Tyler

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Overview

Tyler is the principal city in and the county seat of Smith County in East Texas, United States. The 2000 census recorded the city's population to be 83,650, while in 2005 it was estimated to have reached 106,143. A street map can be useful in getting around.

Tyler has been nicknamed the "Rose Capital of America" because of its large role in the rose-growing industry; about 20% of commercial rose bushes produced in the U.S. are grown in Tyler and Smith County and more than half of the rose bushes are packaged and shipped from the area. It boasts the nation's largest municipal rose garden and hosts the Texas Rose Festival each October, which draws more than 100,000 spectators annually.

Tyler boasts a variety of museums, historic homes, a nationally recognized zoo and symphony. Also the city has 26 parks, 22 area sporting lakes, 66 tennis courts, 26 baseball fields, 15 soccer fields, and 9 golf courses. There are more than 250 restaurants, 2,200 hotel rooms and countless shops and antiques for days, for the more serious shopper. Tyler has a rich history and culture, yet maintains a very sophisticated modern feel. Tyler makes a great central location for variety of East Texas experiences. A basic tourist map for recreation & tourismcan be helpful in getting around and orienting the network of highways and inner city roads.

Geography & Climate

Tyler is located at (32.334249, -95.299927) elevation of 544 feet from sea level. Tyler is surrounded by many smaller suburb cities including Jacksonville, Whitehouse, Lindale, New Chapel Hill, Bullard, Grasham, Flint, Van, Edom, Brownsboro, Noonday, and Chandler.

Tyler enjoys weather typical of East Texas, which is unpredictable. All of East Texas has the humid subtropical climate typical of the Southeast in North America. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 49.4 square miles (128.0 Square kilometres), of which, 49.3 square miles (127.7 km²) of it is land and 0.1 square miles (0.3 km²) of it (0.22%) is water.

In Tyler a basic map can help you get around.

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
Avg high °C (°F)	14 (58)	16 (62)	19 (67)	24 (76)	28 (83)	32 (91)	34 (94)	35 (95)	31 (88)	26 (80)	18 (66)	15 (60)	25 (77)
Avg low °C (°F)	3 (39)	5 (41)	7 (46)	12 (54)	16 (62)	21 (71)	22 (73)	22 (72)	18 (66)	13 (57)	7 (45)	4 (40)	13 (56)
Avg. # of Rainy days	6	5	5	6	6	3	3	2	3	4	5	5	58
Source: [1]

History

Early History

The earliest Native Americans inhabiting what is now Smith County, Texas, were Caddo (or Tejas) Indians. The Spanish explorers knew these Indians as Tejas, for whom they named the present Texas. Although Texas was a province of Spain until Mexico 1821, few European settlers inhabited the area to become Smith County until after the Texas Revolution.

Surprisingly, the first immigrants into the Smith County region from across the Mississippi River were Cherokee and Kickapoo Indians moving in front of the westward movement of European settlement from the East. Their leader, Chief Bowles, cooperated with the Mexican government and secured a land grant like the other settlers arriving from the United States. Sam Houston negotiated a treaty with Chief Bowles for the infant Republic of Texas during the Texas War for Independence. This treaty was never ratified by the Republic, and the second president of Texas, Mirabeau B. Lamar, sent troops into East Texas to expel those Indians who refused to leave voluntarily in 1839. The campaign concluded with two battles, the death of Bowles, and the retreat of the Indians in East Texas to north of the Red River into what is now Oklahoma.

Smith County Established

The forced removal of the Indians from East Texas in 1839 opened the area for Anglo settlement. At first, a few entrepreneurs moved in to take over the numerous salines, or salt works, formerly operated by the Indians. Later, settlers began clearing farms during the last years of the Republic of Texas, when the entire area comprised part of Nacogdoches County. Smith County was one of several new counties formed by the new Texas State Legislature in April of 1846. The new county was named for General James Smith, who came to Texas in 1816, fought for Texas' independence and served during the Indian Wars. Five commissioners were appointed by the Texas Legislature to select the boundaries of Smith County. The 939 square miles enclosed within the boundaries they selected have not changed to this day.

