Near Clyde in Callahan County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Judge Walter Raleigh Ely

Photographed By Duane Hall, December 9, 2014

1. Judge Walter Raleigh Ely Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

Born April 3, 1878, in Somerset, Ky., Judge Walter Raleigh Ely came to Callahan County with his parents in 1895. Largely self-educated, he entered the profession of law and had a distinguished career. He served as County Attorney and County Judge of Callahan County, and as judge of the 42nd District Court which included this county in its jurisdiction. In 1927 Governor Dan Moody named Judge Ely as one of three members of the Texas Highway Commission. He served until 1935, under four governors, half of that time as chairman. He played a major role in making the Texas Highway Department and the State Highway System what they are today. After retiring from the commission, he was one of Abilene’s most distinguished attorneys for many years. He was privileged to see his efforts on the Highway Commission bear fruit in the highway system we have today. He died January 31, 1978, only two months shy of his 100th birthday.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Roads & Vehicles • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical month for this entry is January 1877.

Location. 32° 25.628′ N, 99° 34.406′

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W. Marker is near Clyde, Texas, in Callahan County. Marker can be reached from Interstate 20 at milepost 296, on the right when traveling west. Marker is located at a rest area on the I-20 westbound lanes just after Exit 297 (FM 603). Marker can only be accessed from the westbound lanes of the freeway or the I-20 frontage road (north). Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Clyde TX 79510, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 8 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. A different marker also named Judge Walter Raleigh Ely (approx. half a mile away); Community of Clyde (approx. 4.9 miles away); Clyde First Methodist Church (approx. 4.9 miles away); The Prew House (approx. 5.1 miles away); The Texas 36th Division Memorial Highway (approx. 6.1 miles away); Lindbergh in West Texas (approx. 6.3 miles away); The 'Real' Camp Barkeley (approx. 6.8 miles away); Judge Walter R. Ely (approx. 7.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Clyde.

More about this marker. There is an identical marker located at the I-20 eastbound rest area.

Also see . . . Walter Raleigh Ely. From the Texas State Historical Association's "Handbook of Texas Online". (Submitted on December 10, 2014.)

Photographed By Duane Hall, December 9, 2014

2. Judge Walter Raleigh Ely Marker

I-20 Westbound Rest Area near Exit 297 image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Duane Hall, December 9, 2014

3. I-20 Westbound Rest Area near Exit 297

Marker is located east of the restroom building

View to West at I-20 Rest Area near Exit 297 image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Duane Hall, December 9, 2014

4. View to West at I-20 Rest Area near Exit 297

View to South Towards Interstate 20 image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Duane Hall, December 9, 2014

5. View to South Towards Interstate 20

Credits. This page was last revised on December 21, 2019. It was originally submitted on December 10, 2014, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. This page has been viewed 359 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on December 10, 2014, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas.