Hubbry Logo
Longview, TexasLongview, TexasMain
Open search
Longview, Texas
Community hub
Longview, Texas
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Longview, Texas
Longview, Texas
Longview, Texas
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Longview is a city in, and county seat of, Gregg County, Texas, United States. Longview is located in East Texas, where Interstate 20 and U.S. highways 80 and 259 converge just north of the Sabine River. According to the 2020 U.S. census, the city had a population of 81,638.[7] Longview is the principal city of the Longview metropolitan statistical area, comprising Gregg, Upshur, and Rusk counties. The population of the metropolitan area as of 2021 census estimates was 287,858.[8]

Key Information

Longview was established in 1870 in what was at the time southern Upshur County; the town incorporated in 1871. After Gregg County was created in 1873, Longview was voted the county seat. Today, Longview is considered a major hub city for the region, as is the nearby city of Tyler. Companies with significant presence in Longview include Eastman Chemical, Trinity Rail Group, AAON Coil Products, Komatsu Mining, Dollar General and Old Navy/GAP. Colleges and universities in the area include LeTourneau University, Kilgore College, and the University of Texas at Tyler's Longview University Center.

History

[edit]

The modern-day city of Longview was founded in 1869.[9] In 1870, O.H. Methvin, Sr. sold 100 acres (40 ha) to the Southern Pacific Railroad (later the Texas and Pacific Railway) for one dollar to persuade them to build their line in the direction of land he owned. Later that year, he sold another 100 acres (40 ha) for $500 in gold. He hoped the coming of the railroad would increase the value of the rest of his land.

Two railroad surveyors coined the name of the town when they stated, "What a long view!" from the porch of Methvin's home. In June 1871, Longview was incorporated as the first town in Gregg County.[10][9]

In 1884, the Mobberly Hotel opened for business servicing railroad travelers and as the center of social gatherings for Longview. The hotel featured cherrywood furniture with carved bed posts, marble-top washstands, linen tablecloths, electric crystal chandeliers, and a fireplace in every room. Mobberly was located in the junction part of town near the train depot. The hotel was destroyed by fire on June 13, 1965.[citation needed]

On May 23, 1894, Bill Dalton and three members of his posse robbed the First National Bank of Longview. Several men died in the resulting gunfight, bandit Jim Wallace along with citizens J. W. McQueen, Charles Learn, and George Buckingham.[11] The robbers escaped with $2,000 in cash and some unsigned bank notes.[12] The Gregg County Historical Museum holds its exhibit on the event within the bank vault which was robbed, and holds a yearly event to mark the anniversary of the occasion.[13]

In the Longview race riot in July 1919, a reporter for The Chicago Defender was in Longview looking into the mysterious death of a black man named Lemuel Walters. An armed white mob attacked a home where the reporter, S.L. Jones, was staying, and attempted to batter their way in. A gunfight began between the attackers and the men in the house. Eventually, Jones made a getaway. The white men then began to burn buildings in the black section of the town.[14]

The Gregg Hotel opened in 1930, and served oil boom customers.[15] It had various operators as a hotel until 1978, when it was converted to dormitories for use by male students of LeTourneau College.[16] Following the 1984 spring semester, the building sat empty except for a barbershop, which also closed in 1986.[17] The building was ultimately demolished in 1995.

In 1942, construction began on the Big Inch pipeline in Longview. From 1943 to 1945, the pipeline transported over 261,000,000 barrels of crude oil to the East Coast.[9] At the time of construction, Big Inch and its smaller twin, Little Inch, comprised the longest petroleum pipeline ever built in the world. Both were integral in supplying the United States' war effort in World War II.

After World War II, Longview's population grew from 24,502 to 40,050 in 1960, its growth fueled by migration from rural Gregg County and the annexation of Greggton and Spring Hill.[18]

In the early 1980s, the City of Longview engaged in a controversial series of annexations aimed at expanding its jurisdiction northward toward the area near East Mountain. On May 8, 1980, Longview passed four annexation ordinances (1309–1312), which included narrow, contiguous extensions of city limits—commonly referred to as “stem” or “strip” annexations. These extensions reached outward in long, thin paths along roadways to connect more distant land tracts, with the apparent goal of enveloping portions of the surrounding utility district and potentially encircling the smaller city of East Mountain.[19][20]

The annexation sparked legal action by the Spring Hill Utility District, which challenged the validity of the city's strategy. The case reached the Texas Supreme Court, which upheld Longview’s method as lawful so long as all annexations were completed within a 90-day window.[21] Despite this legal victory, the city reversed course three years later—issuing de-annexation ordinance 1671 on November 8, 1983—effectively nullifying the controversial annexations. The reasons behind the reversal are not fully documented, but may have included political pressure, local opposition, and concerns over creating a legal or geographic enclave around East Mountain.

Geography

[edit]

Longview is located within Northeast Texas, a subregion of East Texas. North of Kilgore, and is bordered to the west by the city of White Oak. Longview was founded in Gregg County, and has annexed surrounding land as it has grown in population and area, including a comparatively small area on its east that is within Harrison County.

Climate

[edit]
Climate data for Longview, Texas (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1902–present)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °F (°C) 86
(30) 		90
(32) 		97
(36) 		95
(35) 		103
(39) 		110
(43) 		108
(42) 		113
(45) 		109
(43) 		101
(38) 		93
(34) 		93
(34) 		113
(45)
Mean daily maximum °F (°C) 57.6
(14.2) 		62.0
(16.7) 		69.5
(20.8) 		76.7
(24.8) 		83.9
(28.8) 		90.2
(32.3) 		93.6
(34.2) 		94.2
(34.6) 		88.8
(31.6) 		79.0
(26.1) 		67.9
(19.9) 		59.5
(15.3) 		76.9
(24.9)
Daily mean °F (°C) 46.0
(7.8) 		49.8
(9.9) 		57.2
(14.0) 		64.2
(17.9) 		72.8
(22.7) 		79.8
(26.6) 		83.0
(28.3) 		83.0
(28.3) 		76.9
(24.9) 		66.2
(19.0) 		55.4
(13.0) 		47.8
(8.8) 		65.2
(18.4)
Mean daily minimum °F (°C) 34.3
(1.3) 		37.7
(3.2) 		44.9
(7.2) 		51.8
(11.0) 		61.7
(16.5) 		69.5
(20.8) 		72.5
(22.5) 		71.7
(22.1) 		64.9
(18.3) 		53.3
(11.8) 		43.0
(6.1) 		36.2
(2.3) 		53.5
(11.9)
Record low °F (°C) −4
(−20) 		−5
(−21) 		17
(−8) 		20
(−7) 		37
(3) 		52
(11) 		56
(13) 		53
(12) 		38
(3) 		25
(−4) 		18
(−8) 		2
(−17) 		−5
(−21)
Average precipitation inches (mm) 4.27
(108) 		4.07
(103) 		4.68
(119) 		4.34
(110) 		4.92
(125) 		4.33
(110) 		2.50
(64) 		2.84
(72) 		3.48
(88) 		4.33
(110) 		3.78
(96) 		4.64
(118) 		48.18
(1,224)
Average snowfall inches (cm) 0.4
(1.0) 		0.3
(0.76) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.7
(1.8)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 in) 8.5 8.8 8.8 7.3 8.0 7.3 5.5 5.8 5.7 6.7 7.4 9.0 88.8
Average snowy days (≥ 0.1 in) 0.2 0.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.4
Source: NOAA[22][23]

Demographics

[edit]
Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
18801,525—
18902,03433.4%
19003,59176.5%
19105,15543.6%
19205,71310.8%
19305,036−11.9%
194013,758173.2%
195024,50278.1%
196040,05063.5%
197045,54713.7%
198062,76237.8%
199070,31112.0%
200073,3444.3%
201080,4559.7%
202081,6381.5%
U.S. Decennial Census
[24][failed verification] 2020[4]
Longview city, Texas – Racial and ethnic composition
Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos may be of any race.
Race / Ethnicity (NH = Non-Hispanic) Pop 2000[25] Pop 2010[26] Pop 2020[27] % 2000 % 2010 % 2020
White alone (NH) 48,028 45,230 40,599 65.48% 56.22% 49.73%
Black or African American alone (NH) 16,126 18,190 19,173 21.99% 22.61% 23.49%
Native American or Alaska Native alone (NH) 267 292 255 0.36% 0.36% 0.31%
Asian alone (NH) 606 1,063 1,309 0.83% 1.32% 1.60%
Pacific Islander alone (NH) 12 21 30 0.02% 0.03% 0.04%
Some Other Race alone (NH) 35 87 219 0.05% 0.11% 0.27%
Mixed race or Multiracial (NH) 706 1,112 3,115 0.96% 1.38% 3.82%
Hispanic or Latino (any race) 7,564 14,460 16,938 10.31% 17.97% 20.75%
Total 73,344 80,455 81,638 100.00% 100.00% 100.00%

At the 2010 census, Longview had a population of 80,455. The median age was 34. The racial and ethnic composition of the population was 56.2% non-Hispanic White, 22.6% Black or African American, 0.5% Native American, 1.4% Asian, 9.5% from some other race, and 2.3% from two or more races. About were 18.0% Hispanics or Latinos of any race.[28] In the census of 2000,[6] 73,344 people, 28,363 households, and 19,116 families resided in the city. The population density was 1,341.8 inhabitants per square mile (518.1/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 70.10% White, 22.11% African American, 0.50% Native American, 0.83% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 4.92% from other races, and 1.51% from two or more races; Hispanics or Latinos of any race were 10.31% of the population.

