Claude, TX
N 35° 06.564 W 101° 21.583
14S E 284938 N 3887723
The city of Claude, TX was named for railroad engineer, Claude Ayers, who piloted the first Fort Worth & Denver passenger train here in 1887, when the town name was still "Armstrong City."
Waymark Code: WMPQMQ
Location: Texas, United States
Date Posted: 10/08/2015
Views: 4
The Person
A Texas Historical Marker at the grave site of Claude Ayers, in Claude Cemetery, provides a bit of information:
(1854-1915) Locomotive engineer piloting the first Fort Worth & Denver passenger train to reach here, 1887. Town was given his name.
The Place
A Texas Historical Marker on the grounds of the Armstrong County Courthouse provides some background:
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.
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Scenes for Paul Newman's 1963 movie Hud were filmed in Claude.