History
An oasis with sweet water amid bitter-tasting gypsum streams, Sweetwater has always been a place to rest one's head and weary feet. Long before the settlers and ranchers arrived, the Kiowa Indians named the site "Mobeetie"--which was their word for "sweet water." These Indians, and later buffalo hunters, all stopped and set up shop. The town of Sweetwater was declared the seat of Nolan County on April 12, 1881, though not a single building of any description existed at the location. The city of Sweetwater was later incorporated in 1902. The building of the railroad and depot launched the city into a new chapter of growth.

During World War II, Avenger Field was once home to the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs), who flew U.S. Army airplanes on a variety of missions. By mid-1944, however, as the demand for pilots began to slacken, pressure from men in the U.S. Congress forced the program to close by refusing to reappropriate their funding. The program was officially disbanded on Dec. 7, 1944—the third anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor.

The 70's and 80's were a period of trial for Sweetwater. Droughts in 1979, 1983 and 1984 cut cotton production by 25% and were similar in severity to the national depression in agriculture, which was sweeping the country. Cattle ranchers couldn't afford to feed their livestock and were forced to sell them at prices far below their normal value. The oil bust of the 80's was another blow to the local economy, as oil prices fell 60% between 1981-86. The economic repercussions of these events were no match, however, for the destruction of a major tornado, which struck the city on April 19, 1986.

Rather than give in to adversity, the city banded together and became an inspiration for cities across the U.S. because of its determination to rebuild itself. This was affirmed when the National Civic League named Sweetwater one of Ten All-American Cities in 1988. Sweetwater was the only finalist from Texas to be considered for this prestigious honor. To the community, the corner had been turned, and the best was yet to come.

Today, Sweetwater considers itself a community strengthened and prepared for the challenges of maintaining consistent economic growth. We are a forward-looking community, excited about what the future holds.

810 E. Broadway
P.O. Box 785
Sweetwater, Texas 79556
phone: 800.658.6757
fax: 325.235.1026

Ken Becker
Executive Director
ken@sweetwatertexas.net