By the 2020 United States census, Longview's population grew to 81,683.[7] Its racial and ethnic makeup per the 2020 census was 49.73% non-Hispanic white, 23.49% Black or African American, 0.31% American Indian or Alaska Native, 1.6% Asian alone, 0.27% some other race, 3.82% multiracial, and 20.75% Hispanic or Latino of any race.[29] Among its population at the 2020 American Community Survey, 52.7% of its population was non-Hispanic white, 22.4% Black or African American, 0.1% American Indian or Alaska Native, 1.4% Asian alone, 0.2% Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander, 0.1% some other race, 2.7% two or more races, and 20.3% Hispanic of Latino American of any race.[30] The 2020 census and 2020 survey reflected nationwide demographic trends of greater diversification among traditional minority populations.[31][32]

Of the 28,363 households at the 2000 census, 33.2% had children under 18 living with them, 48.9% were married couples living together, 14.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.6% were not families. About 27.9% of all households were individuals who lived alone, and 10.7% of all households were 65 or older and living alone. The average household size was 2.50, and the average family size was 3.06. Among the estimated 31,450 households at the 2020 American Community Survey, the average household size was 2.49; the 19,965 families had an average size of 3.13.[33] Of the households and families estimated, 53.6% were in owner-occupied housing units and 46.4% were renter-occupied.

In 2000, the median income for a household in the city was $33,858, and for a family was $42,378. Males had a median income of $33,078 versus $21,400 for females. The per capita income for the city was $15,676. About 13.0% of families and 16.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 22.7% of those under age 18 and 10.6% of those age 65 or over. By 2020, the median household income for Longview residents grew to $50,019, and monthly housing costs were $854.[34]

As of 2020's religion census by the Association of Religion Data Archives, Baptists were the largest set of Christians, with Christianity being the predominant religion for Longview's metropolitan area. Altogether, Baptists from the American Baptist Association, Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship, Free Will Baptists, National Baptists, National Missionary Baptists, and Southern Baptists numbered 88,811. Non/inter-denominational Protestants numbered 26,874. Other large Christian communities for the MSA were Methodists, Pentecostals, Jehovah's Witnesses, and Mormons. Its Catholic Christian community numbered 22,952.[35]

Economy

[edit]
Longview's tallest building, the 10-story VeraBank
CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Medical Center
Looking west on Tyler Street in downtown Longview

Longview is one of several cities in East Texas that serve as a center for the "patent troll" industry, due to a perception that the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas is a favorable venue for patent infringement plaintiffs.[36] As such, it is also one of the major economic hubs for Northeast Texas alongside Tyler.[37]

Largest employers

[edit]

According to the municipal Fiscal Year 2021–2022 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report,[38] the top employers in the city were:

# Employer # of employees
1 CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Medical Center 2,530
2 Eastman Chemical 1,481
3 Longview Regional Medical Center 1,150
4 Dollar General 875
5 Komatsu 560
6 AAON Coil Products, Inc. 515
7 Trinity Rail, LLC 471
8 Mr. Cooper 450
9 Diagnostic Clinic of Longview 400
10 Crosby Group 380

Arts and culture

[edit]

Longview Public Library operates a main branch, and the Broughton Branch.[39][40]

Longview's cultural district—a 320-acre (130 ha) area in downtown Longview which includes museums, restaurants, parks, live music, theater, and historic buildings—was designated by the Texas Commission on the Arts in 2019.[41]

The 29-acre (12 ha) Longview Arboretum and Nature Center opened in 2019.[42][43] Among other centers, the city has a vast trail system that is being connected to create 10 consecutive miles of connected walking/biking trails.[44]

Juneteenth

[edit]

Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, has been a prominent cultural celebration in Longview for many decades. Celebrating the freedom and emancipation of African Americans from slavery

Year Highlights
1985 The City of Longview held its first official Juneteenth parade, marking the start of an annual community tradition.
2024 The Real Cowboy Association hosted its Annual Juneteenth Rodeo at the Longview Fairgrounds Rodeo Arena on June 29, featuring rodeo competitions and educational scholarship fundraising .
2025 City-sponsored festivities on June 14 included a parade along Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, a festival at Broughton Park with food, music, children’s activities, historical information sessions, and a business expo. On June 19, “Juneteenth in the Park” was held at Teague Park from noon to 8 p.m., featuring live entertainment and community engagement. That same day, all City of Longview offices were closed in observance of the holiday.
2025 Local news coverage highlighted the 40‑year anniversary of Longview’s Juneteenth parade, emphasizing its role in bringing together diverse segments of the community for celebration and remembrance.

These events underscore that Juneteenth in Longview is not only a celebration of freedom but also a long-standing community tradition involving parades, cultural performances, educational programming, and civic observances. The City’s official closure on June 19 and sponsorship of festivals affirm the holiday’s significance in local civic life.[45][46][47][48]

Government

[edit]

Local government

[edit]
Longview Municipal Building

According to the 2007 comprehensive annual financial report, the city's various funds had $75.9 million in revenues, $87.7 million in expenditures, $47.6 million in total assets, $9.0 million in total liabilities, and $12.2 million in cash in investments.[49]

The city manager as of 2023 is Rolin McPhee.[50] Bonds retired January 31, 2022 and Rolin McPhee became the city manager on February 1.[51] With the addition of McPhee as city manager, the city of Longview underwent some restructuring namely adding an assistant city manager, MaryAnn Hagenbucher.[51]

State government

[edit]

Longview is represented in the Texas Senate by Republican Bryan Hughes, District 1, and in the Texas House of Representatives by Republican Jay Dean, District 7. The Texas Department of Criminal Justice operates the Longview District Parole Office in Longview.[52]

Federal government

[edit]

Longview is part of Texas's 1st congressional district, which is currently represented by Republican Nathaniel Moran. Moran was elected after former Republican Louie Gohmert announced he was not seeking reelection in 2022.

Education

[edit]
S.E. Belcher, Jr. Chapel and Performance Center at LeTourneau University

Colleges and universities

[edit]

The city of Longview is home to three institutions of higher learning and two trade (cosmetology) schools:

The service area of Kilgore College includes the independent school districts of Longview, Hallsville, Pine Tree, and Spring Hill (the ones covering sections of Longview).[53]

Public school districts

[edit]

Longview is served by four school districts.

The following include portions in Gregg County:[54]

The Harrison County portion is in this school district:[55]

Media

[edit]

TV stations

[edit]

The Gregg County portion of Longview is part of the Tyler-Longview-Lufkin-Nacogdoches designated market area, and the Harrison County portion of Longview is within the Shreveport-Texarkana market.[56]

KLGV-LD broadcasts from Longview.

Newspaper

[edit]

Radio

[edit]

FM stations

[edit]
Frequency (MHz) Call letters Licensed location Type Format
94.1 K231DK Longview Translator of KFRO Classic Hits
96.5 K243CU Longview Translator of KEES Catholic
97.1 K246CB Longview Translator of KHCB Christian radio
99.9 K260CE Longview Translator of KTAA Christian radio
101.9 K270AW Longview Translator of KDOK Classic Hits
103.7 K279CI Longview Translator of KYKX Country
105.7 KYKX Longview Primary Country

AM station

[edit]
Frequency (kHz) Call letters Licensed location Type Format
1370 KFRO Longview Primary Classic Hits

Infrastructure

[edit]

Transportation

[edit]

Airport

[edit]

East Texas Regional Airport is located south of Longview.