The Texas State Legislature required county seats be located within three miles of the geographical center of the new counties. The commissioners selected three hundred acres on a hilltop near the center of Smith County as the new county seat, to be named after President John Tyler. President Tyler was honored for his support for the annexation of Texas into the Union in 1845.

Tyler Established

A town site was built with five streets running north and south and four streets running east and west, making a twenty-eight block area. A small courthouse was built on the north side of the public square off of Broadway, which runs through the center of town. A dense brush and wild plum thicket covered the square, where the first public auction for town lots was held on December 21, 1846. Three different log buildings were used as court houses until a brick building was constructed in 1852, now called the "old courthouse". The city of Tyler was officially incorporated in 1848. In the first election, a mayor and four aldermen were named to administer a town of 506 acres measuring three-fourths of a mile from the center of the courthouse square.

The county grew rapidly in population and wealth throughout the decade that preceded the Civil War, with a large portion of the population immigrating from Alabama. Smith County began the 1850's with a population of 4,292, of whom 717 were Negro slaves.

In 1850, one of three branches of the Texas Supreme Court was located in Tyler. The following year, Congress established a Federal Court in Tyler, one of three in the District of Texas.

Farming grew quickly as farms and plantations thrived on the rich soil, and led to Tyler becoming a major commercial center of East Texas. In the late 1800s, the railroad became another key element in the local economy. Banks were formed, and commerce grew, and cotton became the main commercial crop.

Between 1855 and 1858, the first brick stores were built in Tyler. There were five of them, each two stories high. Most of the cities commerce moved by ox-wagon to and from Jefferson and Shreveport. Some cotton and other produce were also carried by flatboats on the Sabine River. By 1860, Tyler had a population of 1,024. Small industries flourished, including several flour and grist mills, a cabinet shop and factories for making wagons, spinning wheels, guns, hats and furniture.

During the Civil War, Tyler was the site of the largest Confederate ordnance plant in Texas, and in 1863 a large Confederate prison camp, known as Camp Ford, was built four miles to the northeast. The camp held as many as 6,000 prisoners and required 1,500 guards in the latter years of the war. Throughout the decade that followed the Civil War, Tyler and Smith County continued with a slow and steady growth in population.

In 1877, the first 21 miles of the Tyler Tap Railroad were completed from Tyler to Ferguson, where it tapped the Texas and Pacific Railway. This helped Tyler become a principal railroad center in the area and precipitated new growth. A public school system was established in 1882. In 1894, Texas College was founded as a Methodist supported college for blacks. Tyler Electric Light and Power Co. supplied city residents with electricity starting in 1888. By 1890 there were four sawmills, an ice factory, brick and tile kiln, a chair factory, coffin and truck factory, car factory and six canning establishments in the area.

Tyler grows into a city

While cotton and corn were main crops in the area, fruit orchards became increasingly important. By 1900 there were more than one million fruit trees, mainly peach, in the county. When a peach blight wiped out much of the fruit industry, many farmers turned to growing roses, which proved ideally suited to the climate and soil of the Tyler area. Tyler became a city in 1907 when it was approaching a census of about 10,000 people.

By the 1920s the rose industry had developed into a major business and by the 1940s more than half the U.S. supply of rose bushes was grown within ten miles of Tyler. The flourishing rose business gave rise to the Texas Rose Festival in 1933, which has become one of Tyler's major attractions. The festival has been held each year in October, with the exception of the World War II years.

In 1926, Tyler Junior College organized as an extension of the Tyler Public School system. A separate college district was created in 1945 and the college was moved to its present location in 1948. Another major economic stimulus arose in the early 1930s with the discovery of oil in the area. Many oil companies opened facilities in Tyler, pushing the population to near 30,000 by the 1940. World War II saw the creation of Camp Fannin northeast of Tyler.

Post-war Tyler gradually changed, and emerged, into the leading manufacturing, commercial, agricultural, and retail center of East Texas, in addition to its base in the oil, gas, and chemical industries. Tyler also is the home of numerous highly-respected educational institutions; include the University of Texas at Tyler, Tyler Junior College, and Texas College.

