Hico, Texas

Ollie P. Roberts, usually known as Ollie L. Roberts, "Brushy Bill" Roberts, or William Henry Roberts, a resident of Hico during the late 1940s, claimed to have been the outlaw Billy the Kid. Hico has capitalized on his infamy by opening a small Billy the Kid Museum, where visitors can decide whether Brushy Bill was indeed William H. Bonney. Brushy Bill claimed to have been born in Buffalo Gap south of Abilene, Texas. The museum offers a taped video presentation of Fox News, narrating a documentary about Brushy Bill's claim. There is also a replica of a 19th-century jail in the museum and other artifacts of the period.[6]

A marker devoted to Brushy Bill, located on Pecan Street in downtown Hico, reads: "Ollie L. 'Brushy Bill' Roberts, alias Billy the Kid, died in Hico, Texas on December 27, 1950. He spent the last days of his life trying to prove to the world his true identity and obtain the pardon promised him by the governor of the state of New Mexico (Lew Wallace). We believe his story and pray to God for the forgiveness he solemnly asked for [sic]."[8] The NBC television series Unsolved Mysteries did a segment on "Brushy Bill" Roberts' claim.

Billy the Kid Museum

Hico museum employee Jan Canup stands in front of a gold-plated cash register retrieved from an old barn.

According to Jan Canup, several relatives, including a son and grandson, of former Sheriff Patrick F. Garrett claim that their kinsman never killed Billy the Kid. There were no reliable witnesses to what body was actually placed in the Kid's grave, according to this line of argument. The Garrett family contends that Sheriff Garrett and Billy the Kid may have even plotted to collect the $500 reward offered for the capture of the outlaw.[9] Roberts' grave has not been revealed, thus preventing DNA authentication of the remains.[10]

Next to the Brushy Bill marker on North Pecan Street is a large statue by the sculptor James Rice of Billy the Kid firing his gun. Downtown Hico, focused upon the Billy the Kid Museum on South Pecan Street, is a restored Western community with businesses appealing to tourists. There are antique stores, gift shops, a drink shop, restaurants, and a gourmet popcorn shop.

Hico has a small diner with a regional reputation: the Koffee Kup Family Restaurant, located at the main town intersection of Highway 281 (north-south) and Texas State Highway 6 (east-west). From the outside the restaurant appears small, but it can seat 116 and is open for all three meals.[11] Owned by Lynn E. Allen (born 1947),[12] a former Hico School Board member, the Koffee Kup is known throughout the region, having been featured on Bob Phillips's Texas Country Reporter syndicated television series. The restaurant is particularly known for its chicken-fried steak, strawberry pie, and other custard pies.[13] Adjacent to the Koffee Kup is the historical home of photographer Frank Rufus Wiseman (built 1903), which houses antiques and a chocolate company.

Each July, Hico hosts Old Settlers Reunion at City Park. During the week the "Citizen of the Year" is recognized. Hico High School, which maintains a popular football team under Coach Randy Thornton, holds its homecoming observance at the same time as Old Settlers Day. Hico claims that its Old Settlers gathering, which dates to 1882, is the oldest of its kind in Texas. It has been held each year since 1882, except during World War II.[14]

Hico has maintained a post office since 1861, and the first mail was carried by horseback. An early Hico business was Hico Ice and Cold Storage, which began in 1905. In time, it developed a major shipping market for eggs, chickens, and turkeys. The weekly newspaper, released on Thursdays, is the Hico News Review, edited and published by Jerry E. McAdams (born 1951). The publication is a Texas Press Association Award winner.[15]

Across Highway 281 from the Hico News Review is the First Baptist Church, one of several congregations in the community. The historic First United Methodist Church, also on Highway 281, was organized in 1881, with some 25 charter members. Six area churches later merged to become the Hico Methodist body. The current yellow brick sanctuary dates to 1903. The church is known for it support of both Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts.[16]

Ranch life, including horseback riding, hayrides, and camping, can be experienced at Timber Creek Ranch some 10 miles (16 km) southeast of Hico on Texas Highway 6.[6]

Hico hosts the Annual Texas Steak Cookoff in May. It boasts thousands of guests every year.

Hico is located in the northern corner of Hamilton County at 31°59′4″N 98°1′50″W (31.984410, -98.030508).[17] A small portion of the city extends north into Erath County. U.S. Route 281 passes through the city as Walnut Street and North 2nd Street. Highway 281 leads northwest 19 miles (31 km) to Stephenville and south 20 miles (32 km) to Hamilton, the county seat. Texas State Highway 6 passes through the city as Second Street, joining US 281 as it exits the city to the northwest. Highway 6 leads east 23 miles (37 km) to Meridian and west-northwest 21 miles (34 km) to Dublin.

According to the United States Census Bureau, Hico has a total area of 1.8 square miles (4.7 km²), all land.[5]

Approximately 1.8 miles (2.9 km) north of Hico are what appear to be the remains of an impact crater that was formed some time after the Cretaceous Period.[18]

As of the census[3] of 2000, there were 1,341 people, 556 households, and 363 families residing in the city. The population density was 911.4 people per square mile (352.2/km²). There were 640 housing units at an average density of 435.0 per square mile (168.1/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 90.23% White, 0.82% Native American, 0.15% Pacific Islander, 7.53% from other races, and 1.27% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 11.26% of the population.

There were 556 households, out of which 30.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.4% were married couples living together, 10.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.7% were non-families. 31.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 22.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.37 and the average family size was 2.99.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 26.2% under the age of 18, 6.9% from 18 to 24, 23.8% from 25 to 44, 20.5% from 45 to 64, and 22.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 82.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 77.9 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $25,919, and the median income for a family was $34,688. Males had a median income of $27,404 versus $17,708 for females. The per capita income for the city was $14,122. About 13.6% of families and 19.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 27.2% of those under age 18 and 22.4% of those age 65 or over.

The city is served by the Hico Independent School District, home of the Hico Tigers and Lady Tigers.

The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Hico has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.[20]

• Mary Charlotte Ward Granniss Webster Billings, Texas' first woman Universalist minister. She resided here for many years and died in 1904.
• Major General William F. Garrison (Ret.), Best known for being the commander of Task Force Ranger during Operation Gothic Serpent in Mogadishu, Somalia in 1993, resides at his ranch near Hico with his family.
• Brushy Bill Roberts 1879-1950 - claimed to be Billy The Kid

• List of cities in Texas

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Hico, Texas.

• City of Hico official website