Named for Wichita Indians who lived near waterfalls on what is now the Wichita River. In 1882, Fort Worth and Denver Railroad brought first train to area, establishing town as an agricultural and trade center. Oil boom in early 1900s made city headquarters for north Texas petroleum production, service and manufacturing. City is seat for Wichita County and leading gateway to Texas on I-44. Major trade and industrial center with economy based on Sheppard Air Force Base, oil processing and other varied manufacturing. Cultural aspects include symphony orchestra, ballet, community theater, museum and art center, and activities at Midwestern State Univ. Sheppard Air Force Base is a technical training center, one of the largest of five in the U.S., and hosts the only NATO pilot training program in the world. There's a full calendar of events throughout the year including World of Wheels and Home & Garden Expo in Feb.; Spring Fling in Apr.; Red River Rodeo and Texas-Oklahoma Oil Bowl Classic in June; Ranch Round-Up and Hotter 'N Hell Hundred Bike Race Festival in Aug.; T&O Fair and Fallfest in Sept.; MSU-Burns Fantasy of Lights and City Lights Festival in Dec.