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Tyler has the nickname "Rose Capital of the World". It gained this name due to the large quantity of rose bushes processed through the area, along with hosting [[United States|America]]'s largest rose garden.
Tyler has the nickname "Rose Capital of the World". It gained this name due to the large quantity of rose bushes processed through the area, along with hosting [[United States|America]]'s largest rose garden.


In 1985, the international [[Adopt a Highway|Adopt-a-Highway]] movement originated in Tyler when, after appeals by local [[Texas Department of Transportation]] officials, the local [[Civitan]] chapter adopted a 2-mile (3-km) stretch of [[U.S. Highway 69 (Texas)|U.S. Highway 69]]. Tyler is also home to the [[Caldwell Zoo]] and [[Broadway Square Mall]].
In 1985, the international [[Adopt a Highway|Adopt-a-Highway]] movement originated in Tyler when, after appeals by local [[Texas Department of Transportation]] officials, the local [[Civitan]] chapter adopted a two-mile (3-km) stretch of [[U.S. Highway 69 (Texas)|U.S. Highway 69]]. Tyler is also home to the [[Caldwell Zoo]] and [[Broadway Square Mall]].


As a regional educational and technology center, Tyler is the host for more than 20,000 higher education students, a College of Engineering, and a University Health Science Center; two regional billion dollar hospital systems; and a variety of technology startups.
As a regional educational and technology center, Tyler is the host for more than 20,000 higher education students, a College of Engineering, and a University Health Science Center, two regional, billion-dollar hospital systems, and a variety of technology startups.


==Geography==
==Geography==
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Tyler is located at {{Coord|32.334249|-95.299927|region:US-TX_type:city|format=dms}} {{GR|1}} Elevation: {{convert|544|ft|m}}. Tyler is surrounded by many smaller cities including [[Whitehouse, Texas|Whitehouse]], [[Lindale, Texas|Lindale]], [[New Chapel Hill, Texas|New Chapel Hill]], [[Bullard, Texas|Bullard]], [[Edom, Texas|Edom]], [[Brownsboro, Texas|Brownsboro]], and [[Chandler, Texas|Chandler]].
Tyler is located at {{Coord|32.334249|-95.299927|region:US-TX_type:city|format=dms}} {{GR|1}} Elevation: {{convert|544|ft|m}}. Tyler is surrounded by many smaller cities, including [[Whitehouse, Texas|Whitehouse]], [[Lindale, Texas|Lindale]], [[New Chapel Hill, Texas|New Chapel Hill]], [[Bullard, Texas|Bullard]], [[Edom, Texas|Edom]], [[Brownsboro, Texas|Brownsboro]], and [[Chandler, Texas|Chandler]].


According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the city has a total area of 54.4 square miles (140.8 Square kilometres), of which, 54.2 square miles (140.5 km²) of it is land and 0.1 square miles (0.3 km²) of it is water.
According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the city has a total area of 54.4&nbsp;square miles (140.8&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup>), of which, 54.2&nbsp;mi<sup>2</sup> (140.5&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup>) of it is land and 0.1&nbsp;mi<sup>2</sup>(0.3&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup>²) of it is covered by water.


==Climate==
==Climate==
Tyler experiences weather typical of [[East Texas]], which is unpredictable, especially in the spring time. All of East Texas has the [[humid subtropical climate]] typical of the [[American South]].
Tyler experiences weather typical of [[East Texas]], which is unpredictable, especially in the spring. All of East Texas has the [[humid subtropical climate]] typical of the [[American South]].


The record high for Tyler is {{convert|115|°F|0|abbr=on}}, which occurred in 2011. The record low for Tyler is {{convert|-3|°F|0|abbr=on}}, which occurred on January 18, 1930.
The record high for Tyler is {{convert|115|°F|0|abbr=on}}, which occurred in 2011. The record low for Tyler is {{convert|-3|°F|0|abbr=on}}, which occurred on January 18, 1930.
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[[Image:Tyler, TX, City Hall IMG 0545.JPG|thumb|Tyler City Hall]]
[[Image:Tyler, TX, City Hall IMG 0545.JPG|thumb|Tyler City Hall]]


As of the [[2010 United States Census|2010 census]]{{GR|2}}, there were 109,000 people residing in the city. The [[population density]] was 1,782.0 people per square mile (688.0/km²). There were 41,742 housing units at an average density of 716.7 per square mile (276.7/km²). The racial makeup of the city was: 60.5% [[White American|White]], 24.8% [[Black]], 0.5% [[Native Americans in the United States|Indian]], 1.9% [[Asian American|Asian]], 0.03% [[Pacific Islander]], 10.3% from [[Race and ethnicity in the United States Census|other races]], and 2.0% from two or more races. 21.2% of the population were [[Hispanic]] or [[Latino (demonym)|Latino]] of any race.
As of the [[2010 United States Census|2010 census]]{{GR|2}}, 109,000 people resided in the city. The [[population density]] was 1,782.0 people per square mile (688.0/km²). The 41,742 housing units averaged a density of 716.7 per mi<sup>2</sup>(276.7/km²). The [[Race and ethnicity in the United States Census|racial makeup]] of the city was: 60.5% White, 24.8% Black, 0.5% Native American, 1.9% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 10.3% from other races, and 2.0% from two or more races. About 21.2% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.


==Government==
==Government==


===Local government===
===Local government===
According to the city’s most recent Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, the city’s various funds had $87.7 million in Revenues, $101.7 million in expenditures, $49.2 million in total assets, $12.3 million in total liabilities, and $17.6 million in cash in investments.<ref>[http://cityoftyler.org/Portals/0/docs/departments/accounting/CAFR%202007-2008.pdf City of Tyler CAFR]. Retrieved 2009-06-07.</ref>
According to the city’s most recent Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, the city’s various funds had $87.7 million in revenues, $101.7 million in expenditures, $49.2 million in total assets, $12.3 million in total liabilities, and $17.6 million in cash in investments.<ref>[http://cityoftyler.org/Portals/0/docs/departments/accounting/CAFR%202007-2008.pdf City of Tyler CAFR]. Retrieved 2009-06-07.</ref>


The structure of the management and coordination of city services is:<ref>http://cityoftyler.org/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=76</ref>
The structure of the management and coordination of city services is:<ref>http://cityoftyler.org/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=76</ref>
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Peter Eng, P.E.
Peter Eng, P.E.


The Northeast Texas Public Health District<ref>[http://www.healthyeasttx.org/ Northeast Texas Public Health District website]. Retrieved 2009-08-18.</ref> is a political subdivision under the State of Texas established by the City of Tyler and Smith County. In place for nearly 70 years, the Health District became a separate entity in 1994, with an administrative Public Health Board. With a stated vision "To be the Healthiest Community in Texas," the district has a full-time staff of over 130 employees. The Health District has a broad range of services and responsibilities dedicated to their Mission: "To Protect, Promote, and Provide for the Health of our Community."
The Northeast Texas Public Health District<ref>[http://www.healthyeasttx.org/ Northeast Texas Public Health District website]. Retrieved 2009-08-18.</ref> is a political subdivision under the State of Texas established by the City of Tyler and Smith County. In place for nearly 70 years, the Health District became a separate entity in 1994, with an administrative Public Health Board. With a stated vision "To be the Healthiest Community in Texas", the district has a full-time staff of over 130 employees. The Health District has a broad range of services and responsibilities dedicated to their mission: "To Protect, Promote, and Provide for the Health of Our Community."


===State government===
===State government===
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The [[Texas Courts of Appeals|Texas Twelfth Court of Appeals]] is located in Tyler.<ref>"[http://www.12thcoa.courts.state.tx.us/court/contact.asp Contact Information]." Twelfth Eleventh Court of Appeals. Retrieved on March 10, 2010.</ref>
The [[Texas Courts of Appeals|Texas Twelfth Court of Appeals]] is located in Tyler.<ref>"[http://www.12thcoa.courts.state.tx.us/court/contact.asp Contact Information]." Twelfth Eleventh Court of Appeals. Retrieved on March 10, 2010.</ref>


The [[Texas Department of Criminal Justice]] (TDCJ) operates the Region I Parole Division Office and the Tyler District Parole Office in Tyler.<ref>"[http://www.tdcj.state.tx.us/parole/parole-directory/paroledir-rgnldisparoff1.htm Parole Division Region I]." [[Texas Department of Criminal Justice]]. Retrieved on May 15, 2010.</ref>
The [[Texas Department of Criminal Justice]] operates the Region I Parole Division Office and the Tyler District Parole Office in Tyler.<ref>"[http://www.tdcj.state.tx.us/parole/parole-directory/paroledir-rgnldisparoff1.htm Parole Division Region I]." [[Texas Department of Criminal Justice]]. Retrieved on May 15, 2010.</ref>


===Federal government===
===Federal government===
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[[Image:John Tyler High School (Photo 2), Tyler, TX IMG 0554.JPG|thumb|John Tyler High School]]
[[Image:John Tyler High School (Photo 2), Tyler, TX IMG 0554.JPG|thumb|John Tyler High School]]


Public primary and secondary education for much of the city is provided by the [[Tyler Independent School District]], which includes two high schools, [[John Tyler High School|John Tyler]] and [[Robert E. Lee High School (Tyler, Texas)|Robert E. Lee]]; Premier High School of Tyler, a public charter school (Cumberland Academy); several Tyler schools offer [[IB Diploma Programme|International Baccalaureate]] and [[Advanced Placement Program|Advance Placement]] programs.
Public primary and secondary education for much of the city is provided by the [[Tyler Independent School District]], which includes two high schools, [[John Tyler High School|John Tyler]] and [[Robert E. Lee High School (Tyler, Texas)|Robert E. Lee]]; Premier High School of Tyler, a public charter school (Cumberland Academy); several Tyler schools offer [[IB Diploma Programme|international baccalaureate]] and [[Advanced Placement Program|advanced placement]] programs.


