Nestled in the vast expanse of the Texas Panhandle, the small communities of Bushland, Texas, and Wildorado, Texas, offer compelling glimpses into the state’s rich history, deeply interwoven with the advent of the railroad and the legendary Mother Road. These two towns, though modest in size today, played significant roles in the development of Western Texas, serving as vital waypoints along crucial transportation arteries. Their stories are a testament to the resilience of early settlers, the challenges of a harsh environment, and the transformative power of American infrastructure.
From their origins as railway stops to their vibrant contributions to the iconic Route 66, Bushland, Texas, and Wildorado, Texas, encapsulate a narrative of pioneering spirit and enduring heritage. This article delves into the fascinating chronicles of these settlements, exploring their foundational years, periods of growth and decline, and their lasting legacy along one of America’s most cherished highways.
Bushland, Texas: A Railroad Legacy and Enduring Community
Located just fourteen miles west of Amarillo, the settlement of Bushland, Texas, owes its existence to the ambitious expansion of the Chicago, Rock Island, and Gulf Railway. Established as a strategic station along this new rail line, the town was formally dedicated on July 3, 1908, initially bearing the name Bush Stop. Its nomenclature honored William Henry Bush, a prominent Chicago real estate baron and owner of the expansive Frying Pan Ranch, who generously donated the necessary land for both the townsite and the crucial railroad right-of-way. This act of philanthropy laid the groundwork for what was hoped to be a thriving agricultural hub.
In January 1909, a post office opened its doors, signaling the community’s nascent growth, and soon, a scattering of determined farmers and ranchers began to settle in the area, drawn by the promise of fertile lands and railroad access. However, the town’s initial name, Bush Stop, proved to be a point of contention for William Bush’s wife. Deeming it an inadequate representation of the family’s standing, she successfully persuaded the local train station master to rename the settlement, leading to the repainting of the depot’s west walls with the new, more distinguished name: Bushland.
Despite William Bush’s vision of a booming farming community, Bushland, Texas, never quite reached those ambitious heights. Nevertheless, it fostered a strong sense of community and built a church in 1917, which remarkably continues to hold services to this day. By the 1920s, the population had swelled to approximately 175 residents, supporting four local businesses and an elementary school – clear indicators of a steady, albeit modest, prosperity. However, like many small towns in the region, Bushland experienced a demographic shift, with its population declining to about 130 by the 1960s, a figure it has largely maintained. Today, echoes of the old Mother Road can still be observed in this resilient Texas town, serving as a reminder of its historical journey.
Wildorado, Texas: From Cattle Trails to Route 66 Hardship and Revival
Situated approximately 23 miles west of Amarillo, along what was once old Route 66 Texas, the town of Wildorado, Texas, emerged from the heart of the Texas Panhandle. Its name, established in 1900, was inspired by the nearby Wildorado Creek, a natural landmark in the region. Before its formal establishment as a town, the area was already significant, lying along an ancient cattle trail that stretched from Tascosa to Canyon City. The fate of Wildorado, much like Bushland, became intrinsically linked to the railway when the Chicago, Rock Island, and Gulf Railroad designated it as a vital shipping point on its new line.
The initial settlement of Wildorado was spearheaded by adventurous individuals like Eugene Binford and John R. Goodman, who were already active in ranching operations within the area. Goodman’s influence grew considerably when the post office was established in 1904, and he was appointed its first postmaster. By 1908, with the completion of the railroad, a formal townsite for Wildorado was meticulously laid out. John R. Goodman, a truly enterprising figure, wasted no time in establishing the Wildorado State Bank and constructing the Wildorado Hotel, foundational institutions for the burgeoning community. The town’s civic life further blossomed with the launch of its first newspaper, the Wildorado Progress, which began publication in 1909.
As word spread, Wildorado, Texas, attracted numerous small ranchers and farmers, eager to carve out a living in the promising Panhandle landscape. By 1915, the town was a hub of activity, boasting modern telephone connections and a vibrant array of businesses including a grocer, a general store, a lumber company, a blacksmith, and a hardware store. Education and faith were also priorities, with a school and two churches serving a population that had reached 100 residents. Wildorado was flourishing, a testament to the hard work and optimism of its inhabitants.
The Devastating Impact of the Dust Bowl and Desperate Times
The prosperity of Wildorado, Texas, however, was severely tested during the devastating period of the Dust Bowl in the late 1920s and early 1930s. Like much of the Midwest, Wildorado suffered immensely as relentless drought ruined crops and blinding dust storms swept across the landscape, turning fertile land into arid wasteland. Many pioneering families were forced to abandon their homes and livelihoods, seeking refuge and a better life further west, often traveling along the newly established Route 66. This era saw a mass exodus, with countless refugees, including many from Oklahoma, loading their meager belongings onto vehicles and heading into an uncertain future.
Compounding the natural disaster, Wildorado became a target for desperate men during these hard times. The state bank, grain elevator, and mercantile store were repeatedly robbed and burglarized, often by individuals from the nearby town of Borger, Texas. The sheer frequency of these crimes even garnered national attention. On January 29, 1928, the Syracuse Herald in New York published a sensational headline:
