Details for Hamblen Drive

Historical Marker — Atlas Number 5011004284

Data

Marker Number 4284
Atlas Number 5011004284
Marker Title Hamblen Drive
Index Entry Hamblen Drive
Address SH 207
City Wayside
County Armstrong
UTM Zone 14
UTM Easting 277130
UTM Northing 3853393
Subject Codes trails; roads, transportation; Native Americans; ranching; counties
Marker Year 1968
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark No
Marker Location SH 207, SE side 10.5 mi. E of Wayside, 2.4 mi. N of FM 285 at picnic area overlook, in Palo Duro Canyon
Private Property No
Marker Condition In Situ
Marker Size 18" x 28"
Marker Text Named for William H. Hamblen (1878-1952), who in the 1890s pioneered a crude road (about 6 mi. N) into Palo Duro Canyon along old Indian trails. This cut 120 miles off settlers' trips to the courthouse in Claude, but was steep and dangerous. Hamblen and his wife, Ada (1883-1955), ranched near Wayside after 1905. He worked unceasingly to get a passable road through Palo Duro. Elected county commissioner in 1928, he at last had a graded road built. By decision of the commissioners court, the road was dedicated in 1930 as Hamblen Drive. With its paving in 1954, a dream of a lifetime was realized. (1968)

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