Portions of incorporated Tyler are served by surrounding school districts. These include sections of southeast Tyler by the [[Whitehouse Independent School District]], and some sections in the east which are served by the [[Chapel Hill Independent School District (Smith County, Texas)|Chapel Hill Independent School District]].
Portions of incorporated Tyler are served by surrounding school districts. These include sections of southeast Tyler by the [[Whitehouse Independent School District]], and some sections in the east which are served by the [[Chapel Hill Independent School District (Smith County, Texas)|Chapel Hill Independent School District]].
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[[Image:Tyler, TX, Chamber of Commerce office IMG 0543.JPG|thumb|right|Chamber of Commerce office in downtown Tyler]]
[[Image:Tyler, TX, Chamber of Commerce office IMG 0543.JPG|thumb|right|Chamber of Commerce office in downtown Tyler]]


In addition to its role in the rose-growing industry, Tyler is the headquarters for [[Brookshire Grocery Company]], which operates Brookshire's, Fresh and Super 1 Foods, and Ole! supermarkets in three states (Texas, Louisiana, and Arkansas). The company's main distribution center is located in south Tyler, while SouthWest Foods, a subsidiary that produces dairy products, is located just north-east of the city. Adams Engineering has also made its headquarters in Tyler.
In addition to its role in the rose-growing industry, Tyler is the headquarters for [[Brookshire Grocery Company]], which operates Brookshire's, Fresh and Super 1 Foods, and Ole! supermarkets in three states (Texas, Louisiana, and Arkansas). The company's main distribution center is located in south Tyler, while SouthWest Foods, a subsidiary that produces dairy products, is located just northeast of the city. Adams Engineering has also made its headquarters in Tyler.


The manufacturing sector includes:
The manufacturing sector includes:
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* [[Trane]], a business of [[Ingersoll-Rand]], formerly a unit of [[American Standard Companies]], which manufactures [[air conditioning|air conditioners]] and [[heat pump]]s (this plant was originally built in 1955 by [[General Electric]])
* [[Trane]], a business of [[Ingersoll-Rand]], formerly a unit of [[American Standard Companies]], which manufactures [[air conditioning|air conditioners]] and [[heat pump]]s (this plant was originally built in 1955 by [[General Electric]])
* [[Carrier Corporation|Carrier]], which manufactures [[air conditioning|air conditioners]]
* [[Carrier Corporation|Carrier]], which manufactures [[air conditioning|air conditioners]]
* [[Delek|Delek Refining]], an [[Israel]]i-owned oil refinery formerly dba La Gloria Oil and Gas Co (a Crown Central Petroleum subsidiary).
* [[Delek|Delek Refining]], an [[Israel]]i-owned oil refinery formerly La Gloria Oil and Gas Co (a Crown Central Petroleum subsidiary)
* Ferguson Beauregard, an operating company of [[Dover Corporation]] that specializes in equipment for the measurement and production of natural gas using the plunger lift method.
* Ferguson Beauregard, an operating company of [[Dover Corporation]] that specializes in equipment for the measurement and production of natural gas using the plunger lift method
* DYNAenergetics Tyler Distribution Center, part of [http://www.dynaenergetics.com DYNAenergetics USA], which manufactures perforating equipment and explosives for the oil and gas industry.
* DYNAenergetics Tyler Distribution Center, part of [http://www.dynaenergetics.com DYNAenergetics USA], which manufactures perforating equipment and explosives for the oil and gas industry
* Vesuvius USA, manufacturer of [[refractory]] ceramics used in the steel industry.
* Vesuvius USA, manufacturer of [[refractory]] ceramics used in the steel industry
*Cavender's Boot City, a large regional western wear retailer and manufacturer.
*Cavender's Boot City, a large regional western wear retailer and manufacturer


Also produced in Tyler are John Soules Foods' fajita and other meat products, Greenberg's Smoked Turkeys, Distant Lands Coffee Roasters coffee, Tyler Candle Co. jar candles, Tyler Products, and a variety of small high-tech businesses including Synthesizers.com, F3 Technology Solutions, Wood Networks, Group M7, CBI, Power-Up, and Arrick Robotics.
Also produced in Tyler are John Soules Foods' fajita and other meat products, Greenberg's smoked turkeys, Distant Lands Coffee Roasters coffee, Tyler Candle Co. jar candles, Tyler Products, and a variety of small, high-tech businesses, including Synthesizers.com, F3 Technology Solutions, Wood Networks, Group M7, CBI, Power-Up, and Arrick Robotics.


Tyler is also a major medical center which serves the city as well as the surrounding East Texas area.
Tyler is also a major medical center which serves the city, as well as the surrounding East Texas area.


According to the City's 2008 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report,<ref>[http://www.cityoftyler.org/Portals/0/docs/Departments/Finance%20Department/CAFR%202007-2008.pdf City of Tyler 2008 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, p. 152]. Retrieved 2009-06-24.</ref> the top ten employers in the city are:
According to the City's 2008 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report,<ref>[http://www.cityoftyler.org/Portals/0/docs/Departments/Finance%20Department/CAFR%202007-2008.pdf City of Tyler 2008 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, p. 152]. Retrieved 2009-06-24.</ref> the top ten employers in the city are:
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==Recreation and tourism==
==Recreation and tourism==


Annually, the [[Texas Rose Festival]] draws thousands of tourists to Tyler.<ref>[http://www.texasrosefestival.com/festival/now.htm Until Now]{{dead link|date=December 2012}}</ref> The festival, which celebrates the role of the rose-growing industry in the local economy, is held in October and features a parade, the coronation of the Rose Queen, and other civic events. There is also a [[Rose Museum]] featuring the history of the Festival. Tyler is home to [[Caldwell Zoo]], several local museums, Lake Palestine, Lake Tyler, and numerous golf courses and country clubs.<ref>{{cite journal | title = It's Tee Time in Tyler | last = Navarro | first = Edward | journal = Images of Tyler | volume = 1 | page = 57 | publisher = Journal Communications, Inc. | year = 2006 }}</ref> A few miles away in Flint, TX is The WaterPark @ The Villages, a year-round, indoor water park. There is also an "Azalea Trail" in Tyler, which are 2 officially designated routes within the city that showcase homes or other landscaped venues adorned with [[azalea]] shrubs.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tylerazaleatrail.com/faqs.htm |title=Frequently Asked Questions |publisher=Tyler Azalea Trail |date= |accessdate=2012-12-11}}</ref> [[Tyler State Park (Texas)|Tyler State Park]] is a few miles away where visitors can camp, canoe, and paddle boat on the lake. Activities include picnicking; camping; boating (motors allowed - 5&nbsp;mph speed limit); boat rentals; fishing; birding; hiking; mountain biking and hiking trails; lake swimming (in unsupervised swimming area); and nature study. The Smith County Historical Society operates a museum and archives in the old Carnegie Library.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.smithcountyhistoricalsociety.org |title=Smith County Historical Society |publisher=Smith County Historical Society |date= |accessdate=2012-12-11}}</ref>
Annually, the [[Texas Rose Festival]] draws thousands of tourists to Tyler.<ref>[http://www.texasrosefestival.com/festival/now.htm Until Now]{{dead link|date=December 2012}}</ref> The festival, which celebrates the role of the rose-growing industry in the local economy, is held in October and features a parade, the coronation of the Rose Queen, and other civic events. The [[Rose Museum]] features the history of the Festival. Tyler is home to [[Caldwell Zoo]], several local museums, Lake Palestine, Lake Tyler, and numerous golf courses and country clubs.<ref>{{cite journal | title = It's Tee Time in Tyler | last = Navarro | first = Edward | journal = Images of Tyler | volume = 1 | page = 57 | publisher = Journal Communications, Inc. | year = 2006 }}</ref> A few miles away in Flint, TX is The WaterPark @ The Villages, a year-round, indoor water park. There is also an "Azalea Trail" in Tyler, which are two officially designated routes within the city that showcase homes or other landscaped venues adorned with [[azalea]] shrubs.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tylerazaleatrail.com/faqs.htm |title=Frequently Asked Questions |publisher=Tyler Azalea Trail |date= |accessdate=2012-12-11}}</ref> [[Tyler State Park (Texas)|Tyler State Park]] is a few miles away where visitors can camp, canoe, and paddle boat on the lake. Activities include picnicking; camping; boating (motors allowed - 5&nbsp;mph speed limit); boat rentals; fishing; birding; hiking; mountain biking and hiking trails; lake swimming (in unsupervised swimming area); and nature study. The Smith County Historical Society operates a museum and archives in the old Carnegie Library.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.smithcountyhistoricalsociety.org |title=Smith County Historical Society |publisher=Smith County Historical Society |date= |accessdate=2012-12-11}}</ref>
The [[East Texas State Fair]] is held annually in Tyler.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.etstatefair.com/ |title=East Texas State Fair |publisher=Etstatefair.com |date= |accessdate=2012-12-11}}</ref>
The [[East Texas State Fair]] is held annually in Tyler.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.etstatefair.com/ |title=East Texas State Fair |publisher=Etstatefair.com |date= |accessdate=2012-12-11}}</ref>
Lake Tyler was the location of the [[HGTV Dream Home]] contest in 2005. The 6,500 square feet (600 m²) house briefly boosted tourism and interest in the community. It subsequently was sold at [[public auction]] in January, 2008, for 1.325 million dollars.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kltv.com/Global/story.asp?S=7615650 |title= HGTV Dream Home Sold, $1.325 Million |publisher=Kltv.com |date= |accessdate=2012-12-11}}</ref>
Lake Tyler was the location of the [[HGTV Dream Home]] contest in 2005. The 6,500 square feet (600 m²) house briefly boosted tourism and interest in the community. It subsequently was sold at [[public auction]] in January, 2008, for 1.325 million dollars.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kltv.com/Global/story.asp?S=7615650 |title= HGTV Dream Home Sold, $1.325 Million |publisher=Kltv.com |date= |accessdate=2012-12-11}}</ref>
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[[Image:Smith County Historical Society, Tyler, TX IMG 0498.JPG|thumb|right|The Smith County Historical Society building is located across the street from the Tyler Public Library.]]
[[Image:Smith County Historical Society, Tyler, TX IMG 0498.JPG|thumb|right|The Smith County Historical Society building is located across the street from the Tyler Public Library.]]