Society & Economy

A generation ago, Tyler had an industrial economy revolving around a few industries such as the oil and gas industry. While the energy industry remains important to the city’s economy, Tyler today is fortunate to have a diversified economy that includes manufacturing, health care, education, distribution, back office activities, retail, and real estate development. Home to three medical centers and three institutions of higher education, Tyler has experienced steady economic growth in recent years. The city serves as the retail, educational, and health care center for East Texas.

A community’s economic health depends on its ability to attract and support businesses and industry. Economic factors that affect business development include a city’s location in relation to major markets, the availability of a skilled labor force, wage scales, land prices, transportation and utility costs, and taxes. When making location decisions businesses also consider quality-of-life factors, including school quality, housing supply and costs, municipal services, open space and recreation opportunities, and cultural amenities because a good quality of life attracts a high-quality work force. Government entities increasingly play larger roles in the competition for new businesses and business retention,seeking to improve tax bases and provide more quality jobs for their residents. Cities can use economic development strategies to influence location decisions by potential businesses, nurture local entrepreneurs, and enhance the community’s fiscal and social well-being.

In addition to its role in the rose-growing industry, Tyler is the headquarters for Brookshire Grocery Company which has supermarkets in four states. TRANE air conditioning has it's Residential Systems headquarters in Tyler. Many major manufacturers established themselves in Tyler boosting local job oppertunities and the local economy. For example, Vesuvius manufactures refractory ceramics used in the steel industry, Carrier a manufacturer of air conditioners, and Good Year tires are all major employers in the area. Delek Refining, an Israeli owned oil refinery formerly dba La Gloria Oil and Gas Co (a Crown Central Petroleum subsidiary). Also produced in Tyler are John Soules Foods' fajita and other meat products, Distant Lands Coffee Roasters coffee, Tyler Candle Co. jar candles, and a variety of small high-tech businesses including Synthesizers.com, Group M7, CBI , Power-Up, and Arrick Robotics. Regardless, today Tyler's top employers are Mother Francis and ETMC, regional hospitals that have their base in Tyler, which serves the city as well as the surrounding East Texas area. See chart below:

Demographics

As of the census of 2000, there were 83,650 people in Tyler. 32,525 households, and 21,076 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,696.7 people per square mile (655.1/km²). There were 35,337 housing units at an average density of 716.7/sq mi (276.7/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 61.72% White, 26.83% African American or blacks,15.82% of the population were Hispanic or Latino, 0.34% Native American , 0.96% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 8.46% from other races, and 1.65% from mixed races.

There were 32,525 households out of which 30.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.7% were married couples living together, 14.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.2% were non-families. 30.2% of all households were made up of individuals and 11.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.48 and the average family size was 3.12.

Tyler’s population grew at an average annual rate of 1.8% between 1970 and 2000. A 2005 City Demographic Study estimated that Tyler grew much faster in the period 2000-2005: nearly 4% a year to 101,160. Tyler’s proportion of county population has been declining since 1970 as new subdivisions are built outside the city. Tyler’s population is somewhat older than the state’s – fewer children and more people 65 or over.

The city's population was spread out by age, with 26% under the age of 18, 11.7% from 18 to 24, 26.9% from 25 to 44, 20% from 45 to 64, and 15.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 83 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $34,163, and the median income for a family was $43,618. Males had a median income of $31,728 versus $22,397 for females. The per capita income for the city was $20,184. 16.8% of the population and 13.0% of families were below the poverty line. 23.3% of those under the age of 18 and 12.1% of those 65 and older were living below the poverty line.

Culture

Though Tyler enjoys all of the amenities and advantages it shares with the rest of the country in modern American society, it maintains its roots in the Deep South. "The South" is a subculture of the United States that has resulted from the blending of a heavy amount of English, Scottish/Scots-Irish culture, the culture of African slaves, and Native American culture. Southerners have a unique shared history, which includes remembrance of difficult times such as the institution of slavery, the Civil War and Reconstruction, the Great Depression, segregation and the Civil Rights Movement, and more recent events or tragedies such as Hurricane Katrina. Tyler is in what is considered the Deep South and thereby in the heart of "The South."

