Abilene
Touted as the “Future Great City of West Texas,” Abilene was founded in 1881 as a stock shipping point at a strategic location along the Texas and Pacific Railroad. Eventually, highway travel would become as vital to the frontier town as the railroad. As part of the Good Roads Movement that began in Texas around the turn of the century, earthen and gravel roads appeared in West Texas to serve the area’s increasing transportation needs. One of these roads, known as the Fort Worth–El Paso Highway, cut right through Abilene, running parallel to the T&P Railroad. This road became part of the Bankhead Highway when it was established in 1916. Throngs of travelers rode into the city and frequented hotels, shops, and gas stations that appeared along downtown streets. High‐style, multi‐story buildings, grand for their day, were constructed, reflecting the commercial and cultural hub Abilene had become.
Abilene Courts
633 S. 11th St.
Though currently vacant, Abilene Courts, opened in 1930, is one of the least-altered and most complete tourist courts along the Bankhead. Motor courts like this one were a mainstay for travelers, providing an affordable alternative to more fashionable hotels or tent camping at a roadside park. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
More Locations in Abilene
Towne Crier Steak House
818 E. Hwy 80
The Tudor-style half-timbering on this restaurant built in 1965 may have you thinking about 16th century England without ever leaving the Bankhead Highway. Relax and feast on steak after a day’s travel at this Abilene institution.
Bankhead Highway Service Station
702 Oak St.
This ca. 1925 building is a good example of an automobile service station that typically offered travelers repair and tire service along with filling their tanks. The large open corner bay still has its original pressed‐tin ceiling tiles that were common to these buildings.
Grace Hotel
102 Cypress St.
Built in 1909, the Grace Hotel was a major stopping point between Fort Worth and El Paso along the T & P Railroad. In the 1940s, the business changed names to the Drake Hotel and catered more to the automobile tourist. Today it is a major cultural stopping point as the Grace Museum, focused on American art with Texas connections.
South First Street Motels
2900 – 3500 S. 1st
Since the 1930s, many motels along this section of the Bankhead have served travelers to Abilene. Motel postcards were an advertising staple through the 1960s, and many of these motels took advantage of this inexpensive means of promotion.
Firestone Auto Repair Shop
120 S. Pioneer Dr.
Firestone built their shops using high‐style Modernistic architecture with prominent storefront glass, flat roof, and overhead service bay doors. The Abilene store location reflects the move from downtown to sprawling commercial highway strips with the building set back from the street and plenty of storefront parking.