Tyler has a [[Cotton Belt Railroad]] Depot Museum located near the [[Chamber of Commerce]] office.
Tyler has a [[Cotton Belt Railroad]] Depot Museum located near the Chamber of Commerce office.


The Smith County Historical Society, a [[501(c)(3)]] [[non-profit organization]], was founded in 1959 by individuals and business firms dedicated to discovering, collecting and preserving data, records and other items relating to the history of Smith County, Texas. The Society operates a museum and archives, which is located in the former [[Carnegie Public Library (Tyler, Texas)|Carnegie Public Library]] building in downtown Tyler. Permanent museum exhibits include life-size dioramas with Smith County history topics ranging from Caddo Indians to the Twentieth Century. Other items from the Society's collections are showcased in revolving, temporary exhibits. The Society's archival library contains historical artifacts of Smith County, including newspapers, city directories, school records, photographs, maps, historical papers, rare books and much more. The archives are open to the public for research on a limited schedule with volunteer staff on duty. The Society is also the official caretaker of Camp Ford Historic Park.
The Smith County Historical Society, a [[501(c)(3)]] [[non-profit organization]], was founded in 1959 by individuals and business firms dedicated to discovering, collecting, and preserving data, records, and other items relating to the history of Smith County, Texas. The Society operates a museum and archives, which is located in the former [[Carnegie Public Library (Tyler, Texas)|Carnegie Public Library]] building in downtown Tyler. Permanent museum exhibits include life-size dioramas with Smith County history topics ranging from Caddo Indians to the 20th century. Other items from the society's collections are showcased in revolving, temporary exhibits. The society's archival library contains historical artifacts of Smith County, including newspapers, city directories, school records, photographs, maps, historical papers, rare books, and much more. The archives are open to the public for research on a limited schedule with volunteer staff on duty. The society is also the official caretaker of Camp Ford Historic Park.


[[Camp Ford]] was the largest [[Confederate States of America|Confederate]] [[Prisoner of War]] camp west of the [[Mississippi River]] during the [[American Civil War]]. The original site of the camp stockade is a public historic park managed by the Smith County Historical Society. The park contains a kiosk, paved trail, interpretive signage, a cabin reconstruction, and a picnic area. It is located on Highway 271, {{convert|0.8|mi|km}} north of Loop 323.
[[Camp Ford]] was the largest [[Confederate States of America|Confederate]] [[Prisoner of War]] camp west of the [[Mississippi River]] during the [[American Civil War]]. The original site of the camp stockade is a public historic park managed by the Smith County Historical Society. The park contains a kiosk, paved trail, interpretive signage, a cabin reconstruction, and a picnic area. It is located on Highway 271, {{convert|0.8|mi|km}} north of Loop 323.
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==Transportation==
==Transportation==
[[File:TylerPRAirport.jpg|thumb|right|Aerial photo of Tyler Pounds Regional Airport in Tyler, Texas, shot by [http://www.butlerplanningservices.com Butler Planning Services] on 9/9/2005.]]
[[File:TylerPRAirport.jpg|thumb|right|Aerial photo of Tyler Pounds Regional Airport in Tyler, Texas, shot by [http://www.butlerplanningservices.com Butler Planning Services] on 9/9/2005.]]
As with much of modern America, the automobile is the most common form of transportation. Tyler is a nexus of several major highways. [[Interstate 20 (Texas)|Interstate 20]] runs along the north edge of the city going east and west, [[U.S. Highway 69 (Texas)|U.S. Highway 69]] runs north-south through the center of town and [[Texas State Highway 64|State Highway 64]] runs east-west through the city. Tyler also has access to [[U.S. Highway 271 (Texas)|U.S. Highway 271]], [[Texas State Highway 31|State Highway 31]], [[Texas State Highway 155|State Highway 155]], and [[Texas State Highway 110|State Highway 110]]. [[Texas State Highway Loop 323|Loop 323]] was established in 1957 and originally encircled the city, which has continued to grow outside of this loop. [[Texas State Highway Loop 49|Loop 49]] was designed to be an "outer loop" around the city and currently runs from [[Texas State Highway 110|State Highway 110]] to [[Interstate 20 (Texas)|Interstate 20]] west of Tyler. Future segments will extend Loop 49 to Interstate 20 east of Tyler and to other East Texas cities.
As with much of modern America, the automobile is the most common form of transportation. Tyler is a nexus of several major highways. [[Interstate 20 (Texas)|Interstate 20]] runs along the north edge of the city going east and west, [[U.S. Highway 69 (Texas)|U.S. Highway 69]] runs north-south through the center of town and [[Texas State Highway 64|State Highway 64]] runs east-west through the city. Tyler also has access to [[U.S. Highway 271 (Texas)|U.S. Highway 271]], [[Texas State Highway 31|State Highway 31]], [[Texas State Highway 155|State Highway 155]], and [[Texas State Highway 110|State Highway 110]]. [[Texas State Highway Loop 323|Loop 323]] was established in 1957 and originally encircled the city, which has continued to grow outside of this loop. [[Texas State Highway Loop 49|Loop 49]] was designed to be an "outer loop" around the city and currently runs from State Highway 110 to Interstate 20 west of Tyler. Future segments will extend Loop 49 to Interstate 20 east of Tyler and to other East Texas cities.


===Public transportation===
===Public transportation===
Tyler Transit provides customers with safe, dependable, efficient public transportation service within the City of Tyler. The buses run daily, excluding Sundays and holidays. Tyler Transit offers customers the option to purchase tickets, tokens, and passes at the Tyler Transit office. The Tyler Transit office is located at 210 E. Oakwood Street inside the [[Cotton Belt Railroad]] Depot at the main transfer point. The City of Tyler paratransit service is a shared ride, public transportation service. Requests for service must be made the day before the service is needed. Trips can be scheduled up to 14 days in advance. ADA complimentary paratransit service
Tyler Transit provides customers with public transportation service within the City of Tyler. The buses run daily, excluding Sundays and holidays. Tyler Transit offers customers the option to purchase tickets, tokens, or passes at the Tyler Transit office, located at 210 E. Oakwood Street inside the [[Cotton Belt Railroad]] Depot at the main transfer point. The City of Tyler paratransit service is a shared-ride, public transportation service. Requests for service must be made the day before the service is needed. Trips can be scheduled up to 14 days in advance. ADA complimentary paratransit service is provided to all origins and destinations within the service area defined as the city limits of Tyler.
is provided to all origins and destinations within the service area defined as the City limits of Tyler.
<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cityoftyler.org/Departments/TylerTransit.aspx |title=Tyler Transit |publisher=Cityoftyler.org |date= |accessdate=2012-12-11}}</ref> [[Greyhound Lines]] bus service is available through a downtown terminal.
<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cityoftyler.org/Departments/TylerTransit.aspx |title=Tyler Transit |publisher=Cityoftyler.org |date= |accessdate=2012-12-11}}</ref> [[Greyhound Lines]] bus service is available through a downtown terminal.