This part of the South is also known as the "Bible Belt", because of the prevalence there of evangelical or fundamentalist Protestantism, and sometimes even conservative Catholicism. The region is perceived as being intolerant of other religions or the non-religious, mainly due to the fact that Southern churches evangelize more than churches in other regions, which many non-conservative Christians and others consider hostile. However, few Southerners question actual freedom of worship or non-worship. In addition, there are significant percentages of other religions in the area. This is evidence of the areas growing open-mindedness on topics such as race and religion. Regardless of religious orientation this is partially responsible for what is called "Southern Hospitality", a manner which is particularly warm and welcoming to visitors to the South in general, home to the good ol' boy. Other features include proper local etiquette (i.e., calling one "Sir" or "Ma'am," opening doors for women, cooking enough for everyone who might be around at mealtime, inviting one to church functions, etc.) While persons from outside the region often mistake many of the Southern Hospitality customs as being disingenuous or fake in some way, in actuality the customs are often a way to make the visitor feel as comfortable as possible in an unfamiliar setting. Additionally, although some customs may be seen as odd or even offensive by people not from the South, they are considered polite in local culture and usually meant as an expression of traditional warm greeting.

There has been much criticism over the years by most Americans of the negative stereotypes of Southerners depicted in the media and in the general attitudes of some people from other regions. This is primarily due, critics point out, to other Americans' lack of knowledge of the region and because of hostile feelings and prejudices in response to the south's history of poor education (in some areas), racial problems, and cultural differences. Offensive terms such as "redneck", "cowboy", "hick" or "hillbilly" are often used to pervasively blanket the entire region. Some modern Tylerites, and others in the region, refer to themselves with these terms proudly in stark contrast to cultural stereotypes.

Tyler and the South is also famous for its Southern dialect or Southern draw/twang. This dialect is often stigmatized, as are other American English dialects such as New York-New Jersey English. However, in recent years there has been a resurgence of interest in the Southern dialect. It is spoken throughout the South, originating from the wave of Scot-Irish immigrants who have populated the region. These immigrants brought with them a very distinct style of English speaking, which was then combined with the African languages spoken by the African Americans who were at this time enslaved in the South. Over time this cultural and linguistic diversity combined with the South's rural isolation, and longtime use and familiarity with the King James Version of the Bible in religious life, to produce a unique American dialect.

Cuisine

As an important feature of Tyler and its Southern culture, the local cuisine is often described as one of its most distinctive traits. Popular sayings here include "Food is Love" and "If it ain't fried it ain't cooked". A great many regional varieties have also more recently developed. These cuisines range from Tex-Mex hybridized from longstanding relations with Mexico, Cajun and Creole from our neighboring state Louisiana, all types of seafood, and Texas Barbecue. Traditional Southern beverages such as Sweet Iced Tea and Dr Pepper. Lagers and Pilsners are generally preferred to heavier/darker beers due to the predominance of hot climate. Traditional African American Southern food is often locally called "soul food". While not being as spicy as Cajun food, it does tend to use lots of herbs, flour, and "stick-to your ribs" food. Other Southern specialties such as the so-called "home cooking" or country-food establishments around town can give a good taste of the South. Some notable "home cooking" meals include: fried chicken, fried okra, corn on the cob, vegetable & beef stew, chicken and dumplings, and chicken fried steak.

Arts

Tyler Museum of Art
Local art exhibitions

East Texas Symphony Orchestra
Country Music
A variety of Local bands playing at local venues

Recreation & Tourism

In October, Tyler celebrates the rose with the annual Texas Rose Festival. Annually, the Texas Rose Festival, which celebrates the role of the rose-growing industry in the local economy,draws thousands of tourists to Tyler. Rich in heritage and tradition, the Festival offers enchanting ceremonial events including the Queen's Coronation, the Rose Show, the Queen's Tea, the Tyler Rose Parade, Tyler symphony orchestra also hold *concert in the park*, and other civic events. All of these events are amidst a backdrop of brilliant roses as vibrant and colorful as the community they represent. There is also a Rose Museum featuring the history of the Festival.

Each spring enjoy mile after mile of azaleas, dogwood trees and spring flowers that you have to see to believe during the annual Spring Flower and Azalea Trail. The breathtaking beauty of our Azalea and Spring Flower Trail has been praised by visitors as a floral wonderland and a photographer's paradise.

