History of Killeen, Texas: From Railroad Roots to a Thriving Military Hub
Killeen, Texas, is a city with a rich and diverse history that has seen it transform from a small railroad town to a bustling hub with a significant military presence. Located in Central Texas, Killeen is part of Bell County and has long been influenced by its connection to the railroad industry, agriculture, and eventually, the military. With the establishment of Fort Cavazos (formerly Fort Hood), Killeen’s growth accelerated, leading to a modern city that thrives on community, diversity, and economic opportunity.
In this article, we will explore the history of Killeen, Texas, from its founding days in the 19th century to its present-day role as a military powerhouse. Along the way, we will delve into how the city has developed over the years, key historical events, and its transformation into one of Central Texas’ most dynamic cities.
1. The Founding of Killeen: A Railroad Town Emerges (1881)
Killeen was officially founded in 1881 when the Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe Railway decided to extend its line through Central Texas. The town was named after Frank P. Killeen, a civil engineer for the railway company. At that time, Bell County was largely agricultural, and the town of Killeen was strategically located as a new railroad station to serve nearby farmers and ranchers.
Killeen quickly became an important stop along the railway, helping to transport cotton, grain, and cattle to markets across the state. This was a period when the town experienced modest growth as more people settled in the area, attracted by the economic opportunities provided by the railroad industry.
Early Development of Killeen
As the railroad brought more people to the region, the town began to take shape. By the late 1800s, Killeen had a general store, blacksmith shops, churches, and a school. The town remained small but stable, with the majority of its residents working in farming and ranching.
2. Agriculture and the Early Economy of Killeen
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, agriculture was the backbone of Killeen’s economy. The fertile lands around the city were ideal for growing cotton, corn, and grains, which were the primary crops of the region. Killeen also became known for its livestock, particularly cattle ranching, which was a significant industry in Bell County.
The Role of Cotton
Like much of Texas, cotton was king in Killeen during the early 1900s. The railroad station served as a critical point for transporting cotton to markets, and gins were built to process the cotton. This agricultural prosperity attracted more settlers, leading to a slow but steady growth in the town’s population.
While agriculture played a pivotal role in the early years of Killeen, its future would take a dramatic turn in the early 1940s, with the onset of World War II and the development of a new military base.
3. The Establishment of Fort Hood (Now Fort Cavazos) – 1942
The most significant event in Killeen’s history came in 1942, when the United States government chose the area just outside of Killeen as the site for a new military base—Camp Hood, later renamed Fort Hood and more recently Fort Cavazos in 2023. The base was created during World War II as a training facility for tank destroyers. Its vast open land and proximity to transportation routes made it an ideal location.
The Impact of Fort Hood on Killeen
The creation of Fort Hood changed the town of Killeen dramatically. In a few short years, the town’s population exploded as thousands of soldiers, their families, and defense workers flocked to the area. Businesses sprung up to support the military presence, including restaurants, shops, and housing developments. What was once a small railroad town quickly became a bustling military community.
By the end of the 1940s, Killeen had shifted from an agriculture-based economy to one heavily reliant on the military. This transformation set the stage for Killeen’s continued growth and development throughout the rest of the 20th century.
4. Post-War Boom and the Growth of Killeen (1950s-1970s)
After World War II, Fort Hood continued to expand and develop, becoming a permanent military installation. The base was not only critical to national defense during the Cold War but also contributed to Killeen’s economy, attracting thousands of new residents. This period saw Killeen evolve from a rural town into a more urbanized community with modern infrastructure and services.
Suburban Development and Population Growth
The 1950s and 1960s were marked by rapid population growth as more military personnel were stationed at Fort Hood. Suburban-style neighborhoods started to emerge in and around Killeen, and the town’s infrastructure improved, with new schools, roads, and utilities being built to accommodate the growing population.
Downtown Killeen also began to change during this time, with new businesses opening and the city’s layout adapting to the growing community. Local businesses flourished as they catered to the needs of both military families and civilians.
