|
|
ALANREED,
TEXAS
On Old Route 66
Gray County, Texas
Panhandle
Interstate 40 and FM 291
7 miles W of McLean
59 miles E of Amarillo
2 miles N of the Donely County Line
Population:
60 (est.)
|
History
in a Pecan Shell
Originally called Eldridge, the area was settled in the early 1880s
on the stage line from old Mobeetie
to Clarendon.
Town lots went on sale in 1884 and by 1886 a post office had been
granted.
The area underwent a series of colorful names such as Springtown,
Spring Tank, Prairie Dog Town, and Gouge Eye, for a memorable saloon
scuffle.
The present site of Alanreed was laid out six miles south of Eldridge
in 1900 by surveyors of the Choctaw, Oklahoma and Texas Railroad.
The name came not from a man, but a partnership - the contracting
company of Alan and Reed.
The site of old Eldridge
is marked by the Eldridge cemetery.
In 1901 the first school was built with a larger two-story school
built in 1912.
In 1902 the post office was moved from Eldridge
and renamed Alanreed.
In 1903 the Rock Island line was completed and
In 1904 Alanreed was Gray County's largest town.
The population high-water mark was reportedly 500 in 1927 but The
Depression, school consolidation and the closing of essential businesses,
reduced it to an estimated 150 by 1933. |
Alanreed
Texas Forum
Subject:
ALANREED TEXAS
A buddy, driving across country stopped at ALANREED to take a picture
for me. You see, my name is ALAN REEDER. ALANREED TEXAS must be
a great place. It certainly is to me and I have yet to visit. I
live in Eugene Oregon and Palm Springs California. Hoping to visit
my name sake town before I die, and best wishes to all 50 residents!!
Sincerely, ALANREEDER, May 23, 2006
Anyone wishing to share history or photos of Alanreed, Texas,
please contact
us.
|
|
|