In September the East Texas State Fair is held annually (September 20-29th) in Tyler. It is full of rides, carnival food, arts exhibits, live bands, and all kinds of entertainment.

Tyler is also well known for its Caldwell Zoo, begun in 1938 as a backyard menagerie. Today it features a 35 acre spread with wonderful, lush settings for everything from elephants and giraffes, to birds, alligators, flamingos, monkeys, and bog cats from all around the world. There is also a reptile exhibit and a walk through aquarium. Open daily from 9:30am to 6:00pm

For a more historical experience try Camp Ford. It was the largest Confederate Prisoner of War Camp west of the Mississippi River during the American Civil War. The site of the camp is now a public park, managed by the Historical Society. The park features a kiosk with extensive graphics detailing the history of the camp, a walking trail with interpretive signage, a reconstruction of a POW cabin, and picnic facilities. It is open daily from dawn to dusk with free admission. It is located on Highway 271, 0.8 miles north of Loop 323.

A more modern cultural phenomonon is what is jokingly referred to as "redneck sports", such as mud-bogging. Also known as mud racing, mud running and mud drags, is a form of off-road motorsport popular in the the area in which the goal is to drive a vehicle through a pit of mud. Typically, vehicles competing in mud bogs are four-wheel drives. Other more typical "redneck sports" include Rodeo, hunting, and fishing.

Tyler Rose Museum , 1900 W. Front, Tyler, TX. A spectacular display of memorabilia and items related to Tyler's rose-growing industry and the Texas Rose Festival. Admission Fee, special exhibits have fees.

Tyler Municipal Rose Garden, 1900 W. Front, Tyler, TX. Fourteen acres and 400 rose varieties testify to Tyler's standing as the "Rose Capital of the World". To view a wonderfully informative page about the Rose Garden, please click here. FREE Admission.

The Bonner-Whitaker McClendon House, 806 W Houston, Tyler, TX. One of the finest examples of Eastlake Bracketed Victorian Architecture remaining in East Texas. Guided Tours depicting Tyler's political, cultural history from post-Civil War. Birthplace of noted Washington D.C. news correspondent, Sarah McClendon. Tours available by appointment only.

Cowan Center, The University of Texas at Tyler campus, 3900 University Boulevard, Tyler, TX. The UT Tyler Cowan Fine & Performing Arts Center presents national and international touring arts and educational programming to enrich the cultural climate for the East Texas Region. Artists presented by the Cowan Center’s many series have included Bill Cosby, Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, David Copperfield, Dance Theatre of Harlem, Lyle Lovett, Momix, Gregory Hines, Tim Conway and Harvey Korman, and Broadway shows Miss Saigon, Annie, Chicago, Cats, and Stomp.

Goodman Museum, 624 N. Broadway, Tyler, TX. A delight for antique lovers and historians, this Tyler landmark brings the past to life with original furnishings, photographs and memorabilia dating from the mid-1800's.

Ballet Tyler. Ballet Tyler is made up of 20 local dancers from East Texas aging from 11 to 20. The purpose of the Ballet Tyler is to provide opportunities for both dancers and East Texas audiences to experience the fine art of dance at the highest possible quality.

Dewberry Plantation. Listed on the National Register of Historic Landmarks, the Dewberry Plantation is the oldest two-story structure in Smith County. Guided tours take visitors back to the era of an 1850's Southern plantation.

East Texas Symphony Orchestra. The East Texas Symphony Orchestra Association is guided by a dynamic and diverse Board of Directors which fosters the growth and development of the Orchestra to keep pace with the needs of the community. ETSO continues to strive to bring classical music to a broader segment of our community. The East Texas Symphony Orchestra... a sound discovery!

Roseland Plantation. 2601 State Hwy 64W, Ben Wheeler, TX. The Roseland Plantation is a registered Texas State Historical Landmark. It encompases a wedding chapel, ballroom and bed and breakfast made available for weddings and parties. The grand antebellum home was built in 1854 by Burwell Hambrick and was a cotton plantation that encompassed 3,000 acres. Mr. Hambrick built the first cotton gin in Van Zandt County. For many years it served as a stagecoach stop.