Integration and Desegregation
One of the important social changes during this time was the desegregation of Killeen’s schools and public facilities. Following the Supreme Court’s decision in Brown v. Board of Education (1954), Killeen, like many Texas cities, faced the challenge of integrating its public schools. By the late 1960s, Killeen’s schools were fully integrated, and the city continued to grow as a diverse and inclusive community.
5. The 1980s-1990s: Killeen Becomes a Modern City
By the 1980s, Killeen had cemented itself as a significant urban center in Central Texas, thanks largely to its association with Fort Hood. The city experienced a modernization boom, with the development of new residential areas, shopping centers, and public amenities.
Fort Hood’s Expanding Role
During the Gulf War in the early 1990s, Fort Hood played a crucial role as a training ground and deployment center for U.S. forces. This further solidified the military’s presence in Killeen and continued to drive population growth as more military families moved to the area.
The city’s infrastructure grew to support this influx, with the development of new schools, hospitals, and recreational facilities. By the 1990s, Killeen was no longer just a military town but a thriving city in its own right, with a diverse economy that included retail, education, and healthcare.
6. Cultural and Economic Expansion (2000s-Present)
The 21st century saw Killeen continue to expand both economically and culturally. The city diversified its economy beyond the military, with retail development, healthcare facilities, and a growing education sector becoming important parts of the local economy.
Retail and Commercial Growth
New shopping centers, such as the Killeen Mall and other retail developments, provided residents with more options for shopping and dining. Restaurants, boutiques, and entertainment venues also began to flourish, giving the city a more metropolitan feel.
Educational Institutions
Killeen also saw growth in its educational institutions during this period. The establishment of Central Texas College and Texas A&M University-Central Texas provided residents with access to higher education, contributing to the city’s ongoing growth and development.
7. Killeen’s Role in the Global War on Terror
In the aftermath of 9/11, Killeen and Fort Hood became central to the U.S. military’s response to the Global War on Terror. Thousands of soldiers from Fort Hood were deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, making the base one of the busiest military installations in the country. This period saw a surge in the local economy, as businesses continued to cater to the needs of military personnel and their families.
Killeen’s connection to global military efforts also led to an influx of international attention, as Fort Hood played a significant role in global defense operations.
8. A Diverse and Growing Community
As Killeen has grown, so has its cultural diversity. The city’s population includes people from all over the world, thanks to the presence of military families from various backgrounds. This diversity has contributed to a rich cultural tapestry in Killeen, with residents celebrating various traditions, cuisines, and festivals.
Cultural Events and Festivals
Killeen hosts several cultural events throughout the year, reflecting the city’s diverse community. Events such as the Celebrate Killeen Festival, Hispanic Heritage Month Celebrations, and the Fourth of July Fireworks Show bring together people from all walks of life, showcasing the unity and pride of Killeen residents.
9. Modern Killeen: A Thriving Central Texas City
Today, Killeen is a thriving city with a population of over 150,000 residents. It continues to grow and evolve, offering a mix of suburban and urban living, with numerous amenities, schools, parks, and businesses that support a high quality of life. The city’s economy remains tied to Fort Cavazos, but it has diversified over the years, with sectors like healthcare, education, retail, and technology playing increasingly important roles.
Future Development
As Killeen looks toward the future, ongoing development projects, infrastructure improvements, and new business opportunities will continue to shape the city’s growth. Its strategic location in Central Texas, combined with the presence of Fort Cavazos, ensures that Killeen will remain a vital hub for the region.
10. Conclusion: The Ever-Evolving Legacy of Killeen, Texas
From its beginnings as a small railroad town to its current status as a bustling city with a global military connection, Killeen, Texas, has a rich history marked by resilience, growth, and community spirit. The city has navigated major transformations—first through the rise of agriculture, then the establishment of Fort Cavazos, and later through its emergence as a diverse, modern city.
Killeen’s ability to adapt and grow has made it one of the most dynamic cities in Central Texas. As it continues to evolve, the city’s history remains an integral part of its identity, shaping a future full of promise and opportunity. Whether you’re visiting, relocating, or just curious about its past, Killeen’s story is one of growth, strength, and community—a true Texas success story.