Vernon, the county seat of Wilbarger County, is located halfway between Amarillo, TX and the Dallas / Ft.Worth Metroplex, 47 miles northwest of Wichita Falls at the intersection of highways 70, 183, 283, 287.

Vernon was incorporated on February 12, 1889. First called Eagle Flats because of eagles nesting nearby. The Post Office changed the name to Vernon for Washington's home, Mount Vernon.

Vernon is the county seat of Wilbarger County, and the headquarters of the W.T. Waggoner Ranch, and commercial center for rich farming, ranching and oil area. About 15 miles north is Doan's Crossing, one of the most famous of historic cattle crossings on the Red River. Industries include agricultural - diversified crops and ranching, Manufacturing, Oil and Gas, and General Commerce. Vernon is also the home of Vernon College and several state agencies.