Tourism in the Surrounding Areas

Tyler is an excellent location for several various East Texas side trips. It is central to a variety of cultural, historical, wildlife experiences, and recreational activities in it's rural and surrounding areas. For example:

On the shores of nearby Lake Tyler is a nice series of public parks, camping, hunting/fishing, and spectaculat shoreside homes. It is also the location of 2005 HGTV Dream Home, the 6,500 square feet (600 m²) house briefly boosted tourism and interest in the community. Lake Palestine 15 miles southwest of Tyler on highway 155, is much larger holds the fishing record for some the largest bass anywhere. The 25,000+ acre lake hosts a variety of recreational areas, RV parks, bars, marinas, a country club with a golf course, jet ski/boat rentals, and the like. It is also on the way to the nearest "wet county" from south Tyler.

Also, there is a wildlife refuge on the outskirts of Tyler called Tiger Creek Wildlife Refuge. Tiger Creek is currently home to 39 rescued big cats and 2 bobcats. It is a "Living Resort", which provides the best living environment attainable for captive felines. It includes security, food, enrichment, and medical care. Also, it provides extensive habitat dimensions and education that is both entertaining for the felines and the people visiting the facilities.

SE of Tyler, near Bullard, Kiepersol Estates – doing quadruple duty as an elegant bed & breakfast, restruant, winery, and cattle business – offers 5 suites with private porches and hot tubs. Fancy restruant prepares duck, sea bass, lamb, and hand-cut steaks, along with a tempting wine list

40 miles West of Tyler on 64 in Canton is First Monday trade days, since the mid-19th century it has been a local merchant meet which one can buy and sell everything under the sun. It is an experience to take in, even if you are just walking around and observe. Now on over 100 acres, hosting over 5,000 vendors every month on the first Friday, Saturday, & Sunday after the first Monday of the month, thus the name. There is no admission other than a good pair of walking shoes.

Every September Edom arts fair The Edom Festival of the Arts features some of the finest artists and craftsmen in the state. Live music, local arts and crafts, along with food and free children’s art area make this a fun outing for locals, travelers, & families as well. It is a great way to get a taste of East Texas art and music in the smaller town setting. Getting to the Festival is easy, Edom is about 20 miles west of Tyler on FM 279.

Kilgore – home to the worlds richest acre – Texas Oil Museum – country tavern on highway 31 just on the outskirts of town - best pork ribs in the state known for its bbq, jukebox and old country dance floor, blue jeaned waitresses make for a friendly local Southern experience

Longview – Great Texas balloon race

Public & State Parks

Tyler State Park is a few miles north of town where visitors can camp, canoe, and paddle boat on the lake. Activities include picnicking; camping; boat rentals; fishing; birding; hiking; mountain biking and hiking trails; lake swimming; and nature study. This is a great place for the nature/outdoor enthusiast to get out and experience a wide variety of options, and definitly worth checking out. If you plan on camping long term or seeing more state/national parks getting a National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Annual Pass which can be a great investment.

Accommodations

Tyler is a host to multiple hotels and motels common to many American towns. It also boasts multiple RV parks for those traveling long term, or for a change of pace one of the many Bed & Breakfasts in the area.Couchsurfing is also maintained in Tyler for international travelers, there is a CS group devoted to Couchsurfing in the area.

Nightlife

Contrary to the conservative influence of the bible belt, Tyler, hosting three colleges and being the major city in the area, has a thriving & ever growing nightlife.

Local bars & clubs

Off of the south Loop 323

Off of South Broadway

On the Tyler Square

On the outskirts of town

Laughing Dog

Gay & lesbian

Outlaws

After-hours eating

After a good night out on the town, most people need to go out for a bite to eat or just have a place to wind down and have a cup of coffee. in the service industry, it is known as "the bar run". Tyler has limited options depending on which part of town you are in.

