Vernon (Texas)

Vernon is a city in the North Central Plains region of Texas. Years ago, the Great Western Cattle Trail passed through here, a corollary of the more popular Chisholm Trail to the east. On a more contemporary note, it was the birthplace and childhood home of Roy Orbison. It is the closest town to the Waggoner Ranch, the biggest cattle ranch in the USA under one fence.

Get in
Vernon lies on US Highway 287 between Quanah and Wichita Falls. Alternately, you can take US Highway 283 south from Altus, Oklahoma, or US 70 east from Crowell.

Get around
Like most Texas towns, you are best off with a car at your disposal.

Go next

 * Doan's Crossing, 15 miles north on Hwy 283 near the tiny community of Fargo. Six million cattle were driven along the Western Texas-Kansas trail which crossed the Red River at this point. Corwin Doan built a small adobe store here in 1881 to provide for the cowboy's needs. The building still stands today, along with a historical marker engraved with the brands of famous ranches around Texas.
 * Lake Kemp, 25 miles south off route 183. This lake is popular for sport fishing.