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===Via train===
===Via train===
Tyler was the hub for a series of short-line [[Rail transport|railroad]]s which later evolved into the [[St. Louis Southwestern Railway]], better known as "The Cotton Belt Route." This line later became part of the [[Southern Pacific Railroad]], which itself merged with the [[Union Pacific Railroad]], which continues to serve the city today. There has been no passenger train service to Tyler since April 1956, but Amtrak runs through the city of [[Mineola, Texas|Mineola]], a short distance north of Tyler.
Tyler was the hub for a series of short-line [[Rail transport|railroad]]s which later evolved into the [[St. Louis Southwestern Railway]], better known as "The Cotton Belt Route". This line later became part of the [[Southern Pacific Railroad]], which itself merged with the [[Union Pacific Railroad]], which continues to serve the city today. No passenger train service to Tyler has occurred since April 1956, but Amtrak runs through the city of [[Mineola, Texas|Mineola]], a short distance north of Tyler.


===Walkability===
===Walkability===
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==Healthcare==
==Healthcare==
Hospitals located in Tyler include East Texas Medical Center, [[Trinity Mother Frances Health System]], [[University of Texas Health Center at Tyler]], and Texas Spine & Joint Hospital. There are also many clinics including the Direct Care Clinic. Tyler serves as a major medical center for communities throughout East Texas.{{Citation needed|date=February 2009}}
Hospitals located in Tyler include East Texas Medical Center, [[Trinity Mother Frances Health System]], [[University of Texas Health Center at Tyler]], and Texas Spine & Joint Hospital. There are also many clinics including the Direct Care Clinic.


[[Image:First Baptist Church, Tyler, TX IMG 0523.JPG|right|thumb|First [[Baptist]] Church in downtown Tyler]]
[[Image:First Baptist Church, Tyler, TX IMG 0523.JPG|right|thumb|First [[Baptist]] Church in downtown Tyler]]
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==Media==
==Media==
There are currently 18 media outlets and one newspaper located in Tyler, as well as many more in the surrounding areas.
Currently, 18 media outlets and one newspaper are located in Tyler, as well as many more in the surrounding areas.


===Newspaper===
===Newspaper===
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==Sports==
==Sports==


===College & University teams===
===College and university teams===
* [[University of Texas at Tyler|University of Texas at Tyler Patriots]] (NCAA)
* [[University of Texas at Tyler|University of Texas at Tyler Patriots]] (NCAA)
* [[Tyler Junior College|Tyler Junior College Apaches]] (NJCAA)
* [[Tyler Junior College|Tyler Junior College Apaches]] (NJCAA)


===Baseball teams===
===Baseball teams===
* ''Tyler Elbertas'' (1912)
* Tyler Elbertas (1912)
* ''Tyler Trojans'' (1924–1929, 1931, 1935–1940, 1946–1950)
* Tyler Trojans (1924–1929, 1931, 1935–1940, 1946–1950)
* ''Tyler Sports'' (1932)
* Tyler Sports (1932)
* ''Tyler Governors'' (1933–1934)
* Tyler Governors (1933–1934)
* ''Tyler East Texans'' (1950–1953)
* Tyler East Texans (1950–1953)
* ''Tyler Tigers'' (1954–1955)
* Tyler Tigers (1954–1955)
* ''Tyler Wildcatters'' (1994–1997)
* Tyler Wildcatters (1994–1997)
* ''Tyler Roughnecks'' (2001)
* Tyler Roughnecks (2001)


===Football===
===Football===
* '''East Texas Twisters ''' (2004)
* East Texas Twisters (2004)


==High school sports teams==
==High school sports teams==
Line 525: Line 524:
</ref>
</ref>
* The Supreme Court case [[Plyler v. Doe]], which prohibited denying schooling to immigrant children, originated in the [[Tyler Independent School District]].
* The Supreme Court case [[Plyler v. Doe]], which prohibited denying schooling to immigrant children, originated in the [[Tyler Independent School District]].
* Robert E. Mead founded what later became known as [[Silverleaf Resorts]] in Tyler, TX in 1977.
* Robert E. Mead founded what later became known as [[Silverleaf Resorts]] in Tyler in 1977.


==Notable citizens==
==Notable citizens==
Line 531: Line 530:


=== Entertainment ===
=== Entertainment ===
*[[Sandy Duncan]] - Actress, raised in Tyler (1946-)
*[[Sandy Duncan]] - actress, raised in Tyler (1946- )
*[[Alex Finlayson]] - Playwright (1951-)
*[[Alex Finlayson]] - playwright (1951- )
*[[Kiki Shepard]] - Television host (1951-)
*[[Kiki Shepard]] - television host (1951- )
*[[Dooley Wilson|Arthur "Dooley" Wilson]] - Musician and actor ([[Casablanca (film)|''Casablanca]]) (1886-1953)
*[[Dooley Wilson|Arthur "Dooley" Wilson]] - musician and actor ([[Casablanca (film)|''Casablanca]]) (1886-1953)


===Athletes===
===Athletes===
* [[Gary Baxter]] - NFL defensive back (1978-)
* [[Gary Baxter]] - NFL defensive back (1978- )
* [[Ciron Black]] - College football right tackle (1986-)
* [[Ciron Black]] - college football right tackle (1986- )
* [[Jeb Blount]] - NFL quarterback (1954-)
* [[Jeb Blount]] - NFL quarterback (1954- )
* [[Earl Campbell]] - NFL running back (1955-)
* [[Earl Campbell]] - NFL running back (1955- )
* [[Chris Carter (defensive back)|Chris Carter]] - NFL defensive back (1977-)
* [[Chris Carter (defensive back)|Chris Carter]] - NFL defensive back (1977- )
* [[Fredrick D. Coleman]] - NFL player
* [[Fredrick D. Coleman]] - NFL player
* [[Tim Crowder]] - NFL defensive end (1985-)
* [[Tim Crowder]] - NFL defensive end (1985- )
* [[Matt Flynn]] - NFL quarterback (1985-)
* [[Matt Flynn]] - NFL quarterback (1985- )
* [[Hunter Freeman]] - [[Major League Soccer]] defender/midfielder (1985-)
* [[Hunter Freeman]] - [[Major League Soccer]] defender/midfielder (1985- )
* [[Randy Grimes]] - [[National Football League|NFL]] center (1960)
* [[Randy Grimes]] - [[National Football League|NFL]] center (1960)
* [[Daniel Hernández (soccer)|Daniel Hernández]] - [[Major League Soccer]] defender/midfielder (1976-)
* [[Daniel Hernández (soccer)|Daniel Hernández]] - [[Major League Soccer]] defender/midfielder (1976- )
* [[Clarence Huber]] - [[Major League Baseball|MLB]] third baseman
* [[Clarence Huber]] - [[Major League Baseball|MLB]] third baseman
* [[Kendall Hunter]] - [[National Football League|NFL]] running back (1988-)
* [[Kendall Hunter]] - [[National Football League|NFL]] running back (1988- )
* [[Larry Johnson (basketball, born 1969)|Larry Johnson]] - [[National Basketball Association|NBA]] forward (1969-)
* [[Larry Johnson (basketball, born 1969)|Larry Johnson]] - [[National Basketball Association|NBA]] forward (1969- )
* [[Billie Wayne Lemons]] - [[National Football League|NFL]] player (1955-2008)
* [[Billie Wayne Lemons]] - [[National Football League|NFL]] player (1955-2008)
* [[Tremain Mack]] - [[National Football League|NFL]] kick returner (1974-)
* [[Tremain Mack]] - [[National Football League|NFL]] kick returner (1974- )
* [[Benny Malone]] - NFL running back (1952-)
* [[Benny Malone]] - NFL running back (1952- )
* [[Johnny Manziel]] - College football quarterback (1992-)
* [[Johnny Manziel]] - College football quarterback (1992- )
* [[Jerry Mumphrey]] - [[Major League Baseball|MLB]] outfielder (1952-)
* [[Jerry Mumphrey]] - MLB outfielder (1952- )
* [[Terrence Murphy]] - [[National Football League|NFL]] wide receiver
* [[Terrence Murphy]] - NFL wide receiver
* [[Brandon Pettigrew]] - [[National Football League|NFL]] tight end (1985-)
* [[Brandon Pettigrew]] - NFL tight end (1985- )
* [[Archie Reynolds]] - [[Major League Baseball|MLB]] pitcher, raised in Tyler (1946-)
* [[Archie Reynolds]] - ML] pitcher, raised in Tyler (1946- )
* [[Derrell Robertson]] - [[Canadian Football League]] player (1967-1994)
* [[Derrell Robertson]] - [[Canadian Football League]] player (1967-1994)
* [[Aaron Ross (American football)|Aaron Ross]] - [[National Football League|NFL]] cornerback, schooled in Tyler (1982)
* [[Aaron Ross (American football)|Aaron Ross]] - NFL cornerback, schooled in Tyler (1982)
* [[Louis Santop]] - [[Negro league baseball|Negro League]] catcher
* [[Louis Santop]] - [[Negro league baseball|Negro League]] catcher
* [[Robert Taylor (athlete)|Robert Taylor]] - Olympic runner (1948-)
* [[Robert Taylor (athlete)|Robert Taylor]] - Olympic runner (1948-
* [[Josh Tomlin]] - [[Major League Baseball|MLB]] pitcher (1984-)
* [[Josh Tomlin]] - MLB pitcher (1984- )
* [[Lee Tunnell]] - [[Major League Baseball|MLB]] pitcher (1960-)
* [[Lee Tunnell]] - MLB pitcher (1960- )
* [[Morgan Wade]] - BMX professional (1983-)
* [[Morgan Wade]] - BMX professional (1983- )
* [[Branch Warren]] - Bodybuilder
* [[Branch Warren]] - bodybuilder
* [[Doug Wyatt]] - [[National Football League|NFL]] defensive back (1946-)
* [[Doug Wyatt]] - NFL defensive back (1946- )
* [[Quincy Acy]] - [[National Basketball Association|NBA]] Power forward - Toronto Raptors
* [[Quincy Acy]] - [[National Basketball Association|NBA]] power forward - Toronto Raptors


