Conway, Texas – Home of the Bug Ranch – Legends of America
Conway, Texas, a name that once echoed with the hustle and bustle of travelers along Route 66, now stands as a poignant reminder of the transient nature of prosperity and the enduring allure of the open road. Situated sixteen miles west of Groom, Texas, and the last stop before reaching Amarillo, Conway began as a small ranching community in the late 1800s, embodying the spirit of the American West.
Early Beginnings and Community Roots
The story of Conway begins in the late 19th century, when the vast plains of the Texas Panhandle were primarily the domain of sheep and cattle ranchers. The establishment of the Lone Star School in 1892 marked a pivotal moment, providing education for the children of the area’s pioneering families and laying the foundation for a close-knit community. This humble school is remembered as the first rural school in the Panhandle, providing a space for education to the homesteaders and ranchers of the area.
The Railroad’s Arrival
The winds of change swept through Conway in 1903 with the arrival of the Choctaw Route of the Chicago, Rock Island, and Gulf Railroad. This transformative event connected the town to the wider world, facilitating trade, transportation, and communication. In the same year, a post office was established, solidifying Conway’s identity as a recognized settlement. The town was named in honor of H.B. Conway, a former Carson County Commissioner, and its layout was formally platted in 1905 by brothers Delzell and P.H. Fisherin. One of the town’s first businesses was run by Edward S. Carr, whose store would also house the post office.
The addition of a railroad depot, grocery store, and blacksmith shop further fueled Conway’s growth. A steam-operated threshing machine catered to the needs of local wheat farmers, highlighting the agricultural importance of the region. The community’s spiritual needs were met in 1912 with the construction of an interdenominational church, symbolizing unity and shared values.
Route 66 and the Golden Age
The 1920s brought prosperity to the Texas Panhandle, driven by a booming agricultural sector and the burgeoning oil industry. Conway, like many towns in the region, experienced a surge in activity and optimism. Community spirit flourished, leading to the formation of a community club and the establishment of an annual community fair. Despite these positive developments, Conway’s population in 1925 was just 25 residents.
The year 1926 marked a turning point in Conway’s history with the designation of Route 66 through the Texas Panhandle. Initially, the exact route through Carson and Potter Counties remained in dispute, causing delays in road paving and construction. However, in August 1930, the Amarillo Daily News announced the resolution of the "U.S. 66 Highway Tangle," paving the way for the highway’s completion. This news was met with jubilation by local residents, who eagerly anticipated the economic benefits that Route 66 would bring.
With the completion of Route 66, Conway transformed into a bustling roadside stop, catering to the needs of travelers seeking rest, refreshment, and supplies. Tourist courts, restaurants, and service stations sprang up along the highway, creating a vibrant atmosphere. In 1930, a new brick school was built to accommodate the growing population, and by 1939, Conway’s population had reached approximately 125 people.
The Decline
However, Conway’s prosperity was not destined to last. In 1943, the local school district was consolidated, and students were bussed to Panhandle, a larger town located about 9.5 miles to the north. The school building was repurposed as a community center, but the closure of the school signaled a shift away from Conway as a central hub.
The construction of Interstate 40 in 1965 dealt a fatal blow to Conway. The new highway bypassed the town by 1.3 miles, diverting traffic away from Route 66 and the businesses that depended on it.
A Last Stand
In an attempt to revitalize the town, the Crutchfield family opened a roadside service station, a curio shop called the Longhorn Ranch, and an attraction called the Rattlesnake Ranch in 1967. Located just off Interstate 40 at Exit 96 near Texas Highway 207, these businesses aimed to draw in travelers from the new highway. In 1969, Conway’s population peaked at 175 people.
However, the bypass took its toll. Businesses failed, and people moved away in search of better opportunities. By 1970, Conway’s population had dwindled to just 50 people, but it still managed to support two grain elevators, four service stations, three cafes, and a general store. The post office closed its doors in 1976, and the railroad terminated its operations in 1980, further isolating Conway from the outside world. By the year 2000, the population had plummeted to a mere 20 residents.
The Bug Ranch and a Glimmer of Hope
In 2002, a Love’s Travel Stop truck stop opened at the same exit on the north side of the highway, drawing even more customers away from the Crutchfield’s station. In a last-ditch effort to attract visitors, the family created the VW Bug Ranch, a quirky roadside attraction that parodied the famous Cadillac Ranch near Amarillo. Five Volkswagen Beetles were buried nose down in the ground, adorned with colorful graffiti, and signs were erected to announce the "Bug Ranch."
The Bug Ranch garnered some publicity and attracted a stream of curious travelers, but it was not enough to save the Crutchfield’s businesses. In 2003, the Rattlesnake Ranch, the curio shop, and the gas station were closed, and the Crutchfield family moved away, marking the end of an era for Conway.
Conway Today
Today, Conway stands as a shadow of its former self. The old school is boarded up, and there is no visible trace of the church that once stood there. The Crutchfield’s Longhorn Ranch and service station are vandalized and in ruins, serving as a haunting reminder of the town’s decline. Former buildings lie in disrepair, and the population consists of just a handful of residents.
Despite the decline, two motels continue to operate at the Conway exit: the Executive Inn and the Conway Inn. Both have restaurant buildings, but neither appeared to be open as of 2018.
A Historic Stretch of Route 66
For those seeking to experience the nostalgic charm of Route 66, a detour south to the intersection of Texas Highway 207 and FM 2161 offers a glimpse into the past. This stretch of pavement, which runs for 7.2 miles before rejoining I-40, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2007 as the longest and best-preserved section of Route 66 in Texas.
As you traverse this historic road, you’ll be transported back in time. The abandoned railroad bed, the lack of modern buildings, the open rangeland, and the sheer quiet evoke the spirit of old Route 66 like few other places. Even the concrete grain elevators along the route date back to 1914, adding to the area’s historical significance.
After experiencing this slice of history, you can continue your Route 66 journey by rejoining I-40 and heading west to Business I-40, then northwest to Business I-40/US 60. As you travel along US Highway 60, you’ll pass by the old Amarillo Air Force Base property, now occupied by Amarillo College, as well as the old English Field, Amarillo’s first airport.
The Bug Ranch Lives On
Twenty years after the Rattlesnake Ranch and curio shop closed, the original VW Beetles of the Bug Ranch were removed. However, the story of the Bug Ranch did not end there. In 2024, the Big Texan in Amarillo purchased the cars with the goal of preserving this Route 66 icon. In June 2024, the Bug Ranch re-opened in Amarillo, in front of the Big Texan RV Ranch at 1415 Sunrise Dr, ensuring that its legacy lives on for future generations to enjoy.
Conway, Texas, may be a ghost of its former self, but its story serves as a reminder of the rise and fall of communities along Route 66 and the enduring appeal of the open road. From its humble beginnings as a ranching community to its brief heyday as a roadside oasis, Conway’s history is intertwined with the history of the American West.
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