Amarillo’s Iconic Pool, Dance Hall, Market; Happy 100 To The Nat

Everyone in Amarillo is at least familiar with the name. The Nat is an iconic piece of Amarillo history. There are so many legends and stories revolving around it that it's almost impossible to have never heard of it.

This month, The Nat turns 100.

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Humble Beginnings As A Swimming Pool

In July of 1922 it opened as a pool. It was a popular spot, and a year later they put a roof over it so it could stay open all year.

The Nat would remain a swimming pool for three years before becoming something completely different. In 1926, it became a dance hall. If you've been there, you've walked on the floor that covers a swimming pool.

Parties, Dancing, And Route 66

The Nat drew big name acts to the Texas Panhandle. One of those names, and this is hotly contested, was the king of Rock N Roll himself. Many people have it in their minds that Elvis performed at The Nat.

Depending on who you ask, that's just an urban legend.

What is agreed on is that everyone from Duke Ellington to Bob Wills performed there. It was a popular place, and it was a hot spot on Route 66.

All Good Things Must Come To An End So They Can Be Revived

When you visit The Nat these days, it isn't filled with big band music and people dancing. It is now a large market place with over 100 vendors. The items that fill the 100-year-old Nat are just as interesting as the building itself.

Visiting The Nat these days can feel like a step backwards through time if you do it right.

Happy Birthday To The Nat, And Many More

If you have photos stored away of The Nat, we would love to see them. It would be interesting to see how much it has changed over the years.

In the meantime, a big happy birthday to The Nat and we wish you many more.