|
|
History in
a Pecan Shell
Iatan began life as a stop on the Texas and Pacific Railroad in 1881.
It was also known as Vista, Texas and the unusual name is thought
to have come from the Williams-Waddell Iatan Tank Ranch.
A post office opened in early 1890 and served the residents until
the mid 1920s when it moved to nearby Westbrook. Iatan’s school merged
the Westbrook schools in 1938 when there was an approximate population
of 125. It dropped to a mere 20 for the 1950 Census and remained at
that level for years.
By the 1970s only a depot remained – and today only the cemetery. |
 |
 |
Iatan was suggested
for inclusion by Mr. & Mrs. Sayles who wrote:
We would like to add the small town of Iatan (pronounced like "I
can" only "I tan") which was located between Colorado
City and Big
Spring.
Iatan became a Ghost Town in the 1960s. Empty stores and empty houses lined
the dirt road of town. The buildings are now gone; but for those of
us whose ancestors lived and died there; we hope it will not be forgotten.
Today, only a cemetery remains. To reach the Iatan Cemetery, which was
about a mile before reaching the old town; travel west from Colorado
City on I-20 and take the Iatan Exit (which used to lead you
to the old town). Go north about 1 to 1-1/2 miles. The cemetery is
on the right. - Mr. & Mrs. Sayles, January 17, 2008 |
|
|
