COA Honors Quanah Parker

Quanah Parker Bust to be Unveiled Wednesday

at Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport

AMARILLO - One of the most iconic figures in the history of the Texas Panhandle and the Amarillo area will be honored Wednesday thanks to the generosity of an Amarillo family.

Quanah Parker, who became a national legend as the last chief of the Comanche nation and major historical figure in the foundation of the Golden Spread, will be honored at 10 a.m. Wednesday (May 18) at Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport (RHAIA).

A bust of Parker will be unveiled and will become a permanent feature and attraction at RHAIA.

The Parker bust was donated to the City of Amarillo (COA) by the family of King Hill. Hill's father, Jack Hill, created the bust and was well-known throughout the Amarillo area for his artistry capturing the many images of the Texas Panhandle.

"We are proud to be the home of this fantastic work of art that symbolizes one of the most famous individuals in the history of this area. I want to thank King Hill and his family for their generosity in making this donation to the city, "said COA Director of Aviation/RHAIA Michael Conner. "I can think of no better place for this art as visitors from around the world will see the image of Quanah Parker as they arrive in Amarillo."

King Hill will be in attendance for the unveiling ceremony, as will Nancy Boles, a great granddaughter of Parker. City officials will also be on hand, including Mayor Pro Tem Freda Powell and Councilmember Howard Smith. The public is welcome.

The unveiling ceremony will be at RHAIA in the center corridor adjacent to the airline ticket counters on the second floor of the terminal building.

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