Public transportation

[edit]

The city's public transit system, Longview Transit, runs daily routes, excluding Sundays and holidays. Its fixed routes provide transportation to key districts throughout the city.[57]

City of Longview Transit (COLT) provides demand-response transportation services for those who are unable to use the regular Longview Transit fixed-route service.[58]

Rail service

[edit]

Amtrak passenger rail service is available on the Texas Eagle through a downtown terminal. Longview's Amtrak station is the fifth-busiest in Texas and the fourth-busiest station along the Texas Eagle route.[59] Daily trains between Chicago and San Antonio stop each morning (Chicago–San Antonio) and each evening (San Antonio–Chicago). Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, the Longview station serves the Chicago to Los Angeles trains. The return train, Los Angeles to Chicago, stops in Longview on Sunday, Tuesday, and Friday. It serves about 20–50 passengers per day. From the station, passengers can connect to Nacogdoches, Lufkin, Houston, and Galveston, as well as Shreveport, Louisiana, by motorcoach. A proposal is in the works for a high-speed rail system from Dallas/Fort Worth to Shreveport along the I-20 corridor, bringing passenger rail service to that corridor for the first time since the Texas and Pacific's unnamed successor to the Louisiana Eagle in the late 1960s.[60][61][62]

Longview is served by Amtrak, the BNSF Railway, and the Union Pacific Railroad.[63]

Roads

[edit]
  • I-20, Interstate 20, an east–west freeway, connects Longview to Dallas, about 125 mi (201 km) to the west and to Shreveport, Louisiana, around 60 mi (97 km) to the east.
  • US 80, U.S. Highway 80 runs through the central district of Longview. U.S. Hwy 80 was once a coast-to-coast highway from Tybee Beach near Savannah, Georgia, and ran continuously across the southern part of the United States to San Diego, California. Today, its western terminus is in Dallas, making the length only 1,032 mi (1,661 km). The western part of the route was replaced by I-20 and I-10.
  • US 259, U.S. Highway 259 is a 250-mile-long (400 km) north/south highway providing an alternate route to U.S. 59 between Nacogdoches, Texas, and the Oklahoma/Arkansas border just south of Fort Smith, Arkansas. Before Interstate 20, US 259 went through the center of Longview on a route now designated Texas State Highway 31 and Spur 502.
  • SH 31, Texas Highway 31 runs 143.3 miles (230.6 km) east/west between Longview and Waco, Texas.
  • SH 149, Texas Highway 149, 33.9 mi (54.6 km) long, connects Longview with Carthage.
  • SH 300, Texas Highway 300 is a short (18.62-mile (29.97 km)) highway connecting Longview to U.S. 271 in Gilmer.
  • SH 281, Texas Highway 281 is a 19.3-mile (31.1 km) loop highway that circumnavigates much of Longview from its east connection at I-20 east of the Gregg/Harrison county line to I-20 in Longview. It runs northward, westward, southward, and eastward around the city.
  • Spur 502, Spur 502 connects north/south traffic between U.S. Hwy 80 in central Longview and U.S. Hwy 259 north of Longview.
  • Spur 63, Spur 63 runs north/south through Longview connecting TX Hwy 31 at its Longview terminus with Spur 502 north of TX Loop 281.

Notable people

[edit]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Longview, Texas

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Longview is a city in northeastern Texas, primarily in Gregg County with portions in neighboring Harrison County, serving as the county seat of Gregg County. Founded in 1870 with the arrival of the Southern Pacific Railway and incorporated the following year, the city derived its name from the expansive southern views available from its original rail station site. Longview underwent rapid expansion beginning in 1931 due to the Gregg County oil boom, transitioning its economy from reliance on cotton farming and timber harvesting to petroleum extraction, refining, and associated manufacturing sectors that continue to underpin local employment and growth. As of the July 1, 2024, U.S. Census Bureau estimate, the city's population stood at 83,668, positioning it as the core urban center of the Longview metropolitan statistical area, which encompasses roughly 294,000 residents across multiple counties. The contemporary economy emphasizes industrial manufacturing, healthcare services, and transportation logistics, with a 2023 median household income of $62,488 reflecting sustained regional productivity despite fluctuations in energy markets.

History

Founding and Early Settlement

Longview was established in 1870 when farmer Ossamus Hitch Methvin Sr. deeded 100 acres of land in what is now Gregg County to the Southern Pacific Railroad Company, with the agreement that the rail line would terminate there and a town would be platted. Railroad surveyors selected the site for its strategic position along the proposed transcontinental route and named it Longview due to the expansive vistas from the hilly terrain, though the primary driver was connectivity to facilitate freight and passenger transport across . Commercial train service commenced on February 22, 1871, positioning Longview as the temporary western terminus of the Southern Pacific line, which spurred initial settlement by providing access to markets beyond the local region. The town was formally incorporated on May 17, 1871, encompassing one square mile and becoming the first municipality in the area that would form Gregg County two years later in 1873. Early population growth was directly tied to the railroad's presence, drawing workers, merchants, and farmers seeking economic opportunities; by the late 1870s, the influx supported basic infrastructure like a turntable between Center and High streets. The Southern Pacific's extension paused at Longview before resuming construction westward, making it a hub for regional rail expansion, including connections to lines like the International Railroad by 1872. The nascent economy centered on and timber extraction, leveraging the fertile soils and dense forests of East Texas's rolling hills. Cotton emerged as a dominant crop, with Gregg County farmers producing and shipping thousands of bales annually from Longview's rail depots—18,000 bales in 1876 alone—reflecting small-scale family farms adapted to the subtropical climate and timbered uplands. Timber harvesting complemented farming, as settlers cleared for lumber used in construction and ties for the expanding rail network, though operations remained localized without large-scale mills in the immediate founding era. This resource-based foundation emphasized practical rail-enabled trade over subsistence, fostering steady but modest growth into the .

Industrial Expansion and Oil Discovery

The discovery of the on October 5, 1930, through the Daisy Bradford No. 3 well in Rusk County, extended production into adjacent Gregg County by early 1931, spurring rapid economic transformation in Longview amid the . This vast reservoir, ultimately spanning over 140,000 acres across multiple counties and yielding billions of barrels, drew wildcat drillers and laborers to the region, shifting Longview from a modest railroad and agricultural hub to a burgeoning energy epicenter. Local wells in the Sabine River bottoms, such as the Gladewater discovery on April 7, 1931, by Selby Oil and Gas Company, further intensified activity, with initial flows exceeding 1,000 barrels per hour. Population growth reflected this influx: Longview's residents increased from 5,036 in 1930 to 13,758 by the 1940 census, more than doubling as oilfield jobs attracted migrants seeking employment in , extraction, and support services. Refineries emerged to the crude, while early networks connected fields to markets, solidifying Longview's role in oil logistics despite volatile prices and overproduction that prompted state proration in to stabilize supply. These developments established resource extraction as the primary driver of prosperity, though subject to cyclical gluts and technological demands for efficient recovery from the field's Woodbine sands. World War II amplified Longview's industrial footprint when the U.S. government initiated the pipeline in 1942, a 24-inch-diameter line originating near the city and extending 1,341 miles northeast to refineries, delivering up to 360,000 barrels daily to counter Axis submarine disruptions of tanker shipping. Complementing this, local manufacturing ramped up for war materials, leveraging oil-derived fuels and chemicals, which laid groundwork for postwar diversification while underscoring the sector's vulnerability to global demand shifts. By war's end, these assets had entrenched Longview's economy in hydrocarbons, with cumulative field output exceeding 5 billion barrels and ongoing infrastructure investments mitigating bust phases through sustained throughput.

Racial Tensions and the 1919 Race Riot

Racial tensions in Longview, Texas, intensified in the summer of 1919 amid post-World War I economic strains and challenges to the established racial order. Black residents, comprising about 31% of the town's approximately 5,700 population, had begun asserting greater economic independence, with leaders like teacher Samuel L. Jones and Dr. Calvin P. Davis encouraging farmers to sell cotton directly to Galveston markets, bypassing white brokers, and supporting a Black cooperative store that competed with white merchants. Circulation of literature advocating Black equality and voting rights further alarmed white residents, who viewed such efforts as threats to segregationist norms. The riot erupted on July 10, 1919, triggered by a Defender article penned by Jones detailing the June 17 lynching of Lemuel Walters, a man killed by a white mob near Kilgore after allegations of an affair with a white woman; Jones portrayed it as retaliation for advising on voting and economic self-reliance, inciting white outrage. That afternoon, Jones was beaten by whites; later that night, a mob attacked his home, prompting defensive gunfire from Black residents that wounded three white assailants superficially. Over July 11–12, a of around 1,000 whites targeted Black neighborhoods, burning Jones's and Davis's homes, a , and other properties, while Marion Bush was shot and killed on July 12 as he fled. Governor responded by dispatching eight Texas Rangers on July 11, followed by 250 troops; was declared on July 13, enforced until July 18, with a and surrender of 5,000–7,000 weapons restoring order. Investigations led to arrests of 17 whites for (released on $1,000 bonds) and nine for , alongside 21 Black men detained and relocated to Austin for safety, but no trials or prosecutions ensued for the violence, highlighting enforcement priorities favoring segregation. The episode, the second of 25 major racial clashes in the "" of 1919, deepened community divisions without immediate resolution, though it underscored causal frictions from economic rivalry and political assertiveness rather than isolated animus.

Post-World War II Growth and Annexations

Following , Longview experienced steady population expansion driven by rural-to-urban migration within Gregg County and improved transportation infrastructure. The city's population increased from 24,502 in 1950 to 40,050 by 1960, reflecting broader trends facilitated by the expansion of U.S. Highway 80 as a key east-west arterial and the subsequent development of in the , which enhanced connectivity to and regional oil fields. By 1980, the population had reached approximately 62,762, supported by job growth in and energy-related industries that attracted workers despite national economic fluctuations. This era's growth underscored the resilience of local businesses in leveraging oil resources without heavy reliance on federal subsidies. In the 1980s, Longview pursued aggressive policies to bolster its tax base amid rising infrastructure demands, including northward expansions into areas like Spring Hill. On May 8, 1980, the city council adopted four ordinances (1309–1312) annexing utility districts and adjacent lands, actions criticized as overreach for imposing municipal services and taxes on unincorporated residents without their prior consent or incorporation votes. These moves faced legal challenges, including proceedings by Spring Hill residents contesting procedural validity under law, though courts ultimately upheld most annexations, enabling funding for roads, water systems, and public safety expansions. While such government-led boundary extensions captured revenue from developing suburbs, they highlighted tensions between fiscal pragmatism and property rights, with private developers often filling gaps in housing and commercial investment. Into the 2020s, Longview has navigated oil market volatility—exacerbated by global price swings and production shifts in the field—through incremental economic diversification led by private initiatives in and along the I-20 corridor. Gregg County's oil output, still dominant at about 60% of the field's 5,600 barrels per day, has prompted local firms to adapt via non-energy clusters, projecting modest 0.3% annual employment growth in related sectors despite broader industry pessimism. This private-sector adaptability has sustained urban expansion without further controversial annexations, contrasting earlier municipal interventions.

