Groom, Texas – Cattle to Route 66 – Legends of America

Groom, Texas, a small town nestled in the heart of the Texas Panhandle, is a place where the spirit of the Old West meets the allure of the open road. With a population of just under 600, Groom may seem like a sleepy village, but its history is rich and vibrant, reflecting the evolution of this part of the United States from cattle country to a vital stop along the iconic Route 66.

Early Explorations and Cattle Ranching

Before Groom became a town, the area was explored and charted by Captain Randolph Barnes Marcy in 1849. Marcy, traveling from Fort Smith, Arkansas, to Santa Fe, New Mexico, mapped the region along the Canadian River. His detailed findings, including maps and illustrations, were published in 1859 in "The Prairie Traveler: A Handbook for Overland Expeditions." This book became an essential guide for those venturing westward, providing invaluable information on navigating the vast prairies.

In 1882, Colonel B. B. Groom, a seasoned cattleman from Lexington, Kentucky, arrived in the Texas Panhandle. He leased nearly 600,000 acres of land across Hutchinson, Carson, Gray, and Roberts Counties from the New York and Texas Land Company. Groom established the Francklyn Land and Cattle Company, envisioning it as the premier cattle ranch in the United States. Despite his ambitious plans, the company faced financial difficulties and went bankrupt four years later. However, Colonel Groom’s name lived on when the site was chosen as a station along the Chicago, Rock Island, and Gulf Railway route in 1902, forever linking his legacy to the town.

The Rise of Groom

The establishment of the railway station marked the beginning of Groom’s development. In 1903, a general store, post office, and mercantile store opened, providing essential services to the growing community. By 1906, Groom had expanded to include a barbershop, a bank, a hotel, a lumberyard, a school, and several other businesses. The town was officially incorporated in 1911, boasting a population of over 250 residents.

Groom benefited from the oil boom of the 1920s and the increasing traffic along Route 66. The Mother Road, as it was affectionately known, brought travelers from all walks of life, seeking adventure and new opportunities. Groom’s location along this famous highway made it a popular stop for those journeying across the country.

The Jericho Gap

One of the more challenging stretches of Route 66 was the infamous Jericho Gap, a muddy section of road east of Groom. This area was notorious for trapping vehicles, turning travel into a difficult ordeal. Local service stations, farmers, and ranchers found a lucrative business in pulling stranded cars out of the mire. Travelers who managed to navigate the Jericho Gap successfully often breathed a sigh of relief upon reaching Groom, grateful to have avoided the treacherous conditions.

Groom Today

Today, Groom is a quiet village with a population of around 575. Many of the businesses that once catered to Route 66 travelers have closed, but the town’s historical charm remains. Groom offers visitors a glimpse into the past, a chance to experience the spirit of a bygone era.

Britten Truck Stop and the Leaning Water Tower

On the east side of Groom, at exit #114 of I-40, stands the old Britten Truck Stop. This once-bustling stop is easily recognizable by its leaning water tower, a unique landmark that has captured the attention of countless travelers. The truck stop used to include a garage and a restaurant, providing essential services to those on the road. Although the business is no longer in operation, the tall sign and the leaning water tower still stand, serving as a reminder of the area’s vibrant past.

The leaning water tower has sparked numerous questions and theories. Some believe that one leg of the tower is shorter than the others, while others speculate that a tornado swept it to one side. In reality, the tower was intentionally designed to lean, serving as a gimmick to attract visitors to the Tower Restaurant. Ralph Britten purchased the water tower, which was originally slated for demolition, and moved it to its current location to draw attention to his truck stop and tourist information center. The leaning water tower has become a beloved symbol of Groom, representing the town’s quirky and innovative spirit.

The Groom Cross

West of Groom, just south of I-40, stands a towering cross that dominates the landscape. The 19-story cross, standing 190 feet tall, was built in 1995 by Steve Thomas of Pampa, Texas. Thomas, concerned about the proliferation of billboards advertising adult entertainment along I-40, wanted to create a public display of faith. Inspired by a cross built by a rancher in Ballinger, Texas, he constructed this massive cross on Chris Britten’s private property.

Over 100 welders worked on the cross frame in two shops in Pampa, Texas, before erecting it in July 1995. The freestanding cross is visible from as far as 20 miles away. At its base are life-sized statues depicting the Stations of the Cross, enhancing the site’s spiritual significance. Today, an estimated ten million people pass by the cross each year, with about 1,000 stopping daily for a closer look. The Groom Cross has become a major attraction, drawing visitors from all over the world.

Route 66 and Conway

Route 66 follows the south frontage road of I-40, joining Texas Highway 207 to Conway, Texas, about 16 miles west of Groom. Highway 207 turns north in Conway, where it merges with I-40. Along this stretch of road, several older Route 66 buildings remain, including the Longhorn Trading Post, two closed restaurants, a gas station, and two motels.

The original Route 66 continues west from Conway’s old townsite, where the grain elevators still stand, following FM 2161 for 7.2 miles before rejoining I-40. This short section of highway is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, preserving its historical significance.

Conclusion

Groom, Texas, is more than just a small town on the map. It is a place where the past and present converge, where the stories of cattlemen, railway workers, and Route 66 travelers come to life. From the leaning water tower to the towering cross, Groom offers unique attractions that capture the imagination. Whether you’re a history buff, a road trip enthusiast, or simply looking for a peaceful getaway, Groom is a destination that will leave a lasting impression. As you drive through this charming town, take a moment to appreciate the rich heritage and the enduring spirit of the Texas Panhandle.