety of activities and stunning views.
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4. Amarillo, Texas: The Cattle Capital of the World
Amarillo, Texas is renowned for its long-standing record as America's cattle shipping capital. This is largely due to the abundance of large cattle ranches in the area, which span across the center of the state. The city is home to some of the largest ranches in the country, with some spanning over hundreds of thousands of acres. This has made Amarillo a major hub for the cattle industry, with thousands of cattle shipped out of the city each year.
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Advertisement5. Nuclear Weapons Assembly Plant in Amarillo
Amarillo, Texas is home to one of the largest nuclear weapons assembly plants in the United States. This sprawling facility covers over 1,000 acres and is responsible for the assembly, maintenance, and storage of nuclear weapons for the US military. It is one of the most secure sites in the country, with multiple layers of security and surveillance to ensure the safety of the weapons and personnel. The plant is a major employer in the area, providing jobs for hundreds of people in the Amarillo area.
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6. Amarillo - The Movie City
The city of Amarillo, Texas has been a popular filming location for many iconic movies, such as Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. The city's unique landscape, with its vast plains and rugged terrain, has provided the perfect backdrop for many of these films. In Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, the city was used to represent the Utah desert, and the surrounding area was used to depict the Middle East. The city has also been used in other films such as Thelma and Louise, No Country for Old Men, and The Alamo.
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7. Country Music's Amarillo Muse
Amarillo, Texas has been the muse of many country singers, inspiring them to write and sing songs about the city. From Willie Nelson's "Amarillo By Morning" to Toby Keith's "Amarillo Sky," the city has been immortalized in the lyrics of some of the most beloved country songs of all time. Other notable songs include "Amarillo Highway" by Terry Allen, "Amarillo Starlight" by George Strait, and "Amarillo" by Dean Dillon and Linda Hargrove. Amarillo's unique culture and landscape have been the source of inspiration for many of these songs, making it a beloved destination for country music fans.
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Advertisement8. The City of the Oprah Winfrey Case
The city of Amarillo, Texas, was the site of a highly publicized legal battle between the cattle industry and television personality Oprah Winfrey. The case, which began in 1998, saw the cattle industry suing Winfrey for alleged libel and defamation of their product. The case was eventually dismissed, but not before it had become a major news story and a symbol of the power of the media. The case was heard in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas in Amarillo, and the city was thrust into the national spotlight.
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9. Amarillo, Texas: Home of Country Music Star Lacey Brown
Amarillo, Texas is the proud home of country music star Lacey Brown. She has been a part of the music scene since her debut album in 2011, and has since released several chart-topping singles. Her music has been featured on the radio, in movies, and on television. She has also been nominated for several awards, including the Academy of Country Music Awards and the Country Music Association Awards. Amarillo is proud to have such a talented musician as a part of its community.
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10. 72-Ounce Steak Challenge - Amarillo's Bestkept Secret
Amarillo is home to the renowned Big Texan steakhouse, where they offer a unique challenge to their customers - if you can eat their 72 ounce steak dinner in less than an hour, it's free! The Big Texan is famous for this challenge, and it's a great way to experience the delicious steak dinner without breaking the bank.
