City of Eunice—Cattlemen, homesteaders, and oilmen have all had a part in the economic development of the City of Eunice. Surrounding land was free range for the cattlemen in the early 1870s and patent free land for those who came as homesteaders in the early 1890s. Ranching sheep and cattle was the only industry in the Eunice area until the discovery of oil in 1929.  A railroad was built through the area in the same year.

The Town was named after Eunice Carson King, the eldest daughter of J.N. Carson who plowed a furrow around his homestead in 1908. The family, including seven children, came to live in Eunice in the spring of 1909.

Eunice growth has been along cultural, religious, and recreational lines as well as its educational and industrial development. One outstanding accomplishment is the Eunice Community Center which provides modern facilities for civic affairs, clubs, society meetings, conferences and community functions. Eunice has recently entered the nuclear age by becoming home to the National Enrichment Facility. The fuel rod development facility will be the first of it kind in the United States.

Today Eunice’s population is approximately 2,562.

 

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