Abilene in Taylor County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Judge Walter R. Ely

Photographed by Duane Hall, November 8, 2014

1. Judge Walter R. Ely Marker

Inscription. Judge W.R. Ely had the rare privilege of living to see the fruits of his leadership take form in the superb Texas highway system. He helped lay the basis for it in his service on the Highway Commission from 1927 to 1935, half of that time as its chairman. Born April 3, 1878 in Somerset, Ky., he came with his parents to Callahan County in 1895. Largely self-educated, he entered the profession of law and had a distinguished career as 42nd District Court Judge and, after his Highway Commission service, as one of Abilene’s most distinguished practicing attorneys. Judge Ely Boulevard is his hometown’s tribute to him. The Texas highway system is the statewide monument to his life and public service. His death, January 31, 1978, came only two months before his 100th birthday.

center>This memorial dedicated April 3, 1978 by the Abilene Chamber of Commerce

Erected 1978 by Abilene Chamber of Commerce.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Roads & Vehicles. A significant historical date for this entry is January 31, 1978.

Location. 32° 26.251′ N, 99° 42.395′ W. Marker is in Abilene, Texas, in Taylor County. It can

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be reached from the intersection of S. Judge Ely Boulevard and E. South 11th Street (Texas Highway 36), on the right when traveling south. Marker is located in a turnout at the northwest corner of the intersection. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Abilene TX 79602, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Big Country.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Comanchería,

the Republic of Texas,

and one of the Confederate States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Parramore Post #57, American Legion (approx. 0.9 miles away); The 'Real' Camp Barkeley (approx. one mile away); Eugenia Pickard (approx. 1.2 miles away); Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial (approx. 1.4 miles away); Mexican-American / Americanization School (approx. 1½ miles away); Site of Thornton’s Store (approx. 1.6 miles away); 45th Infantry Division at Camp Barkeley (approx. 1.6 miles

Photographed by Duane Hall, November 8, 2014

2. Judge Walter R. Ely Marker

away); Honoring E Battery Lost Battalion WWII (approx. 1.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Abilene.

Also see . . . Walter Raleigh Ely. From the Texas State Historical Association's "Handbook of Texas Online". (Submitted on November 14, 2014.)

Photographed by Duane Hall, November 8, 2014

3. Judge Walter R. Ely Marker

Located in turnout at northwest corner of
S. Judge Ely Boulevard and E. South 11th Street

View to Northeast from Marker Turnout image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Duane Hall, November 8, 2014

4. View to Northeast from Marker Turnout

View to Southwest from Marker Turnout image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Duane Hall, November 8, 2014

5. View to Southwest from Marker Turnout

Credits. This page was last revised on December 22, 2019. It was originally submitted on November 14, 2014, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. This page has been viewed 959 times since then and 35 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on November 14, 2014, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas.