Turkey is at the intersection of State Highways 86 and 70, on the Burlington Northern line in the southwestern corner of Hall County. The community, probably first settled in the early 1890s, was initially called Turkey Roost, for the wild turkey roosts once found on nearby Turkey Creek. In 1892 a Methodist Episcopal congregation was organized at the home of W. M. Cooper. The town name was changed to Turkey in 1893, when a post office was established there in the dugout of Alfred P. Hall, the first postmaster. Later John M. Gist became the postmaster and served until 1895, when the post office was discontinued. In 1900 the Turkey post office was reopened, and by 1906 a school district had been established and a chapter of the Woodmen of the World had been organized. A town plat was officially recorded in 1907. By 1914 about 250 people were living in Turkey, which included a bank, a hotel, a general store, and two groceries. A newspaper, the Turkey Gobbler, began publishing in 1919. When Turkey incorporated in 1926, Jess Jenkin became the first mayor, and G. Katzkie and J. B. Miller were elected as aldermen. By 1927 the town had an estimated 600 residents, and that year a Missionary Baptist church was constructed. A fire department was organized in February 1928, after a disastrous fire destroyed most of the business district. The Fort Worth and Denver Railway built through the town later that year, and on November 20, the townspeople celebrated the arrival of the first locomotive. With the railroad, Turkey became an important shipping point for area farmers and ranchers, and by 1929 the town had two banks and about 1,000 residents. An Assembly of God church was built the next year. The Great Depression slowed growth during the 1930s. One bank closed in 1933, and the other in 1940; meanwhile, the population declined to about 975 by 1931 and to 930 by 1941. During the late 1940s or early 1950s the local economy revived, and by 1950 Turkey included fifty businesses and 998 residents. By 1955 about 1,005 people were living there, but the town began to decline again in the late 1950s. By 1958 only thirty-eight businesses were reported, and by 1961 the population of Turkey had dropped to 813. Only twenty businesses were operating in Turkey in 1972, when its population had fallen to 680. A 1981 map showed two schools and five churches in Turkey; in 1982 the town reported twenty-three businesses and 644 residents. By 1990, however, Turkey had only twelve businesses and 507 residents. In 2000 the population was 494. TSHA is a proud affiliate of
If you’re wondering “where is Turkey, Texas?”, you’ve come to the right place Turkey is a tiny but mighty town located in the Texas Panhandle, known for its wild west history and quirky name. In this article, we’ll give you a complete guide to finding and exploring this unique community
An Overview of Turkey, Texas
Turkey is a small rural city located in Hall County in the northwest Texas Panhandle. With a population of just 317 as of 2020, it’s easy to zoom right by Turkey on the map. But this town has plenty of Texas spirit for its size.
Some fast facts about Turkey TX
- Founded in 1907 when the town was platted and mapped
- Located on Highway 86, about 50 miles west of Amarillo
- Home of the annual Bob Wills Day festival celebrating western swing music
- Named Turkey supposedly because wild turkeys were abundant in the area
The town proudly preserves its ranching roots and western heritage Main Street features historic buildings like the 1928 Route 66 gas station and Hotel Turkey dating from the 1920s
Where Exactly is Turkey Located?
Turkey sits in the northwest corner of Texas, in the geographical region known as the Panhandle Plains. The town’s coordinates are:
34°23′38′′N 100°53′43′′W
That places it about:
- 50 miles west of Amarillo
- 195 miles northeast of Lubbock
- 465 miles northwest of Dallas
The nearest larger towns are Memphis, the Hall County seat, 12 miles east, and Quitaque, 15 miles north.
Turkey rests at an elevation of 2,346 feet above sea level on the expansive plains of the Llano Estacado plateau. The city limit population sign for Turkey appears at the junction of Highway 86 and Farm to Market Road 2943.
How Do You Get to Turkey, TX?
Despite its remote location, Turkey is reachable by both highway and small local roads if you want to seek it out.
The main route is Highway 86, which runs right through town as Main Street. From Amarillo, head west on I-40, then take Exit 96 and go south on Highway 86. Turkey is 50 miles down Highway 86.
Highway 70 heading north from Matador, Texas also passes through the east side of town. Other options are Farm Roads 2943 and 369 which intersect in Turkey.
The nearest airport is Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport, about 50 miles east of Turkey. From there you can rent a car and take Highway 60 west and then Highway 86 south into Turkey.
There is no public transportation directly to the town. You’ll need a car for the drive through the rural Panhandle region.
What is There to See and Do in Turkey, TX?
Once you’ve arrived in Turkey, here are some of the highlights and activities to enjoy:
- The Bob Wills Museum celebrating the famous bandleader who grew up nearby
- Western swing music and dancing at the Bob Wills Day festival each April
- Live music and meals at the Rock Inn Cafe on Route 66
- Photo op at the city limit population sign
- Stay overnight at the historic Hotel Turkey on Main Street
- Browse art galleries like the Ghost Horse Gallery
- Take a side trip to Caprock Canyons State Park and its nature trails
Turkey also has a few parks, a library, swimming pool, and small shops to explore. The friendly locals are happy to share stories about the history and culture of their tight-knit community.
So now you know exactly where to find Turkey, Texas and how to get there. Take a scenic drive through the Panhandle and enjoy this quirky slice of the wild west! It may be small in size but Turkey has a big personality all its own.
Frequently Asked Questions About Turkey, Texas
Where did the town get its name?
Legend says it was named for the wild turkeys seen in the area by early settlers.
What is the population of Turkey, TX?
Around 317 residents as of the 2020 census.
What is the main industry in Turkey?
Agriculture, especially cattle ranching, with some oil and gas extraction.
What is Bob Wills Day?
An annual April festival in Turkey celebrating western swing music and honoring bandleader Bob Wills.
Is there a hotel in Turkey?
Yes, the historic Hotel Turkey built in the 1920s is still operating on Main Street.
Is Turkey close to any major cities?
The nearest large city is Amarillo, about 50 miles east. Lubbock is 195 miles southwest.
What is the elevation and landscape like?
Turkey sits at 2,346 feet elevation on the flat plains of the Llano Estacado plateau.
Is history important to you?
Inez Baker, Yesterday in Hall County (Memphis, Texas, 1940). Lubbok Morning Avalanche, November 21, 1928.
Places:
The following, adapted from the Chicago Manual of Style, 15th edition, is the preferred citation for this entry.
John Leffler, “Turkey, TX,” Handbook of Texas Online, accessed August 23, 2024, https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/turkey-tx.
Published by the Texas State Historical Association.
TID: HLT36