Wichita Falls Traction Company

This company, founded by Frank Kell and J. A. Kemp in 1909, played a major role in Wichita Falls growth during the early 20th century. After purchasing undeveloped land between the city limits and Lake Wichita, the company stimulated demand for it by building an electric streetcar system to the area. With the new ease and speed of travel, what formerly had been the city's outskirts became a convenient place to live. The city grew rapidly along the streetcar route and the company profited from its real estate speculation. Buses replaced the streetcars in 1933. (1992)