Albany’s story begins with Shackelford County’s first town, The Flat, a rip-roaring community of cowboys, soldiers, and buffalo hunters that grew around Fort Griffin. Citizens petitioned to organize Shackelford County with Fort Griffin as the seat, but Sheriff Henry Jacobs thought an alternative site nearby, with a central location and land ideal for a railroad, would provide a better environment for governance than The Flat’s rough and rowdy atmosphere. Jacobs acquired the land, and Albany supplanted Fort Griffin as county seat. The oil boom years saw the coming of the Bankhead Highway to Albany. The northern branch of SH 1 extended through town, and motels, gas stations, and roadside parks emerged, responding to the newfound popularity of automobile travel. Albany’s historic courthouse remains an important government symbol, however the 1877 jail has been converted into the world-class Old Jail Art Center, a must see if you’re in town.
Sinclair Service Station
US 180 across from courthouse.
This 1930s Sinclair station is one of the best preserved examples of its kind along the Bankhead Highway in Texas. Its location made it convenient for locals doing business downtown or travelers just passing through.
More Locations in Albany
Federal Aid Project Highway Marker
corner of US and US 283
Several FAP highway markers remain along the route of the old Bankhead Highway. These short concrete posts provide information on the dates and lengths of highway segments constructed using FAP funds.
Gulf Gas Station
US Hwy 180
This stylized Gulf gas station has been meticulously restored to its original state – pumps included.
Spudder Park
US 283 and SH 6
This 1930s park is located at the convergence of US 283 and SH 6. An old drilling rig, picnic tables, soccer goals, a grandstand, and a 1936 Centennial marker for Shackelford County are all located within the park.