Adrian, Texas – Route 66 Midpoint USA
Nestled in the heart of the Texas Panhandle, in Oldham County, lies the unassuming town of Adrian, Texas. Though its population hovers around a mere 150 residents, Adrian holds a unique distinction that draws travelers from across the globe: it marks the geographical midpoint of the legendary Route 66. This iconic highway, once the lifeblood of cross-country travel, continues to exert a powerful pull on the American imagination, and Adrian stands as a tangible reminder of its golden age.
The story of Adrian, Texas, begins at the dawn of the 20th century, a time of westward expansion and burgeoning railroad development. In 1900, the Rock Island Railroad recognized the potential of this stretch of land and established a station, laying the foundation for a future community. Among the early settlers was Calvin G. Aten, a former Texas Ranger, who demonstrated the resilience of the pioneers by constructing a dugout home for his family just west of the nascent townsite.
The official birth of Adrian came in the summer of 1909, coinciding with the completion of the railway line through Oldham County. The town was christened in honor of Adrian Cullen, a local farmer whose contributions were deemed worthy of recognition. Fueled by promotional efforts from an Iowa-based Townsite Company, Adrian quickly attracted prospective farmers and entrepreneurs, eager to carve out a life on the Texas plains.
The early years of Adrian were characterized by rapid development. By 1910, the town boasted a post office, a school, a general store catering to the daily needs of residents, a bank to secure their finances, a blacksmith shop providing essential services, a pool hall for recreation, a lumberyard for construction, a brick factory contributing to local infrastructure, and even a newspaper, the Adrian Eagle, chronicling the events of the community. Five years later, the town continued to flourish, adding two churches, a drugstore, and telephone service, connecting Adrian to the wider world. The Giles Hotel emerged as a prominent landmark, offering accommodation to travelers and serving as a social hub for the burgeoning community. Later, this building transformed into the Adrian Mercantile and the Adrian Community Center, adapting to the changing needs of the town.
Despite its promising start, Adrian faced significant challenges in its formative years. Severe droughts and the constant struggle to maintain sufficient water supplies hindered population growth. The unforgiving climate of the Texas Panhandle tested the resilience of its residents, but the town persevered.
The arrival of Route 66 in the 1920s proved to be a turning point for Adrian. As the "Mother Road" snaked its way across the American landscape, connecting Chicago to Los Angeles, Adrian found itself strategically positioned at the highway’s midpoint. This designation transformed the town into a vital stopping point for weary travelers, injecting new life into its economy and solidifying its place on the map.
One of the most enduring landmarks in Adrian is the Midpoint Cafe. Established in 1928, a decade before the paving of Route 66 was completed through Oldham County, the cafe has served as a beacon for travelers seeking respite and refreshment. Originally known as "Zella’s," this humble eatery began as a one-room establishment with a simple dirt floor. Over time, "Zella’s" was sold to Dub Edmonds and Jess Fincher, who moved the operation to a modernized building next door and renamed it "Jesse’s Cafe." Throughout its history, the Midpoint Cafe has changed hands numerous times, yet it remains a testament to the spirit of Route 66 and a vital business in Adrian.
The Midpoint Cafe holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously operating cafe on the Texas stretch of Route 66. While the cafe’s name has evolved over the years, its commitment to providing home-style cooking served with a smile has remained constant. Travelers from near and far flock to the Midpoint Cafe to savor classic American dishes, soak in the nostalgic atmosphere, and pose for photos with the iconic "Midpoint of Route 66" sign.
Beyond the Midpoint Cafe, Adrian offers a glimpse into the past. The town’s main street is lined with vintage buildings, each with its own story to tell. The Bent Door Trading Post, once a thriving tourist destination, now stands as a weathered shell of its former self, a poignant reminder of the changing times. The Antique Ranch, a unique establishment, has transformed an old mechanic’s shop into an antique store and eatery, where visitors can indulge in authentic Texas barbecue. And the Mid-Point Water Tower, a towering landmark, serves as a visual symbol of the town’s identity.
Despite its small size and somewhat remote location, Adrian, Texas, holds a significant place in American history and culture. As the midpoint of Route 66, it represents a tangible connection to the "Mother Road’s" legacy, a time when cross-country travel was an adventure and small towns like Adrian thrived on the flow of traffic.
While the glory days of Route 66 have faded, the spirit of the highway lives on in Adrian. Travelers continue to seek out this iconic town, drawn by its history, its charm, and its unique status as the midpoint of a legendary journey. As they explore the town’s historic buildings, savor a meal at the Midpoint Cafe, and pose for photos with the "Midpoint of Route 66" sign, they become part of the ongoing story of Adrian, Texas, a town that has weathered the storms of time and remains a cherished landmark on the American road.
Beyond Adrian, the allure of the old road continues for a few miles before merging back into I-40, eventually leading to the Glenrio exit near the New Mexico border, marking another significant landmark along the historic Route 66.