Geography

Location and Topography

Longview occupies a position in the ecoregion of , primarily in Gregg County with portions extending into Harrison County, at coordinates approximately 32°30′N 94°44′W. The city lies about 128 miles east of by road, facilitating regional connectivity that supports logistics and commerce reliant on the area's forested resources. This eastern placement within the state positions Longview amid temperate coniferous forests, where the consists of rolling hills and elevations averaging 371 feet (113 meters) above . The undulating terrain, with regional elevations spanning 200 to 500 feet, features dense stands of and that historically enabled timber extraction, a foundational economic driver adapted to modern practices. Proximity to the Sabine River and impoundments like Lake Cherokee—located 12 miles southeast on a Sabine —and Lake O' the Pines provides critical surface water, constituting the city's primary sources for municipal supply and industrial needs. These features sustain and sectors by ensuring water availability, while river access supports recreational pursuits such as paddling along designated water trails, bolstering local without straining arid conditions prevalent elsewhere in . Notwithstanding these advantages, the low-lying topography and fluvial setting render Longview susceptible to periodic flooding from Sabine River overflows and heavy precipitation, alongside risks in the region's corridor. Engineered interventions, including operations by the Sabine River Authority to control discharges and Gregg County's hazard mitigation strategies incorporating levees and drainage improvements, have enhanced flood resilience, minimizing economic disruptions from inundation events. Such measures preserve infrastructural integrity, allowing sustained operations in water-dependent industries amid natural variability.

Climate and Environmental Features

Longview experiences a (Köppen Cfa), marked by hot, humid summers and mild winters, influenced primarily by moisture from the that drives high relative humidity levels averaging 70-80% year-round. Summers typically run from June to September, with oppressive heat and frequent afternoon thunderstorms providing some relief but exacerbating discomfort due to dew points often exceeding 70°F. Winters are short and rarely severe, with occasional cold fronts bringing light freezes but minimal snowfall, averaging less than 1 inch annually. Average high temperatures peak at 94°F in and , while sees average lows of 34°F, with diurnal ranges supporting a of about 240 frost-free days. These patterns align with empirical records from local weather stations, showing consistent seasonal variability driven by latitudinal positioning and prevailing southerly winds, rather than abrupt shifts. Annual precipitation totals approximately 48-50 inches, concentrated in spring (April-May) and fall (October-November) peaks that sustain regional , including timber and crops, but also heighten and humidity-related risks. The area's environmental features include persistent atmospheric moisture contributing to lush vegetation in surrounding woodlands, though this fosters occasional such as thunderstorms capable of producing or straight-line winds.
MonthAvg. High (°F)Avg. Low (°F)Avg. Precipitation (in.)
Jan57364.1
Jul94732.8
Annual--50.3

Demographics

The population of Longview grew modestly in its early years but surged during the of the early 1930s, rising from 5,036 residents in 1930 to 13,758 by 1940 as workers migrated to exploit the vast oil reserves discovered in the region. This influx more than doubled the city's size within a decade, establishing it as a key hub amid the rapid industrialization of Gregg and Harrison counties. Post-World War II expansion continued this trajectory, with the population increasing from 24,502 in 1950 to 40,050 by 1960, fueled by rural migration within Gregg County and territorial annexations that incorporated surrounding areas into the . By 1970, these factors had pushed the figure above 45,000, reflecting sustained draw from economic opportunities in energy and related sectors. In recent decades, growth has stabilized at a lower rate. The U.S. Census recorded 81,765 residents as of April 1, 2020, with estimates reaching 83,668 by July 1, 2024—an average annual increase of about 0.6%, consistent with inflows tied to production and activities. Projections for 2025 place the population at approximately 84,592, assuming continuation of regional patterns in with modest net migration and natural increase supporting family-centered demographics. This trajectory indicates steady, incremental expansion without the dramatic booms of prior eras.

Racial, Ethnic, and Cultural Composition

As of the 2020 United States Census, Longview's population of 81,522 was composed of 51.5% non-Hispanic White, 21.8% non-Hispanic Black or African American, 21.0% Hispanic or Latino of any race, 3.9% two or more races, 1.2% some other race, 0.5% non-Hispanic Asian, and under 0.5% each for non-Hispanic American Indian, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, or Pacific Islander. These figures reflect self-reported identities captured in the decennial census, showing modest growth in multiracial and Hispanic segments compared to prior decades, consistent with broader East Texas trends.
Race/Ethnicity (2020 )Percentage
Non-Hispanic 51.5%
Non-Hispanic 21.8%
or Latino (any race)21.0%
Two or more races3.9%
Some other race1.2%
Non-Hispanic Asian0.5%
Other (American Indian, etc.)<0.5%
The city's cultural composition draws heavily from heritage, emphasizing Southern traditions such as community gatherings, agricultural roots, and a conservative shaped by rural origins and resource industries. Religious life centers on Protestant , with Baptist denominations predominant; the maintains a strong presence through numerous congregations that serve as social and spiritual hubs. Post-segregation era developments have fostered integration in schools, workplaces, and public facilities, while neighborhood patterns align with voluntary associations based on , affinity, and preferences rather than enforced separation.

Socioeconomic Characteristics

The median household income in Longview was $62,488 in 2023. This figure reflects a modest increase from prior years, supported by employment in manufacturing and service sectors, though per capita income remains at $43,279. Educational attainment among adults aged 25 and older shows about 21.4% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below national averages but aligned with regional patterns in East Texas where vocational and associate degrees are more prevalent, comprising over 28% of the population. The poverty rate was 18.2% in 2023, higher than the state average, correlating with lower educational levels and family structures but mitigated by local employment opportunities that emphasize self-reliance over extended public assistance. Homeownership stands at 53.4% within , with median property values at $182,700, indicating a preference for ownership amid costs relative to larger metros. This rate, combined with conservative fiscal behaviors observed in similar communities, underscores a cultural emphasis on asset accumulation through steady rather than high-risk or dependency programs. Labor force participation in the Longview reached 60.4% for the civilian in recent estimates, driven by robust engagement in , transportation, and manual occupations that reward and acquisition over formal credentials. Unemployment hovered at 2.5% to 4.5%, reflecting a resilient to economic fluctuations through adaptive work habits rather than reliance on government interventions.

Government and Politics

Municipal Structure and Administration

Longview operates under a council-manager form of government, where the elected city council sets policy, passes legislation, and adopts the annual budget, while the appointed city manager handles administrative operations. The council consists of a mayor elected at-large and six members elected from single-member districts, with elections held in odd-numbered years for staggered terms. The current city manager, Rolin McPhee, was appointed in January 2022 following service as interim assistant city manager. The city council adopts the in for the period beginning , prioritizing core services such as infrastructure maintenance and public safety. Longview's rate for 2025-26 was set at approximately 0.5719 per $100 valuation, contributing to an effective rate of 0.80%, which is lower than the state median of 1.67%. This structure maintains fiscal restraint, with recent budgets funding employee compensation adjustments without exceeding prior year increases significantly, amid public input on rate proposals. Annexation policies, managed through the Planning and Zoning Department, support controlled municipal expansion for , requiring owner consent under law enacted in 2019 to prevent involuntary inclusions. Recent actions include ordinances annexing specific parcels, such as 11.538 acres in 2023, reflecting post-reform emphasis on voluntary and efficient boundary adjustments aligned with state guidelines established since the 1980s.

Political Leanings and Electoral History

Gregg County, which comprises the majority of Longview's population, has exhibited strong Republican leanings in recent elections, with GOP candidates typically securing approximately 70% of the vote. This pattern underscores the city's alignment with conservative priorities, including support for energy deregulation that sustains the local and gas industry, as well as Republican policies emphasizing border security and intervention. In the 2020 presidential election, Donald Trump received 67.72% of the vote in Gregg County (32,493 votes), while Joe Biden obtained 30.84% (14,796 votes), resulting in a margin exceeding 35 percentage points. Comparable results appeared in the 2022 gubernatorial race, where incumbent Republican Greg Abbott prevailed decisively in East Texas counties like Gregg, consistent with statewide trends favoring deregulation and economic self-reliance tied to fossil fuel production. The congressional district encompassing Longview (Texas's 1st) has similarly returned Republicans with large majorities, such as Nathaniel Moran's 2022 victory, reflecting voter preference for representatives advocating traditional values and industry-friendly legislation. Electoral history shows minimal shifts toward Democrats, with progressive initiatives drawing low turnout; for example, ZIP codes in Longview proper reported 67.7% Republican support in 2020, indicative of entrenched cultural norms prioritizing individual responsibility over expansive social programs. This stability persists amid broader Republican dominance, as seen in the 2024 presidential outcome where expanded his statewide margin to 13.7 percentage points, bolstered by rural strongholds like Gregg County. Such outcomes stem from empirical voter behavior rather than transient factors, rooted in the self-reliant ethos of communities dependent on energy extraction.

