Adrian, Texas, midpoint of Old Route 66 in Oldham County. (original) (raw)

History in a Pecan Shell

Adrian, like the other towns that stretch across Texas along I-40 came into being as a stop on the Rock Island Railroad. Adrian was chosen as a stop in 1900, although the first train didn't arrive until 1909.

The town's namesake was early settler Adrian Cullen. Settlement was promoted by an Iowa company operating as the American-Canadian Land and Townsite Company.

A man named J. P. Collier, set up a printing press and dug a water well, running water pipe for the town's first infrastructure. A post office was granted and soon the town was thriving with a brickyard, blacksmith, bank, lumberyard and newspaper.

Scarce water and a long drought keep the population low. In 1915 there were only 50 persons.

A grain elevator was built in 1929 and a volunteer fire department was established in the 40s.

Although Adrian sets on the western side of the Texas Panhandle, it is the half-way point for travelers travelling the "Mother Road" of Route 66.

Adrian, Texas Landmarks

Photo Gallery

Bent Door Trading Post and 1946 Phillips 66 Gas Station
Photo courtesy Jimmy Dobson, August 2017

1967 Fabulous 40 Motel
Photo courtesy Jimmy Dobson, August 2017

Landscape just west of Adrian
Photo courtesy Ken Rudine, July 2006

Adrian, Texas Old Photos

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