Bushland & Wildorado – Skeletons on the Staked Plains – Legends of America
The vast expanse of the Texas Panhandle, a region often referred to as the "Staked Plains," holds within its seemingly barren landscape a rich tapestry of history and heritage. Among the numerous settlements that dot this area, Bushland and Wildorado stand out as poignant reminders of a bygone era. These two towns, each with its unique story, offer a glimpse into the struggles, triumphs, and enduring spirit of the pioneers who once traversed these lands.
Bushland, Texas: A Vision Unfulfilled
Located fourteen miles west of Amarillo, Bushland, Texas, began as a humble station on the Chicago, Rock Island, and Gulf Railway. The town owes its existence to William Henry Bush, a Chicago real estate magnate who owned the expansive Frying Pan Ranch. Recognizing the potential of this location, Bush generously donated the land for the townsite and the railroad right-of-way.
On July 3, 1908, Bush and his associate, S. H. Smiser, officially dedicated the townsite, initially naming it Bush Stop. The following January, a post office was established, attracting a modest influx of farmers and ranchers seeking new opportunities.
However, the story of Bushland took an unexpected turn when William Bush’s wife expressed her dissatisfaction with the town’s name. Believing that it did not adequately represent the family, she convinced the train station master to repaint the west walls of the depot with the more refined name "Bushland."
Despite William Bush’s grand vision of transforming Bushland into a thriving farming community, the town never quite reached its full potential. Nevertheless, the resilient residents persevered, constructing a church in 1917 that continues to hold services to this day. By the 1920s, Bushland’s population had grown to approximately 175, supporting four businesses and an elementary school.
Over the years, Bushland’s population experienced fluctuations. By the 1960s, it had dwindled to around 130, a number that has remained relatively stable since then. Today, Bushland stands as a quiet testament to the past, with a few remnants of the historic Mother Road, Route 66, still visible, connecting it to a vibrant chapter in American history.
Wildorado, Texas: A Tale of Resilience on Route 66
Venturing approximately 23 miles west of Amarillo along the historic Route 66, one encounters the town of Wildorado. Its name is derived from the nearby Wildorado Creek, a vital source of water in this arid region. In 1900, Wildorado emerged as a shipping point on the Chicago, Rock Island, and Gulf Railroad, strategically located along the old cattle trail that stretched from Tascosa to Canyon City.
Eugene Binford and John R. Goodman, two pioneering ranchers already established in the area, were among the first to settle in Wildorado. When the post office was established in 1904, Goodman assumed the role of its first postmaster, solidifying his commitment to the community.
The completion of the railroad in 1908 marked a turning point for Wildorado. A townsite was laid out, and Goodman, an ambitious entrepreneur, promptly organized the Wildorado State Bank and built the Wildorado Hotel, catering to the needs of travelers and residents alike. In 1909, the town’s first newspaper, the "Wildorado Progress," began publication, chronicling the events and aspirations of this burgeoning community.
As Wildorado flourished, it attracted numerous small ranchers and farmers seeking fertile land and economic opportunities. By 1915, the town boasted telephone connections, a grocer, a general store, a lumber company, a blacksmith, a hardware store, a school, two churches, and a population of 100, signifying its growing importance as a regional hub.
However, the prosperity of Wildorado was not immune to the harsh realities of the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl of the late 1920s and early 1930s. Like many communities across the Midwest, Wildorado suffered immensely as crops withered and died due to prolonged drought. Desperate pioneers, seeking refuge from the blinding dust storms, abandoned their homes and livelihoods, joining the mass exodus westward along the newly established Route 66.
Adding to Wildorado’s woes, the state bank, the grain elevator, and the mercantile store fell victim to repeated robberies and burglaries committed by increasingly desperate individuals from the nearby town of Borger, Texas. The situation deteriorated to such an extent that on January 29, 1928, the "Syracuse Herald" in New York ran a headline proclaiming: "Wildorado – Texas Town Plundered So Many Times That Six Shooters No Longer Terrorize." The article further reported that the Wildorado State Bank had been robbed eight times in the past three years, while the general store next door had been targeted by bandits so frequently that the proprietors had lost count of the incidents.
By 1936, Wildorado, once a settlement with a promising future, had been reduced to a mere seven businesses and a population of just over 50. Yet, the indomitable spirit of its residents refused to be extinguished. Following World War II, as travel became an increasingly popular pastime, Wildorado capitalized on its location along Route 66, providing services and amenities to the growing number of tourists. By the late 1950s, the town’s population had rebounded to over 200, signaling a renewed sense of optimism.
However, fate dealt Wildorado another cruel blow when Interstate 40 was constructed, bypassing the town and diverting traffic away from its businesses. The construction of the superhighway resulted in the destruction of numerous businesses on the south side of old Route 66, including the Wildorado Bank, Rodeo Cafe, Pop Well’s Station & Cafe, Dee McDade’s Texaco, Davis Mercantile/Post Office, A.F. Moore’s 66 Dealership, and Tapscott Mobil Station.
Despite these setbacks, the Royal Inn Motel managed to remain open for travelers until late December 2015, when a devastating electrical fire engulfed most of the original structures. The Royal Inn stood as one of the last original Route 66 businesses in Wildorado, a poignant reminder of the town’s rich history.
Today, Wildorado survives as a feedlot settlement, its streets filled with the aroma of livestock and the rumble of farm trucks. Approximately 180 people call this town home, where glimpses of the once-bustling Route 66 can still be found, evoking memories of a bygone era.
In the ever-changing landscape of Old Route 66, Wildorado serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of the American West, where resilience, adaptation, and a strong sense of community have enabled it to weather the storms of time.
As one reflects on the stories of Bushland and Wildorado, it becomes clear that these towns are more than just geographical locations on a map. They are living embodiments of the human spirit, testaments to the struggles and triumphs of those who dared to venture into the unknown and build a life on the Staked Plains. Their stories serve as a reminder of the importance of preserving our history and honoring the legacy of those who came before us.