===Musicians===
===Musicians===
*[[Paul Baloche]] - contemporary worship music singer/songwriter
*[[Paul Baloche]] - contemporary worship music singer/songwriter
*[[Max Bemis]] - lead singer of rock band [[Say Anything (band)|Say Anything]], who is also married to [[Sherri DuPree]] of [[Eisley]].<ref name=bemis>{{cite web | url=http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=2296310&blogId=490202116 | title=An Update From Max |publisher=blogs.myspace.com/sayanything | date=2009-05-20 | accessdate=2009-05-21}}</ref>
*[[Max Bemis]] - lead singer of rock band [[Say Anything (band)|Say Anything]], who is also married to [[Sherri DuPree]] of [[Eisley]]<ref name=bemis>{{cite web | url=http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=2296310&blogId=490202116 | title=An Update From Max |publisher=blogs.myspace.com/sayanything | date=2009-05-20 | accessdate=2009-05-21}}</ref>
*[[Richard Dobson]] - singer/songwriter
*[[Richard Dobson]] - singer/songwriter
*[[Eisley]] - [[independent music|indie]] band comprising Chauntelle, Sherri, Stacy, Weston and Garron DuPree.
*[[Eisley]] - [[independent music|indie]] band comprising Chauntelle, Sherri, Stacy, Weston, and Garron DuPree
*[[Teron Beal]] - Songwriter [[Michael Jackson]]. [[Bonnie Raitt]], [[Mýa|Mya]]
*[[Teron Beal]] - Songwriter [[Michael Jackson]]. [[Bonnie Raitt]], [[Mýa|Mya]]
*[[Element Eighty]] - [[alternative metal]] band comprising Zack Bates, Ryan Carroll, David Galloway and Matt Woods.
*[[Element Eighty]] - [[alternative metal]] band comprising Zack Bates, Ryan Carroll, David Galloway, and Matt Woods
*[[Johnny Gimble]] - Award-winning fiddle player associated with Western Swing and Bob Wills.
*[[Johnny Gimble]] - award-winning fiddle player associated with Western Swing and Bob Wills
*[[Brandon Beal]] - singer/songwriter/producer [[Snoop Dogg]], [[Flo Rida]], [[Juelz Santana]]
*[[Brandon Beal]] - singer/songwriter/producer <!-- [[Snoop Dogg]], [[Flo Rida]], [[Juelz Santana]]-->
*[[Shaun Groves]] - Christian-rock singer/songwriter
*[[Shaun Groves]] - Christian-rock singer/songwriter
*[[Johnny Horton]] - country singer
*[[Johnny Horton]] - country singer
*[[Gospel Keynotes]] - Gospel Quartet
*[[Gospel Keynotes]] - Gospel quartet
*[[Will Jennings]] - songwriter
*[[Will Jennings]] - songwriter
*[[Ralph Kirshbaum]] - world famous classical celllist
*[[Ralph Kirshbaum]] - world-famous classical celllist
*[[Adrian Taylor]] - Bassist, Guitarist
*[[Adrian Taylor]] - bassist, guitarist
*[[Mouse and the Traps]] - 1960s [[Garage rock]] band comprising [[Buggs Henderson]], [[Ken Murray (musician)|Ken Murray]], [[David S. Stanley]] and [[Ronnie "Mouse" Weiss]].
*[[Mouse and the Traps]] - 1960s [[Garage Rock]] band comprising Buggs Henderson, Ken Murray, David S. Stanley, and Ronnie "Mouse" Weiss
*[[Ivoryline]] - alternative band
*[[Ivoryline]] - alternative band


===Others===
===Others===
*[[John E. Barrett]] - photographer (world-renown images of [[Jim Henson]] and his [[Muppets]]; [[National Lampoon, Inc.|National Lampoon]] poster Are You A [[Nerd]]?)
*[[John E. Barrett]] - photographer (world-renowned images of [[Jim Henson]] and his [[Muppets]]; [[National Lampoon, Inc.|National Lampoon]] poster "Are You A [[Nerd]]?")
*[[Jere Locke Beasley]] - born December 12, 1935, in Tyler. He was the 22nd [[Lieutenant Governor of Alabama]] when [[governor of Alabama|Governor]] [[George Wallace|George Corley Wallace]] was shot and severely injured in an assassination attempt in [[Laurel, Maryland]], on May 15, 1972. Since Wallace was out-of-state for more than twenty days, recovering in a Maryland hospital, the Alabama Constitution required that the lieutenant governor take over gubernatorial duties in the interim. Beasley, a [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democrat]], hence served as the acting governor of Alabama from June 5 to July 7, 1972.
*[[Jere Locke Beasley]] - born December 12, 1935, in Tyler, he was the 22nd [[Lieutenant Governor of Alabama]] when [[governor of Alabama|Governor]] [[George Wallace|George Corley Wallace]] was shot and severely injured in an assassination attempt in [[Laurel, Maryland]], on May 15, 1972. Since Wallace was out-of-state for more than 20 days, recovering in a Maryland hospital, the Alabama Constitution required the lieutenant governor to take over gubernatorial duties in the interim. Beasley, a [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democrat]], hence served as the acting governor of Alabama from June 5 to July 7, 1972.
*[[Leo Berman]] - District 6 member of the [[Texas House of Representatives]] since 1999
*[[Leo Berman]] - District 6 member of the [[Texas House of Representatives]] since 1999
*[[Josh Byerly]] - [[NASA]] spokesman and one of the "voices of Mission Control"
*[[Josh Byerly]] - [[NASA]] spokesman and one of the "voices of Mission Control"
Line 597: Line 596:
*[[Kevin Eltife]] - member of the [[Texas Senate]]
*[[Kevin Eltife]] - member of the [[Texas Senate]]
*[[Jonna Fitzgerald]] - former Miss Texas, runner-up in [[Miss America]] pageant, television news anchor, noted musician
*[[Jonna Fitzgerald]] - former Miss Texas, runner-up in [[Miss America]] pageant, television news anchor, noted musician
*[[Brady P. Gentry]] - former Chairman Texas State Highway Commission; former US Congressman; Gymnasium at Tyler Junior College named after him
*[[Brady P. Gentry]] - former Chairman Texas State Highway Commission; former US Congressman; the gymnasium at Tyler Junior College named after him
*[[Louie Gohmert]] - [[United States House of Representatives|U.S. representative]] and former Smith County judge
*[[Louie Gohmert]] - [[United States House of Representatives|U.S. representative]] and former Smith County judge
*[[William Wayne Justice]] - Federal District Court Judge in Tyler for 30 years - made countless key decisions on environment and civil rights
*[[William Wayne Justice]] - Federal District Court Judge in Tyler for 30 years - made countless key decisions on environment and civil rights
*[[Sarah McClendon]] - [[Journalist]] and [[White House]] correspondent for over half a century, longest tenure ever in the [[White House press corps]]
*[[Sarah McClendon]] - [[journalist]] and [[White House]] correspondent for over half a century, longest tenure ever in the [[White House press corps]]
*[[Frank Melton]] (1949-2009) - Born in Houston, he became general manager in 1977 of KLTV in Tyler, where he climbed the ranks before becoming president of Buford Television, Inc. Served as mayor of [[Jackson, Mississippi]], from July 4, 2005, until his death on May 7, 2009.
*[[Frank Melton]] (1949-2009) - born in Houston, he became general manager in 1977 of KLTV in Tyler, where he climbed the ranks before becoming president of Buford Television, Inc. He served as mayor of [[Jackson, Mississippi]], from July 4, 2005, until his death on May 7, 2009.
*[[Allen R. Morris]] - Born in Dallas, he is an [[Emmy Award]] winning producer/director/writer. For a period, worked for Buford Television at KLTV in Tyler, as Operations Manager and Director of Creative Services, during which time he was also a frequent actor at the Tyler Civic Theatre (1979 to 1990).
*[[Allen R. Morris]] - born in Dallas, he is an [[Emmy Award]]-winning producer/director/writer. For a period, he worked for Buford Television at KLTV in Tyler, as Operations Manager and Director of Creative Services, during which time he was also a frequent actor at the Tyler Civic Theatre (1979 to 1990).
*[[Albert Parsons]] (1848-1887) – Born in Alabama, at one point resided in Tyler, where he was raised by his eldest brother, William Henry Parsons. William moved the family moved from Tyler in the mid-1850s. Albert is best remembered as one of four Chicago radical leaders convicted of conspiracy and hanged following a bomb attack on police remembered as the [[Haymarket Affair]].
*[[Albert Parsons]] (1848-1887) – born in Alabama, he at one point resided in Tyler, where he was raised by his eldest brother, William Henry Parsons. William moved the family moved from Tyler in the mid-1850s. Albert is best remembered as one of four Chicago radical leaders convicted of conspiracy and hanged following a bomb attack on police remembered as the [[Haymarket Affair]].
*[[William Steger]] (1920-2006) - Served as U.S. District Court judge for the Eastern District of Texas, based in Tyler, from 1970 until his death. The William M. Steger Federal Building and United States Courthouse in Tyler was named in his honor in 2006.
*[[William Steger]] (1920-2006) - served as U.S. District Court judge for the Eastern District of Texas, based in Tyler, from 1970 until his death. The William M. Steger Federal Building and United States Courthouse in Tyler was named in his honor in 2006.
*[[Kelley Thompson]]- Born December 8, 1987 in Tyler. Playboy Playmate for November 2009.
*[[Kelley Thompson]]- born December 8, 1987 in Tyler, Playboy Playmate for November 2009
*[[Ned Touchstone]] (1926–1988) - Born in Florien, Louisiana, he was the leader of the Radical Right in 1960s and 1970s. At the time of death, he resided on Lake Palestine near Tyler.
*[[Ned Touchstone]] (1926–1988) - born in Florien, Louisiana, he was the leader of the Radical Right in 1960s and 1970s. At the time of death, he resided on Lake Palestine near Tyler.
*[[Brian Werner]] - Born in Norwood, Ohio, he is a co-founder of Tiger Creek Wildlife Refuge, located near Tyler.
*[[Brian Werner]] - born in Norwood, Ohio, he is a co-founder of Tiger Creek Wildlife Refuge, located near Tyler.


==See also==
==See also==

Revision as of 16:24, 7 December 2013

Tyler, Texas
City of Tyler
Clockwise: Tyler skyline with Plaza Tower at right and People's National Bank office building in center, Cotton Belt Depot, Caldwell Zoo, Chamblee Rose Garden, Smith County Courthouse, Goodman Home.
Clockwise: Tyler skyline with Plaza Tower at right and People's National Bank office building in center, Cotton Belt Depot, Caldwell Zoo, Chamblee Rose Garden, Smith County Courthouse, Goodman Home.
Nickname(s): 
Rose Capital, Yellow Rose of Texas
Motto: 
A Natural Beauty
Location in Smith County and the state of Texas
Location in Smith County and the state of Texas
CountryUnited States
StateTexas
CountySmith
Government
 • TypeCouncil-Manager
 • City CouncilMayor Barbara Bass
Charles Alworth
Donald Sanders
Ralph Caraway
Nathaniel Moran
Steve Smith
Chris Simons
 • City ManagerMark McDaniel
Area
 • City54.376 sq mi (140.833 km2)
 • Land54.2 sq mi (140.5 km2)
 • Water0.1 sq mi (0.3 km2)
Elevation
544 ft (165 m)
Population
 (2010)
 • City96,900
 • Density1,782.0/sq mi (688.0/km2)
 • Metro
209,714
Time zoneUTC-6 (Central)
 • Summer (DST)UTC-5 (Central)
ZIP codes
75700-75799
Area code(s)430, 903
FIPS code48-74144Template:GR
GNIS feature ID1348998Template:GR
Websitehttp://www.cityoftyler.org

Tyler is a city in and the county seat of Smith County, Texas, in the United States.Template:GR It takes its name from President John Tyler. The city had a population of 96,901 in 2010, according to the United States Census Bureau. Tyler is the principal city of the Tyler Metropolitan Statistical Area, with a population of 209,714 in 2010, and the regional center of the Tyler-Jacksonville combined statistical area, with a population of 260,559 in 2010.

Tyler has the nickname "Rose Capital of the World". It gained this name due to the large quantity of rose bushes processed through the area, along with hosting America's largest rose garden.

In 1985, the international Adopt-a-Highway movement originated in Tyler when, after appeals by local Texas Department of Transportation officials, the local Civitan chapter adopted a two-mile (3-km) stretch of U.S. Highway 69. Tyler is also home to the Caldwell Zoo and Broadway Square Mall.

As a regional educational and technology center, Tyler is the host for more than 20,000 higher education students, a College of Engineering, and a University Health Science Center, two regional, billion-dollar hospital systems, and a variety of technology startups.

Geography

Tyler skyline
Tyler
Climate chart (explanation)
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
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3.3
 
 
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Average max. and min. temperatures in °F
Precipitation totals in inches
Source: Weather.com / NWS
Metric conversion
J
F
M
A
M
J
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O
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85
 
 
14
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Average max. and min. temperatures in °C
Precipitation totals in mm

Tyler is located at 32°20′03″N 95°18′00″W / 32.334249°N 95.299927°W / 32.334249; -95.299927 Template:GR Elevation: 544 feet (166 m). Tyler is surrounded by many smaller cities, including Whitehouse, Lindale, New Chapel Hill, Bullard, Edom, Brownsboro, and Chandler.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 54.4 square miles (140.8 km2), of which, 54.2 mi2 (140.5 km2) of it is land and 0.1 mi2(0.3 km2²) of it is covered by water.

Climate

Tyler experiences weather typical of East Texas, which is unpredictable, especially in the spring. All of East Texas has the humid subtropical climate typical of the American South.

The record high for Tyler is 115 °F (46 °C), which occurred in 2011. The record low for Tyler is −3 °F (−19 °C), which occurred on January 18, 1930.

Demographics

Historical population
CensusPop.Note
18802,423
18906,908185.1%
19008,06916.8%
191010,40028.9%
192012,08516.2%
193017,11341.6%
194028,27965.2%
195038,96837.8%
196051,23031.5%
197057,77012.8%
198070,50822.0%
199075,4507.0%
200083,65010.9%
201096,90115.8%
2012[1] (est.)104,083Expression error: Unrecognized punctuation character "".
Tyler welcome sign on HWY 69 N
Tyler City Hall

As of the 2010 censusTemplate:GR, 109,000 people resided in the city. The population density was 1,782.0 people per square mile (688.0/km²). The 41,742 housing units averaged a density of 716.7 per mi2(276.7/km²). The racial makeup of the city was: 60.5% White, 24.8% Black, 0.5% Native American, 1.9% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 10.3% from other races, and 2.0% from two or more races. About 21.2% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

Government

Local government

According to the city’s most recent Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, the city’s various funds had $87.7 million in revenues, $101.7 million in expenditures, $49.2 million in total assets, $12.3 million in total liabilities, and $17.6 million in cash in investments.[2]

The structure of the management and coordination of city services is:[3]

City Manager Mark McDaniel

Assistant City Manager Susan Guthrie

Director of Communications Kristi Boyett

Finance Manager Daniel Crawford

Director of Human Resources ReNissa Wade

Chief Information Officer Benny Yazdanpanahi

Director of Public Works Greg Morgan

Director of Solid Waste Russ Jackson

Fire Chief Tim R. Johnson

Police Chief Gary Swindle

City Attorney Gary Landers

Parks Director Stephanie Rollings

City Planner Heather Nick

Director of Vehicle Services Russ Jackson

Director of Internal Audit and Budget Keidric Trimble

Transit Manager and MPO Director Barbara Holly, AICP

City Engineer Carter Delleney, P.E.

Neighborhood Services Manager Brenda Johnson

Community Service Manager Larry Everett

Housing Manager Andy Davis

Housing Supervisor Candace Porter

Airport Manager Davis Dickson

Human Recources Manager Rose Ray

Water Utilities Financial Manager James Yanker

Water Utilities Manager Joan Roberson

Development Services Engineer Michael Wilson, P.E.

Traffic Engineer Peter Eng, P.E.

The Northeast Texas Public Health District[4] is a political subdivision under the State of Texas established by the City of Tyler and Smith County. In place for nearly 70 years, the Health District became a separate entity in 1994, with an administrative Public Health Board. With a stated vision "To be the Healthiest Community in Texas", the district has a full-time staff of over 130 employees. The Health District has a broad range of services and responsibilities dedicated to their mission: "To Protect, Promote, and Provide for the Health of Our Community."

