Nocona

Lakes Trail Region
Website

For a small town Nocona claims a big heritage with national influence. Taovaya Indians lived for three centuries along the Red River north of town. They moved to Indian Territory by the time cowhands herded longhorns up the Chisholm Trail after the Civil War. “Daddy Joe” Justin made boots for the cowhands, helping shape the modern cowboy boot. His Justin Boots and daughter Enid’s Nocona Boots made Nocona the leather goods capital of the Southwest. Nocona still boasts local bootmakers and the annual Chisholm Trail Ranch Rodeo. It’s also home to Nocona Athletic Goods which made the first pointed football in the 1930s, ushering in the passing game. The baseball glove and football equipment manufacturer now offers factory tours and a retail shop. The Tales ‘N’ Trails Museum chronicles Nocona’s colorful past through artifacts on Native Americans, ranching, leather goods, agriculture and petroleum. Visitors watch a historical documentary and view exhibits in the Native American Hall. Outside exhibits feature oilfield and farming equipment. The museum also hosts traveling exhibits and a top-notch gift shop. Along Nocona’s historic Clay Street, several century-old buildings now house restaurants, shops and a classic car collection.

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