IHOP (International House of Pancakes)
D's Royal coffee shop

Transportation

As with much of modern America the automobile is the most common mode of transportation. Tyler is a nexus of several major highways including Interstate 20 runs along the north edge of the city going east and west, U.S. Highway 69 runs north-south through the center of town and Texas State Highway 64 runs east-west through the city. Tyler also has access to U.S. Highway 271, Texas State Highway 31, Texas State Highway 155, and Texas State Highway 110. Texas State Highway Loop 323 was established in 1957 and originally encircled the city, which has continued to grow outside of the loop. It still encompasses the majority of the city, though it has grown to extend beyond. This expansion is the reason for the new loop 49 which is currently under construction. Texas State Highway Loop 49, designed to be an "outer loop" around the city, and connect to I20. The first five-mile segment, which connects Highway 155 south with Highway 69 south, opened for use on August 17, 2006. A second segment connecting Highway 69 with Paluxy Drive opened in January, 2008.

Via Public Transportation

The city's Tyler Transit buses run daily, excluding Sundays and holidays. Greyhound Lines bus service is available through a downtown terminal.

Via Air

Tyler Pounds Regional Airport offers service to Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport via American Eagle and to Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport via Colgan Air Continental Connection.

Via Train

Tyler was the hub for a series of short-line railroads which later evolved into the St. Louis Southwestern Railway, better known as "The Cotton Belt Route." This line later became part of the Southern Pacific Railroad, which itself merged with the Union Pacific Railroad, which continues to serve the city today.

Education & Healthcare

Hospitals & Clinics

Hospitals located in Tyler include East Texas Medical Center, Trinity Mother Frances Health System, University of Texas Health Center at Tyler, and Texas Spine & Joint Hospital. Tyler serves as a major medical center for communities throughout East Texas.

Colleges and Universities

Tyler's higher education institutions include the University of Texas at Tyler and the University of Texas Health Center at Tyler, both part of the University of Texas System; Tyler Junior College, and Texas College.

Public/Private schools

Public primary and secondary education for much of the city is provided by the Tyler Independent School District, which includes two high schools, John Tyler (North Tyler)and Robert E Lee(South Tyler). Portions of incorporated Tyler are served by surrounding school districts. These include sections of southeast Tyler by the Whitehouse Independent School District, and some sections in the east which are served by the Chapel Hill Independent School District.

The Tyler Catholic School System of the Catholic Diocese of Tyler consists of St. Gregory Elementary and Bishop T. K. Gorman High/Middle School (Tyler, Texas). There are several other private schools, including Grace Community School, East Texas Christian Academy, All Saints Episcopal School, Brook Hill School, and Good Shepherd Reformed Episcopal School.

Sports

Local Baseball

Tyler Roughnecks (2001)

Local Football

East Texas Twisters (2004)

High school sports teams

Football

Alternative Sports

Hunting
Fishing
Watersports: such as sking, wakeboarding, boating, & S.C.U.B.A.
Rodeo and other "redneck sports"
Four Square
Disc golf
Skydiving

Media

There are currently 13+ media outlets, two magazines, and one newspaper operating out of Tyler, as well as many more in the surrounding areas.

Newspaper

Tyler Morning Telegraph

Magazines

Television

KLTV - KLTV Channel 7 (ABC)
KETK - KETK NBC 56 (NBC)
KYTX - CBS 19 (CBS)

Radio

AM stations

Frequency	Call Leters	Format	Name
Stations Broadcast from Tyler
600	KTBB	News/Talk
690	KZEY	Urban Contemporary
1330	KGLD	Gospel	The Light
1490	KYZS	Sports	ESPN

FM stations

Frequency	Call Leters	Format	Name
Stations Broadcast from Tyler
89.5	KVNE	Christian Contemporary	Encouragement FM
91.3	KGLY	Religious
92.1	KDOK	Oldies
93.1	KTYL	Adult Contemporary	Mix
100.1	K261CW	Public Radio	KERA
101.5	KNUE	Country
104.1	KKUS	Country	The Ranch
Stations with Tyler Coverage Area
90.3	KBJS	Christian Talk
96.1	KKTX	Classic and Contemporary Rock	96X
99.3	KAJK	Adult Hits	JackFM
102.7	KBLZ	Hip Hop	The Blaze
106.5	KOOI	Adult Contemporary	Sunny
107.3	KISX	Urban Contemporary	JAMZ

External links

Tyler Chamber of Commerce
Tyler Economic Development Council
Tyler Texas Information : Tyler photos, history, government, tourism, links.
Tyler Texas Weather : Weather conditions, radar, and forecasts.
Tyler State Park