State Slogan: A Great, Big Flat State
Nickname: The Yellow Rose of Texas, Helium Capital of the World, Rotor City USA
State Flower: Bluebonnet
Motto: Friendship
Amarillo is the fourteenth-largest city in the U.S. state of Texas and the county seat of Potter County. A portion of the city extends into Randall County. As of the 2000 U.S. Census, the city had a total population of 173,627 (though a July 1, 2005 estimate placed the city's population at 183,021). The Amarillo metropolitan area, however, has an estimated population of 236,113 in four counties.
The city was once self-proclaimed as the "Helium Capital of the World" for having one of the country's most productive helium fields. The city is also known as "The Yellow Rose of Texas" and most recently "Rotor City, USA" for its V-22 Osprey hybrid aircraft assembly plant. Amarillo operates one of the largest meat packing areas in the United States. Pantex, the only nuclear weapons assembly and disassembly facility in the country, is also a major employer. The attractions, Cadillac Ranch and Big Texan Steak Ranch, were located on old U.S. Route 66, which passes through the city. |