Nocona, Texas • About
Nocona is a rural community in North Central Texas located within a couple hours’ drive of the DFW Metroplex, and less than an hour’s drive from Wichita Falls and Gainesville. This location provides easy access to several larger markets, but allows a “hometown” atmosphere for its residents and visitors.
Proud to be known as the “Leather Capital of the Southwest,” Nocona has deep roots in leather manufacturing, beginning with H.J. Justin in the late 1800s. When the Nocona Boot Company was established in 1925, our entrepreneurial spirit brought Nocona a long way from its beginning as a Chisholm Trail cattle rest stop. Boot manufacturing continues today with the Fenoglio Boot Company. Nocona Leather Goods got its start in 1926, making purses and billfolds. In 1929 the Company began introducing football, baseball and other sports equipment into the line. The Nokona baseball glove was developed in 1943, and the Company now operates as the American Original Ballglove Company, the only ball glove “Made in the U.S.A.” Our history is kept alive with the modern Tales ‘N’ Trails Museum.
Aside from our leather traditions, Nocona is also known for its many festivals including Mardi Gras, Bull Fest, the Chisholm Trail Rodeo, Cruisin’ Nocona, and Christmas in the Park. Nocona Nights, a Texas music concert series, has also been know to draw a crowd, and extensive downtown revitalization enhances our friendly atmosphere. In fact, Nocona was recently named one of the top five “Most Fun Small Towns” in the U.S. by Rand McNally! We’ve now added “Classic Car Capital of Texas” to our claim to fame, with the Horton Classic Car Museum and the annual hosting of the nationally-recognized Vicari Car Auction.
Nocona is served by six schools and is close to several colleges and universities. There is a medical clinic, hospital, wellness center, and two veterinary clinics in town, as well as an assisted living facility and a nursing home, complete with a rehabilitation center. We have a strong infrastructure in place, with utilities provided locally by Texas-New Mexico Power, Atmos Energy, and telecommunications provided by Windstream, Nortex Communications, Suddenlink, and AT&T.
The Nocona Economic Development Corporations’ vision is to create a strong and diverse tourism and business climate for the economic and social benefit of the people of Nocona and its surrounding areas. By searching out and assisting in the improvement of local assets, development of new resources and establishment of diverse tourism venues, NEDC supports Nocona’s controlled, healthy growth and an acclaimed reputation as a destination of choice for visitors, businesses and residents.