Things That Sound Made Up About Lubbock But Are Actually True

You've heard every joke about this place if you've lived here long enough. It smells. It's windy. It's flat. We get it.

But buried underneath all of this West Texas charm is a history so insane, it sounds like a post-gas station sushi hallucination.

There was a time when giant mammoths stomped through town.

Crazy, huh?

Ancient camels were wandering the south plains long before anyone dreamed up Texas Tech University. People were actually here thousands of years before Brian's Steakhouse. One of our biggest archaeological discoveries actually pretty much only happened because people were digging around looking for water.

Here are some truly wild things that sound completely made up about Lubbock, Texas, but they are 100% true.

Chrissy

1. Mammoths Once Roamed What Is Now Lubbock

Not just mammoths. Ancient horses, camels, giant short-faced bears, and massive armadillo-like animals were all uncovered by archaeologists at Lubbock Lake Landmark.

2. People Have Lived In This Area For Nearly 12,000 Years

Human activity at Lubbock Lake Landmark stretches back nearly 12,000 years! It's actually one of the most significant archaeological sites in North America, which makes us...pretty dang spiffy if you ask me.

3. One Of The First Major Radiocarbon Dates Came From Lubbock

Charred bison bones produced the first radiocarbon date ever obtained from Paleo-Indian material, and that was a HUGE deal in the archeological world. Crazy, it happened right here in Lubbock.

4. Lubbock Lake Doesn't Really Have A Lake At All...

The "lake" part mentioned in Lubbock Lake Landmark disappeared decades ago when the springs that fed it dried up in the 30s. There is very little standing water at the site today.

5. The Most Important Archeological Discovery Was Found Here By Accident

In 1936, the City of Lubbock was trying to improve its water supply by dredging around some ancient springs. Instead of finding water, they uncovered the artifacts that eventually led to Lubbock Lake Landmark. Lucky find!

Read More: Why Portillo's In Lubbock Is A Must-Try For Hot Dog Lovers

6. An Ancient River Valley Runs Through Lubbock

Sounds kind of magical and mystical. Yellow House Draw is an ancient watercourse that shaped our region and provided water for settlers. Most of modern Lubbock is sitting around this ancient landscape "feature", if you will.

7. Archaeologists Are Still Digging Up New Discoveries In Lubbock Today

Lubbock Lake Landmark is considered an active research site, and excavations still continue today.

8. Lubbock Was Once Home To Giant Camels

The regular ones already freak me out enough. Imagine giant camels? No thanks. But, they were living here at one point! Their remains have been found at Lubbock Lake Landmark.

Lubbock Ain't Boring

Next time someone tells you Lubbock is boring, remind them of all the crazy history this place holds! Mammoths, giant camels, huge prehistoric predators...

It used to be a whole lot more than a bunch of flat land and fighting over who has the best queso in town...

Keep scrolling for more Lubbock fun in the galleries below...