State government

Tyler is represented in the Texas Senate by Republican Kevin Eltife, District 1, and in the Texas House of Representatives by Republican Matt Schaefer, District 6.

The Texas Twelfth Court of Appeals is located in Tyler.[5]

The Texas Department of Criminal Justice operates the Region I Parole Division Office and the Tyler District Parole Office in Tyler.[6]

Federal government

The two U.S. Senators from Texas are Republicans John Cornyn and Ted Cruz; Tyler is part of Texas' US Congressional 1st District, which is currently represented by Republican Louie Gohmert.

The United States Postal Service operates several post offices in Tyler, including Tyler,[7] Azalea,[8] Southeast Crossing,[9] and the South Tyler Annex.[10]

Education

Colleges and universities

Tyler's higher education institutions include the University of Texas at Tyler and the University of Texas Health Center at Tyler, both part of the University of Texas System, Tyler Junior College, and Texas College.

Primary and secondary schools

John Tyler High School

Public primary and secondary education for much of the city is provided by the Tyler Independent School District, which includes two high schools, John Tyler and Robert E. Lee; Premier High School of Tyler, a public charter school (Cumberland Academy); several Tyler schools offer international baccalaureate and advanced placement programs.

Portions of incorporated Tyler are served by surrounding school districts. These include sections of southeast Tyler by the Whitehouse Independent School District, and some sections in the east which are served by the Chapel Hill Independent School District.

Private schools

The Tyler Catholic School System of the Catholic Diocese of Tyler consists of St. Gregory Cathedral School and Bishop Thomas K. Gorman Regional Catholic Middle and High School. There are several other private schools, including [1] Grace Community School, All Saints Episcopal School, Seventh-day Adventist Church School, King's Academy Christian School, Christian Heritage School, East Texas Christian Academy, and Good Shepherd Reformed Episcopal School, and the Brook Hill School(Bullard).

Economy

People's National Bank office building in downtown Tyler
Chamber of Commerce office in downtown Tyler

In addition to its role in the rose-growing industry, Tyler is the headquarters for Brookshire Grocery Company, which operates Brookshire's, Fresh and Super 1 Foods, and Ole! supermarkets in three states (Texas, Louisiana, and Arkansas). The company's main distribution center is located in south Tyler, while SouthWest Foods, a subsidiary that produces dairy products, is located just northeast of the city. Adams Engineering has also made its headquarters in Tyler.

The manufacturing sector includes:

Also produced in Tyler are John Soules Foods' fajita and other meat products, Greenberg's smoked turkeys, Distant Lands Coffee Roasters coffee, Tyler Candle Co. jar candles, Tyler Products, and a variety of small, high-tech businesses, including Synthesizers.com, F3 Technology Solutions, Wood Networks, Group M7, CBI, Power-Up, and Arrick Robotics.

Tyler is also a major medical center which serves the city, as well as the surrounding East Texas area.

According to the City's 2008 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report,[11] the top ten employers in the city are:

# Employer # of Employees
1 East Texas Medical Center 3,650
2 Trinity Mother Frances Health System 3,567
3 Tyler Independent School District 2,572
4 Brookshire Grocery Company 2,190
5 Trane 1,949
6 Walmart 1,670
7 Carrier 1,201
8 Suddenlink Communications 1,057
9 Tyler Junior College 998
10 University of Texas at Tyler 854

Recreation and tourism

Annually, the Texas Rose Festival draws thousands of tourists to Tyler.[12] The festival, which celebrates the role of the rose-growing industry in the local economy, is held in October and features a parade, the coronation of the Rose Queen, and other civic events. The Rose Museum features the history of the Festival. Tyler is home to Caldwell Zoo, several local museums, Lake Palestine, Lake Tyler, and numerous golf courses and country clubs.[13] A few miles away in Flint, TX is The WaterPark @ The Villages, a year-round, indoor water park. There is also an "Azalea Trail" in Tyler, which are two officially designated routes within the city that showcase homes or other landscaped venues adorned with azalea shrubs.[14] Tyler State Park is a few miles away where visitors can camp, canoe, and paddle boat on the lake. Activities include picnicking; camping; boating (motors allowed - 5 mph speed limit); boat rentals; fishing; birding; hiking; mountain biking and hiking trails; lake swimming (in unsupervised swimming area); and nature study. The Smith County Historical Society operates a museum and archives in the old Carnegie Library.[15] The East Texas State Fair is held annually in Tyler.[16] Lake Tyler was the location of the HGTV Dream Home contest in 2005. The 6,500 square feet (600 m²) house briefly boosted tourism and interest in the community. It subsequently was sold at public auction in January, 2008, for 1.325 million dollars.[17]

Historical

The Smith County Historical Society building is located across the street from the Tyler Public Library.

Tyler has a Cotton Belt Railroad Depot Museum located near the Chamber of Commerce office.

The Smith County Historical Society, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, was founded in 1959 by individuals and business firms dedicated to discovering, collecting, and preserving data, records, and other items relating to the history of Smith County, Texas. The Society operates a museum and archives, which is located in the former Carnegie Public Library building in downtown Tyler. Permanent museum exhibits include life-size dioramas with Smith County history topics ranging from Caddo Indians to the 20th century. Other items from the society's collections are showcased in revolving, temporary exhibits. The society's archival library contains historical artifacts of Smith County, including newspapers, city directories, school records, photographs, maps, historical papers, rare books, and much more. The archives are open to the public for research on a limited schedule with volunteer staff on duty. The society is also the official caretaker of Camp Ford Historic Park.

Camp Ford was the largest Confederate Prisoner of War camp west of the Mississippi River during the American Civil War. The original site of the camp stockade is a public historic park managed by the Smith County Historical Society. The park contains a kiosk, paved trail, interpretive signage, a cabin reconstruction, and a picnic area. It is located on Highway 271, 0.8 miles (1.3 km) north of Loop 323.

Transportation

Aerial photo of Tyler Pounds Regional Airport in Tyler, Texas, shot by Butler Planning Services on 9/9/2005.

As with much of modern America, the automobile is the most common form of transportation. Tyler is a nexus of several major highways. Interstate 20 runs along the north edge of the city going east and west, U.S. Highway 69 runs north-south through the center of town and State Highway 64 runs east-west through the city. Tyler also has access to U.S. Highway 271, State Highway 31, State Highway 155, and State Highway 110. Loop 323 was established in 1957 and originally encircled the city, which has continued to grow outside of this loop. Loop 49 was designed to be an "outer loop" around the city and currently runs from State Highway 110 to Interstate 20 west of Tyler. Future segments will extend Loop 49 to Interstate 20 east of Tyler and to other East Texas cities.

Public transportation

Tyler Transit provides customers with public transportation service within the City of Tyler. The buses run daily, excluding Sundays and holidays. Tyler Transit offers customers the option to purchase tickets, tokens, or passes at the Tyler Transit office, located at 210 E. Oakwood Street inside the Cotton Belt Railroad Depot at the main transfer point. The City of Tyler paratransit service is a shared-ride, public transportation service. Requests for service must be made the day before the service is needed. Trips can be scheduled up to 14 days in advance. ADA complimentary paratransit service is provided to all origins and destinations within the service area defined as the city limits of Tyler. [18] Greyhound Lines bus service is available through a downtown terminal.

Via air

Tyler Pounds Regional Airport offers service to Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport via American Eagle and to Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport via Colgan Air United Express.

Via train

Tyler was the hub for a series of short-line railroads which later evolved into the St. Louis Southwestern Railway, better known as "The Cotton Belt Route". This line later became part of the Southern Pacific Railroad, which itself merged with the Union Pacific Railroad, which continues to serve the city today. No passenger train service to Tyler has occurred since April 1956, but Amtrak runs through the city of Mineola, a short distance north of Tyler.

Walkability

A 2011 study by Walk Score ranked Tyler with a walkability score of 40 with some amenities within walking distance.[19]

Healthcare

Hospitals located in Tyler include East Texas Medical Center, Trinity Mother Frances Health System, University of Texas Health Center at Tyler, and Texas Spine & Joint Hospital. There are also many clinics including the Direct Care Clinic.

First Baptist Church in downtown Tyler
Marvin United Methodist Church in Tyler
Family Life Center of West Erwin Church of Christ in Tyler

Places of worship

Tyler is the home of many churches, including five large congregations in downtown, the Marvin United Methodist Church, Dayspring United Methodist Church, West Erwin Church of Christ, First Baptist Church, and the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. Tyler is also the seat of Catholic Diocese of Tyler, which is particularly noteworthy for its St. Joseph the Worker Parish, one of the few churches in America dedicated to the exclusive use of the Traditional Latin Mass. The parish is staffed by the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter. The city's largest church, Green Acres Baptist Church, is located on Troup Highway in southeast Tyler. Tyler is also home to two reformed Baptist churches, Sylvania Church and Living Acts Church, both of which are located in the south Tyler area. Additionally, Tyler has two Jewish houses of prayer, Ahavath Achim, which associates itself with Conservative Judaism and Beth El which adheres to Reform Judaism.[20] Tyler is also home to East Texas Islamic Society, established in 1988, which includes an Islamic house of worship and an Islamic school for children.[21]

Two Tyler churches were destroyed during the 2010 East Texas church burnings.

