You Won’t Believe Who Kermit, Texas Is Named After

In the heart of the Permian Basin, surrounded by oil rigs and desert winds, sits the small but proud town of Kermit, Texas.

While there are people out there who mistakenly think the town's name has an affiliation with the beloved Jim Henson character of the same name, the reality is far different.

Some may be shocked to learn that this is a community whose name carries a surprising connection to the White House.

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Where Did the Name Come From?

Before Kermit existed, there was Rustler Springs, a small settlement known primarily for its watering hole, which once attracted ranchers, cattle, and the occasional cattle thief.

As the railroad and oil exploration crept westward in the early 1900s, community leaders sought a fresh identity for the growing town.

According to the Texas State Historical Association, the name “Kermit” was chosen in honor of Kermit Roosevelt, the adventurous son of President Theodore Roosevelt.

A Name Suited to Appease A President

In 1906, Theodore Roosevelt's well-publicized visit to West Texas during a hunting expedition sparked residents' desire to commemorate the event and associate themselves with Roosevelt's pioneering spirit.

Consequently, the settlement was named after his son, Kermit Roosevelt.

In other words, they wanted to impress the president, who was planning to visit the region.

At the time, the young Kermit Roosevelt, who had accompanied his father on numerous expeditions, personified the rugged individualism that deeply resonated with early West Texans.

Imagine having an entire town named after you. Wow!

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Today, the city proudly maintains its roots, a unique blend of presidential history, pioneering spirit, and oilfield resilience.

From Rustler Springs to oil wealth, Kermit stands as proof that even the smallest West Texas towns can hold a story fit for the history books.