City's History 1960 - 2010
Celebrating 50 Years

Harker Heights is an extraordinary city that has grown tremendously in the past 50 years. Its roots date back to a course of travel for the Comanche Indians and developed into 400 acres of farm land. The farm land was mainly owned by two gentlemen, Pinckney R. (P.R.) Cox and Harley Kern. According to “The Beginning” by P.R. Cox an act of legislation that established a water district compromised the 400 acres of farm land. Before his passing in 1957, Harley Kern suggested that they begin sub-dividing the land and selling it in order to create a use for the 400 acres. P.R. Cox sold the land in a means that would promote the need for a water system in the area. He bought a $5,000 water system and added new land expansions that included Forest Hills, Highland Oaks, and Comanche Hills. With a water system established and a population roughly of 1,000 Harker Heights was incorporated in 1960.

Once the City was incorporated there was no better fitting name than Harker Heights, named after one of its founders “HARley KERn”. P.R. Cox became the first mayor and immediately started expanding the city. In 1961 Mid Texas Telephone Company became the telephone provider to roughly 100 telephone users. Natural gas and sewer lines were established in 1962. P.R. Cox never slowed down and by 1966 Harker Heights had a volunteer Fire Department, 30 miles of paved roads, one traffic light, a city hall, and an elementary school.

In 50 years Harker Heights has proven to be a city of rapid growth, prosperity, and determination. Since its incorporation in 1960 Harker Heights has developed into an ever expanding city of 9,000 acres and 28,000 residents. The current residents of Harker Heights have the joys of enjoying paved roads, a Fire Department, a Police Department, a Library, and various parks throughout the City. The newly built Market Heights provides shopping and entertainment with retail stores, restaurants, and a movie theater. With so many accomplishments in the first 50 years the City of Harker Heights hopes the next 50 years are only just as BRIGHT!