Armstrong County
Created 1876. Name honors several Texas pioneers named Armstrong. Ranching became the chief industry when Huge JA Ranch was established here in 1876.
Farming was introduced after the railroad came through, 1887. County was organized in 1890. Present courthouse was built 1912.
(1969)
Dr. and Mrs. WM. A. Warner
Two of the most admired and beloved pioneer citizens of Armstrong County, Dr. Warner (1864-1934) was a county physician and his wife Phebe (Kerrick) (1866-1935) was an ardent humanitarian.
Natives of Illinois, they were married in Claude in 1898. During his 35-year practice here, Dr. Warner made numerous calls by buggy and delivered over 2,000 babies, man in dug-outs.
Affectionately called “The Little Brown Wren” for her busy, cheerful manner, Mrs. Warner originated women’s clubs in the panhandle and continually worked to improve rural life.
(1969)
Route of
Coronado Expedition
Led by Francisco Vazquez De Coronado, this trail—blazing expedition set out from Mexico City in 1541 in search of Cibola. Fabled 7 cities of gold, finding only Indian Pueblos, Coronado changed his course for Quivira. A supposedly wealthy Indian kingdom. This quest brought the entourage across the panhandle plains to present Tule Canyon. Then with 30 men, Coronado went north by “Needle Point”—a route taking in Palo Duro Canyon and present Armstrong County, via Claude. He next continued into Kansas, but failing to find riches, returned to Mexico in 1542.
(1969)
Town of Claude
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.
(1971)
Boy Scout Troop No. 17
One of the oldest Scout Troops west of the Mississippi River. This group was organized in May 1912 by pioneer physician Dr. W.A. Warner (1864-1934). The first troop of about 30 boys met in a room above Dr. Warner’s drugstore and office. Because of his foresight, many of Claude’s civic leaders were influenced in their you by ideals of scouting, Dr. Warner served as the first scout master. Followed by John W. McClure, Bert C. Wooldridge, Cecil Waggoner, and J.L. McFarland. Troop No. 17, also called the “Lone Star Pioneers”, is governed by the scouts through their junior council.
(1975)
Of 1891
Although most Indians had left the Texas panhandle by the 1880s, fear of Indian attacks was still prevalent among settlers who arrive in the next decade. On January 29, 1891, rumors of approaching Indians spread throughout the entire region. For three days settlers barricaded their homes and communities and prepared to defend themselves, later it was discovered that the rumored Indian war cries and smoke signals were actually cowboys in pursuit of a steer they finally caught and cooked over an open fire.
(1983)
Charles Howard Roan
(August 16, 1923 - September 18, 1944)
Claude native Charles H. Roan volunteered for World War II service in the U.S. Marine Corps in December 1942. On active duty in the Pacific, he was killed in battle on Peleliu Island when he threw himself on a Japanese grenade, thereby saving the lives of four fellow Marines. For his heroic action he was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. The medal was presented to his mother, Armstrong County Treasurer Lillabel Roan, in ceremonies here at the courthouse in July 1945. A U.S. Navy destroyer built in 1946 was christened the USS Charles H. Roan DD-853. (1994)
