Perhaps no other Wise County city has a more famous legend than Aurora.
In 1897, area residents said a “cigar-shaped” spacecraft crashed into a windmill belonging to Judge J.S. Proctor. As they were inspecting the debris, the citizens found what appeared to be a dead alien creature who had been piloting the strange craft.
The townspeople decided to give the alien a proper burial at Aurora Cemetery, and the legend goes that the creature remains buried in an unmarked grave at the cemetery today.
While no more alien visitors have come to town since then (that we know of), the town has attracted plenty of people interested in UFO sightings. Several hundred attended the city’s first Aurora Alien Encounter event this past spring, and an alien abduction-themed haunted house is planned for the fall of 2016.
But Aurora has proven to be more than a place people just want to come to visit. The city now has more than 1,400 people who call it home.
Another event for locals and visitors alike is the Summer Outdoor Concert Series at the Aurora Ballpark Amphitheater Stage on Saturday evenings throughout August. All events benefit the South Wise Youth Sports Association and the development of their community park.
Government
Mayor: Terry Solomon
City Council Includes: Bill McCurdy, Jackie Stone, Rick Boland, Joe Smith, Jason Brummal and Rick Smith
City Council Meetings
First Tuesday at 7:30pm
City Hall, 303 Derting Road
* A precouncil workshop is at 7pm
City Administrator: Toni Wheeler
Court Clerk: Lynnell Day
Phone: (817) 636-2783
Website: auroratexas.gov
Services
Wise County Sheriff’s Office Deputies
Phone: (940) 627-5971
Boyd, Newark and Rhome Volunteer Fire Departments
For emergencies, call 911.
Water is available along the Texas 114 corridor through the City of Aurora. Aurora Vista is serviced through Southwest Water. The southwest quadrant, including Glider Base, is services by Palo Duro.
Education
Most of Aurora’s students are in the Class 6A Northwest Independent School District and some attend Boyd ISD.
Phone: (817) 215-0000
Website: nisdtx.org