Media

Currently, 18 media outlets and one newspaper are located in Tyler, as well as many more in the surrounding areas.

Newspaper

Television

VHF/UHF Channel
Call Letters
Network
7 KLTV ABC
19 KYTX CBS
51 KFXK-TV FOX
56 KETK NBC

Radio

AM stations

Frequency
Call Letters
Format
Name
600 KTBB News/Talk
1330 KGLD Gospel The Light
1490 KYZS

FM stations

Frequency
Call Letters
Format
Name
88.7 KLOVE Christian Contemporary KLOVE
89.5 KVNE Christian Contemporary Encouragement FM
91.3 KGLY Religious
92.1 KTBB-FM Sports ESPN East Texas
93.1 KTYL Hot Adult Contemporary Mix 93.1
96.1 KKTX Classic Rock Classic Rock 96.1
96.7 KOYE Spanish La Invasora
99.3 KAPW News/Talk/Sports 99.3 Talk FM
101.5 KNUE Country
104.1 KKUS Classic Country The Ranch
106.5 KOOI Adult Contemporary
107.3 KISX Urban Contemporary Hot1073Jamz

Sports

College and university teams

Baseball teams

  • Tyler Elbertas (1912)
  • Tyler Trojans (1924–1929, 1931, 1935–1940, 1946–1950)
  • Tyler Sports (1932)
  • Tyler Governors (1933–1934)
  • Tyler East Texans (1950–1953)
  • Tyler Tigers (1954–1955)
  • Tyler Wildcatters (1994–1997)
  • Tyler Roughnecks (2001)

Football

  • East Texas Twisters (2004)

High school sports teams

Football

  • All Saints Trojans
  • Grace Cougars
  • John Tyler Lions
  • Kings Academy Royals
  • Robert E. Lee Red Raiders
  • T.K. Gorman Crusaders
  • Tyler Heat

Notable events

Notable citizens

Entertainment

Athletes

Musicians

Others

  • John E. Barrett - photographer (world-renowned images of Jim Henson and his Muppets; National Lampoon poster "Are You A Nerd?")
  • Jere Locke Beasley - born December 12, 1935, in Tyler, he was the 22nd Lieutenant Governor of Alabama when Governor George Corley Wallace was shot and severely injured in an assassination attempt in Laurel, Maryland, on May 15, 1972. Since Wallace was out-of-state for more than 20 days, recovering in a Maryland hospital, the Alabama Constitution required the lieutenant governor to take over gubernatorial duties in the interim. Beasley, a Democrat, hence served as the acting governor of Alabama from June 5 to July 7, 1972.
  • Leo Berman - District 6 member of the Texas House of Representatives since 1999
  • Josh Byerly - NASA spokesman and one of the "voices of Mission Control"
  • Jo-Carroll Dennison - Miss America 1942, the first Miss Texas to win the national title
  • James T. Draper, Jr. - president of the Southern Baptist Convention from 1982 to 1984, was a pastor in Tyler in the early 1960s.
  • Kevin Eltife - member of the Texas Senate
  • Jonna Fitzgerald - former Miss Texas, runner-up in Miss America pageant, television news anchor, noted musician
  • Brady P. Gentry - former Chairman Texas State Highway Commission; former US Congressman; the gymnasium at Tyler Junior College named after him
  • Louie Gohmert - U.S. representative and former Smith County judge
  • William Wayne Justice - Federal District Court Judge in Tyler for 30 years - made countless key decisions on environment and civil rights
  • Sarah McClendon - journalist and White House correspondent for over half a century, longest tenure ever in the White House press corps
  • Frank Melton (1949-2009) - born in Houston, he became general manager in 1977 of KLTV in Tyler, where he climbed the ranks before becoming president of Buford Television, Inc. He served as mayor of Jackson, Mississippi, from July 4, 2005, until his death on May 7, 2009.
  • Allen R. Morris - born in Dallas, he is an Emmy Award-winning producer/director/writer. For a period, he worked for Buford Television at KLTV in Tyler, as Operations Manager and Director of Creative Services, during which time he was also a frequent actor at the Tyler Civic Theatre (1979 to 1990).
  • Albert Parsons (1848-1887) – born in Alabama, he at one point resided in Tyler, where he was raised by his eldest brother, William Henry Parsons. William moved the family moved from Tyler in the mid-1850s. Albert is best remembered as one of four Chicago radical leaders convicted of conspiracy and hanged following a bomb attack on police remembered as the Haymarket Affair.
  • William Steger (1920-2006) - served as U.S. District Court judge for the Eastern District of Texas, based in Tyler, from 1970 until his death. The William M. Steger Federal Building and United States Courthouse in Tyler was named in his honor in 2006.
  • Kelley Thompson- born December 8, 1987 in Tyler, Playboy Playmate for November 2009
  • Ned Touchstone (1926–1988) - born in Florien, Louisiana, he was the leader of the Radical Right in 1960s and 1970s. At the time of death, he resided on Lake Palestine near Tyler.
  • Brian Werner - born in Norwood, Ohio, he is a co-founder of Tiger Creek Wildlife Refuge, located near Tyler.

See also

References

  1. ^ http://www.cityoftyler.org/Portals/0/docs/Departments/Planning%20Department/Tyler%201st/Population.pdf
  2. ^ City of Tyler CAFR. Retrieved 2009-06-07.
  3. ^ http://cityoftyler.org/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=76
  4. ^ Northeast Texas Public Health District website. Retrieved 2009-08-18.
  5. ^ "Contact Information." Twelfth Eleventh Court of Appeals. Retrieved on March 10, 2010.
  6. ^ "Parole Division Region I." Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Retrieved on May 15, 2010.
  7. ^ "Post Office Location - TYLER." United States Postal Service. Retrieved on May 15, 2010.
  8. ^ "Post Office Location - AZALEA." United States Postal Service. Retrieved on May 15, 2010.
  9. ^ "Post Office Location - SOUTHEAST CROSSING." United States Postal Service. Retrieved on May 15, 2010.
  10. ^ "Post Office Location - SOUTH TYLER ANNEX." United States Postal Service. Retrieved on May 15, 2010.
  11. ^ City of Tyler 2008 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, p. 152. Retrieved 2009-06-24.
  12. ^ Until Now[dead link]
  13. ^ Navarro, Edward (2006). "It's Tee Time in Tyler". Images of Tyler. 1. Journal Communications, Inc.: 57.
  14. ^ "Frequently Asked Questions". Tyler Azalea Trail. Retrieved 2012-12-11.
  15. ^ "Smith County Historical Society". Smith County Historical Society. Retrieved 2012-12-11.
  16. ^ "East Texas State Fair". Etstatefair.com. Retrieved 2012-12-11.
  17. ^ "HGTV Dream Home Sold, $1.325 Million". Kltv.com. Retrieved 2012-12-11.
  18. ^ "Tyler Transit". Cityoftyler.org. Retrieved 2012-12-11.
  19. ^ "City and Neighborhood Rankings". Walk Score. 2011. Retrieved Aug 28, 2011.
  20. ^ "Tyler, Texas", found in the Encyclopedia of Southern Jewish Communities,
  21. ^ "East Texas Islamic Society". Tylermuslims.com. 1988-05-29. Retrieved 2012-12-11.
  22. ^ Palestine Herald Press. February 3, 2009. {{cite news}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  23. ^ "An Update From Max". blogs.myspace.com/sayanything. 2009-05-20. Retrieved 2009-05-21.

Further reading

  • Austin, Gladys Peters, Along the Century Trail: Early History of Tyler, Texas (Dallas: Avalon Press, 1946)
  • Burton, Morris Tyler as an Early Railroad Center, Chronicles of Smith County, Spring 1963
  • Betts, Vicki, Smith County, Texas, in the Civil War (Tyler, Texas: Smith County Historical Society, 1978)
  • Everett, Dianna, The Texas Cherokees: A People between Two Fires, 1819–1840 (Norman: University of Oklahoma Press, 1990)
  • Glover, ed., Robert W., Tyler and Smith County, Texas (n.p.: Walsworth, 1976)
  • Henderson, Adele, Smith County, Texas: Its Background and History in Ante-Bellum Days (M.A. thesis, University of Texas, 1926)
  • McDonald, Archie P. Historic Smith County (Historical Publishing Network, 2006).
  • Reed, Robert E. Jr. Images of America: Tyler (Arcadia Publishing, 2008).
  • Reed, Robert E. Jr. Postcard History: Tyler (Arcadia Publishing, 2009).
  • Smith County Historical Society, Historical Atlas of Smith County (Tyler, Texas: Tyler Print Shop, 1965)
  • Whisenhunt, Donald W. comp., Chronological History of Smith County (Tyler, Texas: Smith County Historical Society, 1983)
  • Woldert, Albert, A History of Tyler and Smith County (San Antonio: Naylor, 1948)