Claude in Armstrong County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Town of Claude

Photographed by Mansfieldphoto.com, September 21, 2025

1. Town of Claude Marker

Inscription. Founded when Fort Worth & Denver Railroad built into area (1887). Claude Ayers, engineer on first passenger train through here, suggested town be named for him — and citizens agreed.

Jerry Cavanaugh, first resident, gave land for town. Post office was granted in 1888, with E.H. Trice, postmaster. Claude won a close race for county seat, 1890. Tie-breaking vote was cast by famous rancher Chas. Goodnight.

Churches were established in 1890 and a school built in 1891. Noted Panhandle historian Laura V. Hamner was an early teacher. Town was incorporated in 1909.

Erected 1971 by State Historical Survey Committee. (Marker Number 5524.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Railroads & Streetcars • Religion & Religious Structures • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1888.

Location. 35° 6.575′ N, 101° 21.531′ W. Marker is in Claude, Texas, in Armstrong County. It is at the intersection of 1st Street (U.S. 287) and Trice Street, on the left when traveling west on 1st Street. Located at the Armstrong County Courthouse. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 100 Trice Street, Claude TX 79019, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on the Texas Panhandle.

It is also on the American Great Plains

and specifically on the Southern Plains.

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 Dust Bowl,

the Republic of Texas,

and one of the Confederate States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are

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within walking distance of this marker: Boy Scout Troop No. 17 (here, next to this marker); Route of Coronado Expedition (here, next to this marker); Dr. and Mrs. Wm. A. Warner (here, next to this marker); The Great Panhandle Indian Scare of 1891 (here, next to this marker); Charles Howard Roan (here, next to this marker); Armstrong County (here, next to this marker); "The Claude News" (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Early Sheriffs (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Claude.

Also see . . . Texas State Historical Association article on the Town of Claude. (Submitted on August 13, 2016, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.)

Photographed by Mark Hilton, July 22, 2016

2. Town of Claude Marker

Town of Claude Marker located at the Armstrong County Courthouse (3rd from left) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Hilton, July 22, 2016

3. Town of Claude Marker located at the Armstrong County Courthouse (3rd from left)

Armstrong County Courthouse - location of marker. image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Hilton, July 22, 2016

4. Armstrong County Courthouse - location of marker.

Credits. This page was last revised on October 13, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 13, 2016, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 1,088 times since then and 36 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on October 13, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 13, 2016, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.