Hockley County: Art, History and Landscape

A two-part mosaic on the Avenue H sign at the Hockley County Courthouse bears the title “Hockley County: Past and Present.” Art and traces of history give a trip through Hockley County a distinctive setting: in Levelland, galleries and events meet a county history shaped by late settlement, the railroad and ranchland. The wide-open landscapes of the Llano Estacado add to the picture.

History Between Settlement and the Present

Hockley County was one of the last two counties in the contiguous United States to be opened for settlement; until 1880, it had no permanent residents. The townsite of Levelland was surveyed and platted as Hockley City in 1912. In 1922, its name was changed to Levelland, referring to the local topography. These dates help distinguish the history of the town from that of the wider county.

The railroad’s history is also part of the regional story: in 1912, the Santa Fe Railroad was built through the Spade Ranch to Littlefield. Another turning point came with a decision in the fall of 1927. At that time, the County Commissioners Court set aside two acres of land for a segregated cemetery to bury people in need and members of minorities. Local history thus encompasses both the development of settlement and transportation and the social conditions of the time.

Art and Culture in Levelland

The South Plains College Art Gallery is located in the Christine Devitt Fine Arts Center on the Levelland campus. The South Plains College’s Marjorie Merriweather Post Art Collection includes eight oil paintings from the 18th to the 20th century and a pastel drawing on paper from the 18th century. If you’re interested in art, the gallery and collection offer different points of interest: a dedicated gallery space here, a collection featuring works from several centuries there.

Mosaics can also be found around town. Levelland has about a dozen mosaic installations, five of them on the South Plains College campus. The mosaic at the Hockley County Courthouse consists of two parts and bears the title “Hockley County: Past and Present.” Together with the artwork’s title, it offers a glimpse of the connection between local history and the present.

The Wallace Theater was built in 1928 and continues to host concerts, movies, live comedy and art exhibits. Its program ranges from film and music to stage entertainment. Check the event schedule before your trip for current performances. The self-guided Downtown Historical Walking Tour offers another way to explore Levelland’s history; you’ll need a smartphone for the tour. Check digital access in advance if you plan to take it.

Events and Community Life

Recurring events include the annual Cotton and Crude Street Fair and Music Festival in Levelland, formerly known as Early Settlers Day. Every February, St. Michael's Catholic Church hosts the annual Sausage Lovers Festival, bringing a taste of the region’s German heritage to the community. The Levelland Rotary Club Arts and Crafts Festival takes place in November. Since these events are held on specific dates, check the dates for the year you plan to travel.

The Levelland Horse Sale is considered a long-standing tradition and draws buyers and sellers from across the country. Here, too, it’s a good idea to check the dates before you arrive. The county-operated Mallet Event Center hosts weddings; if you’re considering holding an event there, confirm availability for your preferred date. The Creative Arts Department at South Plains College organizes several country and bluegrass music events each year at the Tom T. Hall Recording and Production Studio, drawing visitors to campus.

Landscape and Outdoor Activities

Hockley County lies on the Llano Estacado and is characterized mostly by flat land. Its elevation ranges from 3,300 to 3,650 feet above sea level. The county drains into numerous playas, while Yellow House Canyon cuts into its northern part. It is considered one of the most distinctive landscape features of the South Plains. These features present a more varied picture than the idea of an entirely flat plain.

The man-made Lobo Lake can be viewed from two bridges. Levelland City Park has sports facilities for baseball, softball, swimming and disc golf; check the current conditions of the facilities before your visit. The Oxy Sports Complex, which covers more than 30 acres, serves recreational and tournament use and includes facilities for baseball, softball and soccer. For navigation, U.S. Highway 385 is one of the main roads in Hockley County; check road conditions if your trip depends on it.

When planning your trip, you can consider two different perspectives side by side: art, history and events in Levelland, and the county’s landscapes. Then match the location of your accommodation to the places and activities you have planned.

Discover more destinations: Levelland, Mcculloch County, Mitchell County, Henderson County, Presidio County, Wichita, Swisher County, Runnels.

Go to the main travel overview: Texas.