The Bankhead Highway

– A Surprise Find in Texas.

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As we journeyed from Mansfield, TX, to El Paso, capturing the charm of small towns along the way, we unexpectedly came across a historical marker in Roscoe, TX. It introduced us to a piece of history we had never encountered before: the Bankhead Highway. This discovery opened our eyes to a fascinating chapter of American roadways and the role Texas played in it.

A Historic Coast-to-Coast Connection

The Bankhead Highway, named after Alabama Senator John H. Bankhead, was the first all-weather coast-to-coast highway in the United States, completed in 1920. It connected Washington, D.C., to San Diego, California, making it possible for travelers to cross the country regardless of the weather. This was revolutionary at the time, as many roads were impassable during certain seasons due to mud or snow.

Historic Bankhead Highway – Texas Historical Commission

Impact on Texas Towns Along the Way

In Texas, the Bankhead Highway followed the route of Texas State Highway 1, stretching from Texarkana on the northeastern border to El Paso in the west. As we learned in Roscoe, this highway was more than just a road; it was a lifeline that brought economic growth and connectivity to countless small towns across the state.

Towns like Mount Vernon, Mineral Wells, Abilene, and Sweetwater, along with Roscoe itself, benefited immensely from the traffic that the Bankhead Highway brought through their main streets. Before the highway, many of these towns were isolated, with limited access to the broader world. The Bankhead Highway changed that, providing a steady stream of travelers, which in turn led to the development of hotels, diners, gas stations, and shops catering to those on the road.

The Broadway of America and Its Legacy

The economic impact of the Bankhead Highway cannot be overstated. It transformed sleepy rural communities into bustling hubs of activity, as people from all over the country passed through on their way to other destinations. This influx of visitors brought prosperity to many towns that otherwise might have withered away.

In time, the Bankhead Highway earned the nickname “Broadway of America,” a testament to its importance as a major thoroughfare. However, with the rise of the interstate highway system in the mid-20th century, the Bankhead Highway began to fade from prominence. Parts of it were incorporated into newer roads, like U.S. Route 80 and Interstate 20, which now cover much of the same ground. While it may not have the same level of fame as Route 66, the Bankhead Highway shares a similar legacy as a critical pathway in the development of cross-country travel.

Reliving the Glory Days of the Bankhead Highway

If you’re looking to reminisce and relive the old days of the Bankhead Highway, there are several small towns in Texas where you can experience the charm of this historic route. Here are some key stops to consider:

Near Present-Day Interstate 30:

Mount Pleasant: Start your journey in Mount Pleasant, where the downtown area offers a nostalgic glimpse into the past. Take a stroll through the preserved main street, lined with historic buildings that harken back to the days when the Bankhead Highway brought travelers through the heart of town. Be sure to visit the Titus County Courthouse, a centerpiece of the town’s history.

Sulphur Springs: Next, head to Sulphur Springs, a town that perfectly blends historic charm with modern attractions. The downtown square is a must-see, featuring the unique glass bathrooms that have become a local landmark. As you walk around the square, you can imagine the bustling activity that the Bankhead Highway once brought to this vibrant community.

Greenville: In Greenville, you can explore a town rich in history and culture. Visit the Audie Murphy/American Cotton Museum to learn more about the region’s past, and take a walk through the historic downtown area, where the legacy of the Bankhead Highway is still evident in the architecture and layout of the streets.

Near Present-Day Interstate 20:

Cisco: Moving westward, Cisco is a small town where the history of the Bankhead Highway remains alive. Stop by the Conrad Hilton Center, a museum located in the hotel where Conrad Hilton began his hospitality empire. The downtown area still retains much of its early 20th-century character, giving visitors a sense of what it was like when the highway was in its heyday.

Baird: In Baird, known as the “Antique Capital of West Texas,” you’ll find a historic district that has been carefully preserved. The town’s main street offers a charming collection of antique shops and historic buildings, making it easy to imagine the bustling activity that the Bankhead Highway once brought to this community.

Sweetwater: Sweetwater’s downtown is another excellent stop, featuring vintage architecture and a number of historic sites. Take a walk down Broadway Street, which was once part of the Bankhead Highway, and visit the Pioneer City-County Museum to get a deeper understanding of the town’s history and its connection to this important roadway.

Roscoe: Finally, in Roscoe, where we first learned about the Bankhead Highway, take some time to explore the town’s small but significant downtown area. The historical marker is a great starting point, and from there, you can wander the streets and envision what life was like when the Bankhead Highway ran straight through the heart of this West Texas town.

These towns, located near present-day Interstates 30 and 20, offer a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience the legacy of the Bankhead Highway. Each stop provides a window into a bygone era, when this historic route was a vital part of the American road network. Whether you’re a history buff, or simply enjoy exploring small towns and capturing history through your lens, this journey along the remnants of the Bankhead Highway is sure to be a rewarding experience.