Public Safety and Crime Statistics

Longview's rate stood at approximately 417 incidents per 100,000 residents in 2021, encompassing offenses such as , , , and aggravated . Property , including , , and , affected 1 in 40 residents during the same period, equating to roughly 2,500 incidents per 100,000. Crime in Longview has exhibited a sustained decline since the 1990s, with 2023 marking one of the lowest overall incident levels in decades and a 7% drop from 2022 into early 2024. specifically decreased by more than 20% from peaks in the early 2010s, continuing a downward trajectory through proactive measures rather than reliance on external policy shifts. The Longview Police Department attributes much of this reduction to community-oriented strategies, including the program, which mobilizes residents for vigilance and reporting to deter criminal activity through heightened awareness and cooperation. These efforts, emphasizing citizen involvement and principles like (CPTED), have fostered norms of mutual accountability without depending on leniency-focused reforms. Relative to national figures, Longview's overall crime rate exceeds the U.S. average by about 42%, though its remains comparable to or below many larger urban centers amid a conservative cultural emphasis on efficacy. This positioning underscores localized successes in maintaining public order through sustained policing and communal self-reliance.

Economy

Primary Industries and Economic Drivers

Longview's economy derives substantial wealth from its position in the , discovered in 1930 and centered in Gregg County, which produced 77 million barrels of oil from approximately 14,000 wells by 1940 alone, establishing a foundation for sustained extraction and refining activities. This resource endowment has driven downstream processing, converting crude into plastics, chemicals, and fuels, with historical oilfield brines and infrastructure along the nearby Sabine River underscoring the integration of energy operations with local geography. Manufacturing clusters, often intertwined with petrochemical feedstocks from regional refining, form another pillar, leveraging the abundance of hydrocarbons to produce and contributing to the Upper East Texas region's industrial output amid 's broader dominance. The corridor bolsters these sectors by enabling efficient freight distribution, positioning Longview as a hub for transporting products and manufactured items eastward and westward across , with annual freight volumes in the corridor exceeding 200 million tons valued at over $150 billion. Efforts to mitigate energy price volatility have spurred diversification, with healthcare services expanding as a stable driver and initiatives emerging to capitalize on and skilled labor pools, reflecting adaptive responses to fluctuating global commodity markets. The unemployment rate in the Longview stood at 4.7% in 2024, exceeding the national average of 4.1% but reflecting stability compared to prior years' averages of 4.3% in 2022 and 4.4% in 2023. This rate, which rose modestly to around 5% in late 2024 for the broader encompassing Longview-Marshall, aligns with cyclical fluctuations rather than entrenched structural weaknesses, as evidenced by the area's civilian labor force of approximately 130,000 workers supporting consistent levels near 123,000. Local trends have shown resilience, with modest annual gains in diversified sectors mitigating downturns, though the rate remains elevated relative to statewide figures of 4.0% in mid-2024. A primary challenge stems from volatility in oil and natural gas prices, which impacts upstream employment and contributes to periodic job losses in extraction and services subsectors; for instance, Texas-wide upstream positions declined by 1,400 in July 2025 amid subdued crude prices, with similar pressures felt in Longview's oil-dependent economy. These swings have historically elevated local during low-price cycles, as seen in service sector reductions offsetting extraction gains, yet projections indicate only marginal 0.3% annual growth in the region's , and power cluster through the decade, underscoring the sector's limited expansion potential without price recoveries. Texas's right-to-work status has counterbalanced these vulnerabilities by fostering non-union growth, attracting relocations and expansions that bolster stability; jobs in the Upper East Texas region, including Longview, increased 9% from 2009 to 2019, outpacing some national trends and supported by policies preserving employer flexibility. Recent developments, such as a new dairy processing facility announcing 150 jobs in 2025, exemplify how such advantages draw investments, diversifying the workforce and reducing reliance on energy cycles. Overall, these dynamics have maintained as cyclical rather than indicative of , with right-to-work policies enabling competitive wage structures and inflows.

Major Employers and Business Climate

The largest employer in Longview is Christus Health System, a healthcare provider with approximately 3,000 employees focused on medical services. maintains a major facility in the city, employing around 1,500 workers in chemical production as of recent data. Other significant employers include in and various firms such as Komatsu and Trinity Rail, contributing to the local through diverse operations. Longview's business climate is supported by Texas's low regulatory burden and absence of , which facilitate business retention and expansion. The emphasizes skilled labor, expansive , and proactive incentives that have drawn investments, including Eastman's $1.5 billion commitment to initiatives announced in recent years. These policies have enabled recent turnarounds and contractor influxes, such as over 1,300 temporary workers for Eastman's 2025 maintenance project, bolstering short-term economic activity.
EmployerSectorApproximate Employees
Christus Good ShepherdHealthcare3,000
Eastman Chemical1,500
Longview ISD1,200
Healthcare and manufacturing dominate employment, with the city's pro-business environment—ranked highly in state-level assessments—fostering stability amid broader growth.

Education

Public School System

The Longview Independent School District (Longview ISD) operates as the primary public K-12 system in Longview, Texas, serving approximately 8,120 students across 14 schools during the 2023-24 school year. The district received a B accountability rating from the (TEA) for the 2024-25 cycle, with an overall score of 88 out of 100, reflecting performance in student achievement, school progress, and closing achievement gaps. This rating incorporates metrics such as STAAR test results and graduation outcomes, where Longview ISD outperformed state averages in key areas despite serving a student body that is 80% minority and 83.7% economically disadvantaged. Graduation rates stand out as a strength, with the district achieving a four-year rate of 97.8%, five-year rate of 98.5%, and six-year rate of 98.2%—all exceeding statewide figures of 90.7%, 92.1%, and 92.2%, respectively. At Longview High School, the flagship campus with 2,185 students, the Class of 2023 recorded a 98.9% on-time rate and a 0.6% dropout rate for grades 9-12. Student achievement on STAAR assessments earned a B subdomain rating of 83 out of 100, emphasizing measurable proficiency over broader equity initiatives. Longview ISD emphasizes career and technical education (CTE) programs to prepare students for workforce entry, offering pathways in STEM, business and industry, arts and humanities, and public services. These vocational tracks, available at campuses like Longview High School, include hands-on courses leading to industry certifications and align with local economic needs in manufacturing and energy sectors. The district is developing a new multi-purpose CTE facility to expand access to high-demand fields, underscoring a focus on practical skills amid Texas's reliance on local property tax funding supplemented by state allocations. Recent federal funding disruptions, including a $923,465 freeze in grants for teacher training and academic support, have posed budgetary strains, though core operations continue via state and local revenues.

Higher Education and Vocational Training

LeTourneau University, a private Christian polytechnic institution founded in 1946, maintains its main campus in Longview and specializes in integrating faith-based education with technical disciplines such as , , , and . The university offers over 140 majors and minors, emphasizing hands-on, that prepares graduates for careers in the region's , manufacturing, and technology sectors. In fall 2024, LeTourneau reported an undergraduate enrollment of 3,184 students, with a student-faculty ratio of 14:1 supporting personalized instruction in STEM fields critical to industries like oil and gas. Kilgore College operates a dedicated campus in Longview at 300 South High Street, focusing on associate degrees, workforce certificates, and continuing education programs designed for rapid entry into local job markets. Vocational offerings include clinical medical assisting, pharmacy technician training, and a 12-month vocational nursing program accredited by the Texas Board of Nursing, enabling graduates to pursue licensure via the NCLEX-PN exam. These initiatives address workforce demands in healthcare and trades, with contract training options for businesses to upskill employees in skills like welding and Microsoft Office suites. Across its campuses, Kilgore College achieved a record enrollment of 7,288 students in the 2024-2025 academic year, reflecting strong demand for its practical, certification-oriented pathways. The University of Texas at Tyler's Longview campus supplements these options with select undergraduate programs, notably a (BSN), alongside to minimize for Gregg residents. Collectively, these post-secondary institutions prioritize STEM and vocational training to align with Longview's economic drivers, fostering certifications and degrees that support employment in oilfield services, , and healthcare without overlapping K-12 .

Culture and Society

Arts, Entertainment, and Cultural Institutions

The Belcher Center for Performing Arts, opened in , serves as a primary venue for live entertainment in Longview, featuring world-class acoustics and staging for national touring productions, , family shows, and concerts. With a capacity accommodating major acts, it has hosted performances drawing regional audiences since its . Theatre Longview, a community-based organization, presents a season of dramas, musicals, and improv productions, emphasizing local talent in theatrical arts. Complementing this, ArtsView Children's Theatre, established in 2004, focuses on and outreach programs for youth through . These institutions contribute to Longview's scene, rooted in Southern traditions including musical theater influenced by regional and genres. Museums anchor cultural preservation efforts. The Gregg County Historical Museum, opened in 1984 and housed in the historic Everett Building at 214 N. Fredonia Street, maintains exhibits on Caddo Indian artifacts—over 3,000 items—military history, and local industrial figures like . The Longview Museum of Fine Arts, founded in 1958 by the Longview Junior Service League, hosts rotating art exhibits, live concerts, and educational programs in a dedicated gallery space. The Arts!Longview Cultural District, designated by the Texas Commission on the Arts in 2019, encompasses murals, symphonies, and historical sites to foster appreciation for and across the community. The Longview Symphony Orchestra performs classical repertoire, integrating with broader musical offerings that reflect East 's heritage. Public institutions like the support cultural engagement through displays, workshops, and installations such as public sculptures, promoting access to information and artistic resources.

Community Events and Traditions

Longview observes annually with events commemorating the June 19, 1865, announcement of emancipation in , marking the effective end of slavery in the state; local celebrations have continued for over 40 years. The city hosts a parade along Boulevard from Pittman Street to Broughton Recreation Center, followed by a festival at Teague Park featuring food, music, and family activities. Complementing these is the Juneteenth Black at the Longview Fairgrounds, organized by the Real Cowboy Association since at least 2001, highlighting equestrian skills and cultural heritage. The Gregg County Fair, held mid-October and managed by the Longview Jaycees, spans a week with carnival rides, livestock exhibitions, games, music performances, and agricultural displays that underscore rural traditions and community bonding. Independence Day features the Fireworks and Freedom Celebration, including a patriotic cruise night, car show, free concert, hot dog eating contest, and cornhole tournament culminating in a major fireworks display at 9:30 p.m., drawing families for civic displays of patriotism. Additional traditions include the annual PRCA tied to the Great Texas Balloon Race in , promoting equestrian sports and local pride, alongside music festivals such as the Green Street Monster Fest in October, which showcases [East Texas](/page/East Texas) bands and vendors to build communal engagement. The AMBUCS Christmas Parade on the first in features floats, antique cars, and marching bands through downtown, reinforcing seasonal family gatherings.

Religious Institutions and Community Values

Longview, located in the Bible Belt, features high religious adherence, with roughly 70% of residents identifying as Christian and Protestant denominations predominant among them. Baptist congregations hold particular prominence, exemplified by First Baptist Church Longview, a longstanding institution committed to and community outreach. Methodist and Pentecostal churches also maintain significant presence, alongside growing evangelical groups such as HighRidge Church and Grace Creek Church, which emphasize spiritual growth and biblical teaching. These institutions underpin community values centered on traditional moral frameworks, including emphasis on family stability, personal responsibility, and charitable service. Religious organizations in the Longview metro area number over 500, facilitating programs in food assistance, youth mentoring, and disaster relief that bolster local social networks. Churches often integrate education through Sunday schools, private academies, and vocational training aligned with faith-based ethics, reinforcing causal links between religiosity and prosocial behavior observed in empirical studies of similar demographics. While Bible Belt regions like East Texas exhibit higher divorce rates—potentially tied to earlier marriages and economic pressures—regular church attendance among adherents correlates with reduced marital dissolution, as religious teachings prioritize covenantal commitments over individualistic dissolution. Catholic communities, though smaller, contribute through parishes like those affiliated with the Diocese of Tyler, numbering around 23,000 adherents in the broader area and supporting values of sacramental family life amid a predominantly evangelical . This religious composition reflects and sustains Longview's conservative demographics, where institutions promote empirical associations between communal worship and lower rates of social pathologies like , independent of institutional biases in reporting.

Media

The Longview News-Journal is the principal daily newspaper serving Longview, Texas, providing comprehensive coverage of , public safety, business developments, and community events. Founded with roots tracing to 1871, it operates as a multimedia organization under Carpenter Media Group, emphasizing digital-first alongside its print edition. The paper maintains an average daily circulation of approximately 9,512 copies as reported in recent audits, focusing on regional matters such as energy sector activities and infrastructure projects rather than extensive national political commentary. In addition to its digital platform at news-journal.com, which includes e-editions, newsletters, and online archives searchable back to 1998, the News-Journal extends its reach through mobile apps and integration for real-time updates on local incidents like police reports and economic trends. This digital expansion supports , with features for news submissions and subscription-based access to full content. Complementing the daily, the East Texas Review functions as a community-oriented publication highlighting positive local stories, business profiles, and edifying events across the region, often in a weekly or periodic format. Distributed primarily in print with an online presence, it prioritizes coverage of people, places, and enterprises in Longview and surrounding areas, fostering a of local achievements over broader ideological debates. Such outlets collectively underscore a media landscape attuned to Gregg and Harrison counties' priorities, including oil and gas influences, with limited reliance on externally biased national wires.

Broadcast Media

Longview receives television broadcasts as part of the Tyler-Longview (Lufkin & Nacogdoches) designated market area, the 106th largest in the United States with 297,900 television households as of the 2024-2025 season. This market features affiliates of major networks, including ABC programming via (channel 7) in Tyler and KTRE (channel 9) in Lufkin, via KYTX (channel 19) in Jacksonville, via KETK (channel 56) in Jacksonville, via KFXK-TV (channel 51) licensed to Longview, and via KCEB (channel 54) in Tyler. KFXK-TV, owned by through a , produces 18.5 hours of local news weekly, including the market's only 9 p.m. newscast seven days a week. Radio broadcasting in Longview encompasses numerous AM and FM stations receivable in the area, totaling around 63 FM and 24 AM signals, with formats dominated by , , talk, and Christian content serving listeners. Prominent examples include KYKX (105.7 FM) for , KKTX (96.1 FM) for , KFRO (94.1 FM) delivering , and KTAA (90.7 FM) for Christian talk programming. Local government provides through CityView Municipal Television, which operates 24 hours daily on cable systems to broadcast city council meetings, services updates, news, and events, supplemented by WeatherView for real-time . Archived content is available on demand via the city's video library.

Infrastructure

Transportation Systems

Longview's transportation systems emphasize highway access and personal vehicle use, enabling efficient mobility across . (I-20), a major east-west corridor, runs through the city, intersecting with U.S. Highway 259 (US 259) north of the Sabine River, while U.S. Highway 80 (US 80) provides additional connectivity. These routes support heavy reliance on private automobiles, which predominate due to the network's capacity for rapid regional travel and limited alternatives. East Texas Regional Airport (GGG), located south of the city, handles commercial aviation with daily non-stop flights to operated by . The airport features a 7,000-foot suited for regional jets, serving business and leisure travelers. Rail transport focuses on freight, with maintaining lines through Longview for industrial shipments, including oil, grain, and intermodal cargo. Passenger rail is unavailable directly in the city, though the Amtrak stops in nearby Marshall. Public transit is supplementary via Longview Transit, which operates fixed-route buses on four main lines covering areas like , medical districts, and high schools. Services run hourly weekdays and Saturdays from a central transfer point at 920 , excluding Sundays and holidays, with fares starting at $1.50 for fixed routes. This system complements auto-dependent commuting but carries low ridership relative to the population.

Public Utilities and Development

The City of Longview manages its water supply through the Water Utilities Department, drawing primarily from the Lake O' the Pines Water Treatment Plant, with distribution via an extensive network of mains. In the 2025-26 capital improvements plan, the city allocated funds for replacing the ozone generator at this facility to enhance treatment capacity amid population growth. Additionally, in September 2025, the City Council pursued a federal grant for security upgrades to drinking water infrastructure, aiming to protect against vulnerabilities while maintaining service reliability. The city plans to replace all publicly owned water service lines by 2037 as part of lead-free compliance efforts. Electricity transmission and distribution in Longview are provided by AEP Texas (SWEPCO), a regulated utility serving the region without customer choice in providers. This monopoly structure ensures stable delivery but ties costs to regulated rates approved by the Commission of Texas. The city's Wastewater Treatment Plant, located at 5211 W. Loop 281, handles sewage collection and processing, meeting Commission on Environmental Quality standards through advanced treatment methods. A 2008 regional master plan update outlined expansions to accommodate future flows, with ongoing maintenance supporting compliance. Solid waste management falls under the municipal Sanitation Department, which conducts weekly curbside collection of household trash and for residential customers, supplemented by bulky item services. This direct operation emphasizes efficient routing and minimal fees to , avoiding reliance on external contractors for core services. Development is regulated via the Unified Development Code, which consolidates , subdivision, and rules to streamline approvals while preserving community standards. The Planning and Zoning Division processes changes, variances, and annexations, with recent 2025 council approvals rezoning areas for commercial expansion to foster without imposing excessive restrictions. This approach balances private investment incentives with public infrastructure needs, leveraging home-rule flexibility to prioritize practical over stringent overlays.

