Near Claude in Armstrong County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Hamblen Drive
Named for William H. Hamblen (1878 - 1952), who in 1890s pioneered a crude road (about 6 mi. N) into Palo Duro Canyon along old Indian trails. This cut 120 miles off settlers' trips to the courthouse in Claude, but was steep and dangerous. Hamblen and his wife Ada (1883 - 1955), ranched near Wayside after 1905. He worked unceasingly to get a passable road through Palo Duro Canyon. Elected county commissioner in 1928, he at last had a graded road built. By decision of the commissioners' court, road was dedicated in 1930 as Hamblen Drive. With its paving in 1954, a dream of a lifetime was realized.
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1968
Marker is property of the State of Texas
Erected 1968 by State Historical Survey Committee. (Marker Number 4284.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Roads & Vehicles • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1905.
Location. 34° 47.904′ N, 101° 26.167′ W. Marker is near Claude, Texas, in Armstrong County. Marker can be reached from Hamblen Drive (State Highway 207) 23˝ miles south of Claude, TX. Marker located in turnout/park off of Highway 207. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3418 Highway 207, Claude TX 79019, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 5 other markers are within 15 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. The S.P. Hamblen Family (approx. 4.7 miles away); Quanah Parker Trail (approx. 6.2 miles away); Dugout of W. M. Dye (approx. 10.4 miles away); The Vigo Park Methodist Church (approx. 10.7 miles away); The Battle of Palo Duro Canyon (approx. 14.6 miles away).
Credits. This page was last revised on June 21, 2020. It was originally submitted on November 2, 2009, by Bill Royal of Sun City Ctr, Florida. This page has been viewed 2,678 times since then and 64 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on June 21, 2020, by Allen Lowrey of Amarillo, Texas. 2, 3. submitted on November 2, 2009, by Bill Royal of Sun City Ctr, Florida. 4. submitted on December 17, 2016, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. 5, 6. submitted on June 21, 2020, by Allen Lowrey of Amarillo, Texas. 7. submitted on November 2, 2009, by Bill Royal of Sun City Ctr, Florida. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.