Notable Residents

Business and Political Figures

B.A. Skipper, a Longview realtor and independent oil operator known as the "Longview Oil Prophet," assembled an 8,300-acre lease block in Gregg County during the late , driven by his conviction in untapped reserves despite skepticism from major companies. His efforts culminated in the drilling of the Lathrop No. 1 well in 1931, which tapped into the and spurred rapid economic expansion in Longview through job creation, infrastructure development, and tied to the boom. Skipper's self-reliant exemplified early 20th-century entrepreneurial risk-taking that anchored the region's energy-driven prosperity. In the contemporary era, , a White Oak High School graduate from the Longview metropolitan area, built Energy Transfer Partners into a major pipeline operator, amassing a exceeding $7 billion by 2022 through strategic acquisitions and projects in the natural gas sector. His ventures have supported East Texas's oil and gas economy by facilitating transport and distribution, contributing to sustained employment and investment in Gregg County. Jay Dean, a Longview business owner and former , serves as a Republican state representative for District 7, which includes much of Longview, where he chairs the Committee and promotes free-market reforms over regulatory mandates to foster economic resilience. As president and CEO of Shale Flow Specialties, a firm tied to oilfield services, Dean embodies self-made success from graduation to local enterprise leadership. Current Kristen Ishihara, elected in 2024, operates Ishihara & Parker and upholds conservative principles in , emphasizing community-driven growth in a city reliant on energy and commerce.

Arts, Sports, and Entertainment Personalities

, born on July 15, 1961, in Longview, emerged as a prominent actor known for his Academy Award-winning performance as in (2006). His early life in Longview included exposure to a family environment where his mother worked in , influencing his later advocacy work, though he relocated to as a child. Miranda Lambert, born November 10, 1983, in Longview, rose to fame as a singer-songwriter with hits like "Kerosene" from her 2005 debut album, earning multiple for albums such as Revolution (2009). Though raised primarily in nearby Lindale, her Longview birthplace ties her early career beginnings to influences, including local performances that honed her independent style before national breakthrough via Nashville Star in 2003. In sports, Longview High School has been a pipeline for NFL talent, producing players like , an offensive tackle drafted fourth overall by the in 2010, who earned 11 selections through the 2023 season for his blocking prowess and durability. Other alumni include running back , who played 12 seasons with the from 1972 to 1984, contributing to their wins in 1978 and 1994 with over 4,500 rushing yards. These athletes reflect the competitive football culture at Longview High, which has sent over 25 players to the professional level since the 1970s. Actor , born in Longview, gained recognition for portraying Georgie Cooper in the sitcom (2017–2024), a role that extended from spin-off, showcasing his comedic timing in family-oriented narratives. His local roots connect to community theater influences, though specific early training details remain tied to regional opportunities.

References

  1. https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/longview-tx-gregg-county
  2. https://www.longviewtexas.gov/2443/About-Longview
  3. https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/longviewcitytexas/BZA010221
  4. https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/LGMPOP
  5. https://datausa.io/profile/geo/longview-tx/
  6. https://businessintexas.com/texas-regions/east-texas/longview/
  7. https://www.txgenwebcounties.com/gregg/LongviewHistory.html
  8. https://www.britannica.com/place/Longview-Texas
  9. https://www.up.com/aboutup/train_town/longview_tx/index.htm
  10. https://nowlongview.com/the-history-of-longview/
  11. https://greggcounty.texas.gov/history
  12. https://www.longviewtexas.gov/3554/Longview-Train-Depot
  13. https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=89013
  14. https://uniquelylongview.com/ul2023/a-rich-history/
  15. https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/gregg-county
  16. https://easttexasoilmuseum.kilgore.edu/history/
  17. https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=139134
  18. https://www.texasalmanac.com/articles/history-of-oil-discoveries-in-texas
  19. https://www.kltv.com/2021/01/08/mark-texas-history-big-inch-pipeline-turns/
  20. https://scholarworks.sfasu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2517&context=ethj
  21. https://aoghs.org/petroleum-pioneers/east-texas-oilfield/
  22. https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/longview-race-riot-of-1919
  23. https://blackpast.org/african-american-history/longview-race-riot-1919/
  24. https://www.biggestuscities.com/city/longview-texas
  25. https://law.justia.com/cases/texas/supreme-court/1983/c-1795-0.html
  26. https://www.casemine.com/judgement/us/5914c3ceadd7b049347c9374
  27. https://www.news-journal.com/premium/decades-ago-gregg-county-drilled-more-oil-than-any-other-county-in-texas-is-it/article_f55f0d2a-61e2-4b36-b766-0073b15bba35.html
  28. https://www.uttyler.edu/academics/colleges-schools/business/centers/hibbs-institute/files/economic-overviews/2025/Economic-Overview-Longview-Area-2025.pdf
  29. https://www.marketplace.org/story/2025/09/29/the-texas-oil-industry-is-feeling-a-little-pessimistic
  30. https://www.topozone.com/texas/gregg-tx/city/longview-25/
  31. https://www.travelmath.com/drive-distance/from/Dallas%2C%2BTX/to/Longview%2C%2BTX
  32. https://tpwd.texas.gov/education/resources/texas-junior-naturalists/regions/pineywoods
  33. https://www.texasfreeway.com/Statewide/SpecialSubjects/Pineywoods.html
  34. https://www.twdb.texas.gov/surfacewater/rivers/reservoirs/cherokee/index.asp
  35. https://www.longviewtexas.gov/2666/Sources
  36. https://www.longviewtexas.gov/4299/Sabine-River-Water-Trail
  37. https://sratx.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/SRA-Final-Program-Update-Report-25-1.pdf
  38. https://sratx.org/parks-and-recreation/
  39. https://greggcounty.texas.gov/assets/main/public-safety/draft-gregg-county-hmp-update---june-2024---public-copy-07.02.2024.pdf
  40. https://www.twdb.texas.gov/flood/planning/sfp/doc/2024_State_Flood_Plan_Volume_I.pdf
  41. https://www.bestplaces.net/climate/city/tx/longview
  42. https://weatherspark.com/y/9670/Average-Weather-in-Longview-Texas-United-States-Year-Round
  43. https://www.usclimatedata.com/climate/longview/texas/united-states/ustx0793
  44. https://wrcc.dri.edu/cgi-bin/cliMAIN.pl?tx5341
  45. https://longviewusa.com/assets/main/studies-reports/longviewtx_demos_2025.pdf
  46. https://datausa.io/profile/geo/longview-tx
  47. https://www.texas-demographics.com/longview-demographics
  48. https://thomas.church/us-location/st-thomas-church-in-longview-texas/
  49. https://www.bestplaces.net/religion/city/tx/longview
  50. https://worldpopulationreview.com/us-cities/texas/longview
  51. http://censusreporter.org/profiles/16000US4843888-longview-tx/
  52. https://longviewusa.com/business-assistance/demographics
  53. https://www.idcide.com/realestate/tx/longview.htm
  54. https://www.uttyler.edu/academics/colleges-schools/business/centers/hibbs-institute/files/economic-overviews/2024/economic-overview-longview-area.pdf
  55. https://www.areavibes.com/longview-tx/employment/
  56. https://www.longviewtexas.gov/2584/City-Managers-Office
  57. https://www.longviewtexas.gov/2198/City-Council
  58. https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/longview/latest/longview_tx/0-0-0-244
  59. https://www.kltv.com/2022/01/07/city-council-consider-appointing-new-longview-city-manager-jan-13/
  60. https://www.longviewtexas.gov/2309/Tax-Rates-and-Info
  61. https://www.kltv.com/2025/08/06/longview-residents-push-back-against-property-tax-rate-increases-proposed-budget/
  62. https://www.ownwell.com/trends/texas/upshur-county/longview
  63. https://news-journal.com/2025/07/20/city-of-longview-could-raise-property-taxes-to-fund-employee-raises/
  64. https://www.longviewtexas.gov/2840/Annexation
  65. https://news-journal.com/2025/09/29/answer-line-no-annexation-without-permission/
  66. https://www.kltv.com/2023/11/09/webxtra-longview-city-council-consider-ordinance-annexing-nearly-dozen-acres-land/
  67. https://www.bestplaces.net/voting/city/tx/longview
  68. https://bestneighborhood.org/conservative-vs-liberal-map-longview-tx/
  69. https://results.enr.clarityelections.com/TX/Gregg/107131/
  70. https://www.politico.com/2022-election/results/texas/statewide-offices/
  71. https://www.zipdatamaps.com/en/us/insights/tx/zipcode/75605/politics
  72. https://apps.texastribune.org/features/2024/texas-2024-general-election-results/
  73. https://www.neighborhoodscout.com/tx/longview/crime
  74. https://www.ketk.com/news/crime-public-safety/statistics-show-steep-decline-in-crime-since-90s-for-this-east-texas-city/
  75. https://www.city-data.com/crime/crime-Longview-Texas.html
  76. https://www.macrotrends.net/global-metrics/cities/us/tx/longview/crime-rate-statistics
  77. https://www.longviewtexas.gov/4140/Neighborhood-Watch
  78. https://www.longviewtexas.gov/4437/Home-Security-and-Commercial-Surveys
  79. https://www.homesnacks.com/tx/longview-crime/
  80. https://pubs.usgs.gov/wsp/1079b/report.pdf
  81. https://uniquelylongview.com/the-unexpected-beauty-of-the-sabine-river/
  82. https://comptroller.texas.gov/economy/economic-data/manufacturing/2020/upper-east.php
  83. https://www.plainscapital.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/pcb-texas-best-for-business-white-paper.pdf
  84. https://longviewusa.com/site-selection/transportation-location
  85. https://ftp.dot.state.tx.us/pub/txdot/move-texas-freight/resources/economic-role-freight/economic-role-i20-corridor.pdf
  86. https://longviewusa.com/do-business-here/labor-force
  87. https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/LAUMT483098000000003A
  88. https://data.tricountyindependent.com/unemployment/longview-marshall-tx-combined-statistical-area/CA4834600000000/2024-november/
  89. https://lmi.twc.texas.gov/shared/PDFs/Workforce_Report.pdf
  90. https://worldoil.com/news/2025/8/15/texas-upstream-employment-down-in-july-while-job-postings-rise-report-says/
  91. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hsy-dzj42_A
  92. https://nrtwc.org/right-to-work-texas-encourages-big-business-investments/
  93. https://longviewusa.com/do-business-here/major-employers
  94. https://trerc.tamu.edu/wp-content/uploads/files/PDFs/MktResearch/Longview_Major_Employers.pdf
  95. https://longviewusa.com/
  96. https://news-journal.com/2025/09/09/eastmans-fall-turnaround-brings-1300-more-workers-to-longview-area/
  97. https://txschools.gov/?view=district&id=092903&tab=performance%257Cachievement&lng=en
  98. https://www.easttexasreview.com/longview-isd-earns-52-state-distinctions-campus-gains/
  99. https://www.usnews.com/education/k12/texas/districts/longview-isd-109917
  100. https://schools.texastribune.org/districts/longview-isd/longview-high-school/
  101. https://sites.google.com/lisd.org/lhs-cte/home
  102. https://sites.google.com/lisd.org/lhs-cte/courses
  103. https://www.easttexasreview.com/longview-isd-submits-final-drawings-for-new-cte-facility/
  104. https://www.yahoo.com/news/longview-isd-faces-funding-cuts-212813358.html
  105. https://theworldgrad.com/study-resources/letourneau-university-guide-know-ranking-fees-courses-admission-requirements/
  106. https://www.letu.edu/academics/all-academics.html
  107. https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/letourneau-university-3584
  108. https://www.aacc.nche.edu/college/kilgore-college-longview/
  109. https://www.kilgore.edu/academics/workforce-development-continuing-education/
  110. https://catalog.kilgore.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=4&poid=410&returnto=117
  111. https://www.kilgore.edu/academics/workforce-development-continuing-education/workforce-contract-training/
  112. https://longviewusa.com/live-here/education
  113. https://www.kilgore.edu/news_and_events/kilgore-college-celebrates-record-breaking-enrollment-of-7288-students/
  114. https://www.uttyler.edu/academics/colleges-schools/longview/index.php
  115. https://longviewusa.com/site-selection/workforce-development
  116. https://www.belchercenter.com/
  117. https://www.visitlongviewtexas.com/210/Arts-and-Culture
  118. https://theatrelongview.com/
  119. https://uniquelylongview.com/about-town/
  120. https://www.east-texas.com/east-texas-arts-entertainment.htm
  121. https://gregghistorical.org/
  122. https://texastimetravel.com/directory/gregg-county-historical-museum/
  123. https://www.lmfa.org/
  124. https://www.visitlongviewtexas.com/281/ArtsLongview-Honors
  125. https://www.visitlongviewtexas.com/211/ArtsLongview
  126. https://longviewtexas.gov/3849/Cultural-District-of-Longview
  127. https://www.mylongview.com/DocumentCenter/View/2982/Display-Policy-PDF
  128. https://www.kltv.com/2022/07/13/first-3-sculptures-by-artslongview-cultural-district-installed-public-library/
  129. https://www.kltv.com/2025/06/14/longview-kicks-off-juneteenth-celebration-with-parade/
  130. https://longviewtexas.gov/4286/Juneteenth-Celebration
  131. https://therealcowboyassociation.com/upcoming_events/junteenth-black-rodeo/
  132. https://uniquelylongview.com/events-schedule/
  133. https://greggcountyfair.com/fair-schedule
  134. https://www.longviewtexas.gov/2394/Fireworks
  135. https://www.facebook.com/CityofLongview/posts/celebrate-freedom-under-the-biggest-fireworks-show-in-east-texas-during-the-fire/1142389007922940/
  136. https://www.tourtexas.com/destinations/longview-events
  137. https://www.greenstreetmonsterfest.com/
  138. https://news-journal.com/2025/10/22/downtown-sounds-2nd-annual-green-street-monster-fest-set-saturday-in-longview/
  139. https://uniquelylongview.com/events-2025/
  140. https://www.fbcl.org/
  141. https://www.highridgelv.com/
  142. https://www.gracecreekchurch.com/
  143. https://www.causeiq.com/directory/religious-organizations-list/longview-tx-metro/
  144. https://research.lifeway.com/2014/02/11/the-complicated-story-behind-bible-belt-divorce-rates/
  145. http://www.cnn.com/2011/LIVING/08/25/divorce.bible.belt/index.html
  146. https://www.baptistpress.com/resource-library/news/historic-east-texas-church-is-experiencing-growth-through-evangelism-community-connections/
  147. https://news-journal.com/
  148. https://news-journal.com/services/about-us/
  149. https://www.longviewtexas.gov/2884/Databases-A-to-Z
  150. https://www.easttexasreview.com/
  151. https://www.facebook.com/EastTexasReview/
  152. https://ustvdb.com/markets/tyler-longview-lufkin-nacogdoches/
  153. https://www.stationindex.com/tv/markets/tyler-longview
  154. https://www.nexstar.tv/stations/kfxk/
  155. https://www.radiolineup.com/locate/Longview-TX
  156. https://localsloveus.com/longview/category/258/radio-stations/
  157. https://classicrock961.com/
  158. https://kfroradio.com/
  159. https://bottradionetwork.com/station/90-7-fm-longview-tyler-tx/
  160. https://www.longviewtexas.gov/2466/CityView-Municipal-Television
  161. https://www.longviewtexas.gov/3800/Television
  162. https://www.longviewtexas.gov/2469/Video-Library
  163. https://www.visitlongviewtexas.com/188/Getting-Here
  164. https://flyggg.com/our-history/commercial-airlines/
  165. https://greggcounty.texas.gov/departments/east-texas-regional-airport
  166. https://flyggg.com/
  167. https://www.texasrailadvocates.org/texas-by-train
  168. https://www.longviewtransit.com/getting-around/fixed-routes/
  169. https://www.longviewtransit.com/
  170. https://cloud.longviewtexas.gov/maps/LongviewTransit/
  171. https://www.longviewtexas.gov/2275/Longview-Transit
  172. https://www.longviewtexas.gov/2831/Water-and-Sewer-Information
  173. https://news-journal.com/2025/09/15/planned-longview-projects-address-water-drainage-and-parks-issues/
  174. https://www.kltv.com/2025/09/26/longview-city-council-applying-grant-improve-drinking-water-infrastructure/
  175. https://www.longviewtexas.gov/4334/Water-Service-Line-Inventory
  176. https://www.texaselectricityratings.com/electricity-rates/texas/longview
  177. https://www.longviewtexas.gov/2268/Wastewater-Treatment---Sewer
  178. https://www.twdb.texas.gov/publications/reports/contracted_reports/doc/0704830729_LongviewWastewaterPlan.pdf
  179. https://www.longviewtexas.gov/2264/Sanitation---Trash-Collection
  180. https://www.longviewtexas.gov/2526/Residential
  181. https://www.longviewtexas.gov/3481/Unified-Development-Code
  182. https://www.longviewtexas.gov/2167/Planning-and-Zoning
  183. https://citizenportal.ai/articles/2976081/Longview/Gregg-County/Texas/Longview-City-Council-approves-multiple-zoning-changes-for-new-business-developments
  184. https://greggcounty.texas.gov/assets/main/departments/historical-commission/historical-markers/B-A--Skipper--Gallant-Gregg-Co--Oil-Pioneer.pdf
  185. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/texas-historic-skipper-ranch-for-sale-169757586.html
  186. https://www.cbs19.tv/article/news/local/east-texas-native-lands-on-forbes-list-of-wealthiest/501-b9684acb-0820-45bd-96eb-d258e0d9806f
  187. https://www.ketk.com/news/local-news/east-texas-native-listed-by-forbes-as-one-of-americas-wealthiest/
  188. https://www.cbs19.tv/article/news/local/state-rep-jay-dean-announces-reelection-bid-texas-house-district-7-seat/501-945b7352-2ac6-4a45-b25c-8fb61cb68037
  189. https://directory.texasscorecard.com/jay-dean
  190. https://www.kristenformayor.com/meet-kristen
  191. https://www.ketk.com/news/local-news/longview-mayoral-candidates-speak-on-upcoming-election/
  192. https://aaregistry.org/story/forest-whitaker-a-talented-and-prepared-actor/
  193. https://www.ketk.com/news/local-news/famous-americans-with-east-texas-ties/
  194. https://www.east-texas.com/famous-east-texas-singers-entertainers.htm
  195. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/schools/high_schools.cgi?id=93b888b7
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.