Field Guides
Childress, Texas
(Childress COUNTY)
High plains adventure, open roads, and sunsets that never quit.
Highlights
Childress County is the “Gateway to the Panhandle,” situated at the corner of the Texas-Oklahoma border. Once the buffalo roamed its plains, to be replaced by vast ranches, which have now given way to smaller operations and farms. The Comanche held sway until the Red River War in the 1870s. Their defeat led to Anglo settlement, railroad expansion, an air base, and today, the possibility of electricity production to power an information revolution. However, the city and its surroundings are quiet witnesses to constant change and intermittent strife.
Visiting Childress means a county museum, a simple meal, and a quick downtown tour. The downtown buildings evoke that Old West atmosphere. The display locomotive emphasizes the impact of the railroads. The restored Palace Theater suggests the roaring 20s. Unless you have business in the area, you likely will not stay long, but Childress is a perfect place to stretch your legs, refresh yourself, and do some time travel.
The County Courthouse
The current structure is a 1939 project that replaced an 1891 building. The 1891 building was itself a rebuilding of a courthouse that stood in use for only two weeks before fire destroyed it. In 1891 the County was just beginning life as an organized settlement; by 1939 the area enjoyed more industry and population. Thus, the last rebuild was likely for much more benign reasons.
In any event, the structure, like many of the federally funded Depression-era projects, exhibits a modern style. The clean lines with a flat roof seem at home under the big skies common in Childress. The courthouse’s four stories suggest activity beyond what is currently happening. The footprint of the building warns against cattle rustling or worse crimes, as it is clear the county devotes sufficient resources to keep the peace. Limestone and concrete give the building its finished look, but a good power washing might help the overall appearance.
The building anchors the town, but there is no formal square. Instead, the courthouse abuts State Highway 287 between the town’s busiest cross streets, Main and Commerce. Each of those streets leads to the local commercial buildings before dead-ending into a park with a beautiful old train engine as its prominent visual feature. The overall impact of the town layout is pleasant and orderly.
Things To See And Do
Most tourists come armed … with hunting rifles. Childress County has opportunities for whitetail deer, mule deer, turkey, hogs, doves, quail, and ducks. There is an active lease market. Outdoor thrill seekers will love the ATV and Moto Park, featuring two exciting courses. For a calmer vibe, try relaxing at Baylor Lake or Lake Childress.
Childress is also attracting a new type of bird hunter. Childress Hall is being developed as a golf destination along the lines of Bandon Dunes, with 36 holes of big boy golf and two par-three courses planned. Given the pedigree of the course designers, this could be one of America’s best in a few years. This is all private for now, and getting a tee time is like winning the lottery. More to come, we are sure.
The County Heritage Museum offers an opportunity to see the area’s history, as well as special exhibits and programs. The hours usually are Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., but call ahead at (940) 9337-2261. The kids and the kid in you will enjoy the visit. The Palace Theater is one of the better restored theaters in the Panhandle. It attracts touring acts and shows, so check out the calendar if you are in town overnight.
Food, Drinks, And Music (Eat Local!)
Childress restaurants tend to be casual and filling. Actually, “tend to be” soft sells the idea–Childress restaurants are casual and filling. You can leave the tie at home, but come with a comfortable belt.
Comfort food is a headliner. Texas Ten can personally vouch for the great breakfast at Dawson’s Family Restaurant. We can safely assume that lunch follows suit. One of the more interesting highway stops in the Panhandle is Daddy’s, offering tires and tire repair, guns and ammo, and a near-perfect fried food experience. J T’s Drive-In is an old-school, non-chain drive-up burger joint. G-10’s Bar & Grill has drinks and great bar food.
South of the border is also well within reach. The Plaza Mexican Restaurant & Bar is the Childress outpost for a well-regarded Panhandle Tex-Mex chain. Los 4 Juanitos trumpets their burrito prowess. Locals love Jeanna’s Blessings for its more authentic, “True Mexico” morning menu. La Unica Taqueria brings the heat for Tex-Mex breakfasts and early lunches.
Wheat’s Artisan Bakery and Pizzeria ably handles pizza and Italian food. Asian food means Thai Kitchen. Last but certainly not least, try the ribs at Top Notch Texas BBQ.
Where To Drop A Dime (Shop Local!)
There is a smattering of very interesting shopping in Childress. Start with 1930 Remnant, a highly curated western wear store. Stran and Jennifer Smith are the brainpower and horsepower behind the operation. You can be sure of authenticity because Stran is a Rodeo Hall of Fame inductee. 235-Downtown Abbi, Bloom Boutique, and The She Shed will give you that retail pick-me-up, while Amazing Grace Antiques & Gifts allows thrifting victory.
Special Places To Lay Your Head (Stay Local!)
“Non-chain lodgings” is a singular. We wondered why a motel in the Panhandle would be named Tradewinds, but it is an interesting-looking old motor court. Then we found this vintage postcard on eBay, explaining that Childress was the “Crossroads of Hospitality.” The postcard confirmed Tradewinds’ status as a ’50s road warrior throwback.
Speaking of road warriors, maybe this renovated Sinclair gas station does the trick for a hip road-tripping couple? Yes, it does. There are other short-term rental options.
For The Professional Traveller (Campgrounds and RV Parks)
The city or its contractor operates several locations with hookups, including: Childress City Fair Park Campgrounds, Baylor Lake or Lake Childress, and ATV and Moto Park. Call (940) 937-2567 for information.
J&S RV Ranch, Treetop RV Park, and Love RV Park are private facilities.
Special Events
Rodeo is king in these parts. The biggest and best is the Old Settlers Rodeo, held in July each year. There is Fall Fest in October, and traditional holiday celebrations on July 4th and Christmas.
Fore! (Golf Courses)
We mentioned the super-luxe Childress Hall Golf complex being developed. At this point, play on the one open course is members only. It is a big secret how to become a member, which seems silly to us. But we are not billionaires. We can give you the address: 1599 County Road 7, Childress, Texas, and the member website, which has a nice picture and not much else, if you do not have a login. There is no phone number listed.
There is another more accessible complex in town. Stoney Ridge Golf Course is an 18-hole municipal-quality track, and nearby Childress Country Club adds another nine holes and a pool for its members.
Childress Country Club
RR 1 Box 125A Childress, Texas 79201
(940) 937-8552
Stoney Ridge Golf Course
910 FM 2530 Childress, Texas 79201
(940) 937-2481
Getting To Childress County
Childress is a gateway to the Panhandle from the east and south, sitting next to the Oklahoma border on the southeast corner of the Panhandle. Two state highways bisect the town, with State Highway 62 running North/South and State Highway 287 running roughly Northwest/Southeast between Amarillo and Wichita Falls. The closest interstates are East/West in I-20 (188 miles to the South at Anson) and I-40 (52 miles to the North at Shamrock), each via State Highway 62. All that puts Childress four hours of driving time North/Northwest of the state’s geographic center in Brady, Texas. Windshield time from other Texas cities can be found here.
For fliers, American Airlines, Delta, Southwest, and United serve the Rick Husband Airport in Amarillo; American Airlines, Southwest, and United use the Preston Smith Airport in Lubbock, and American flies to Wichita Falls. All are between an hour and a half and two hours’ drive. Smaller craft can use the Childress Municipal Airport.
History
The earliest inhabitants of what is now the area surrounding Childress County were prehistoric plains villagers who relied on the great bison hunts of the Panhandle. They hunted, gathered, and farmed the land, quarrying flint to help make their work easier. Apache groups moved into the area in the 1500s, followed by the feared Comanche. The native Americans eventually clashed with European and Anglo settlers in the 1700s and 1800s. These conflicts culminated in what is known as the Red River War of 1874, a systematic campaign of the US Army, a pivotal event that significantly impacted the county’s development to remove the Plains Tribes and clear the way for settlement to extend into the region.
Childress County and its county seat, Childress, were officially established by the Texas Legislature in 1876. The county was named for George C. Childress, author of the Texas Declaration of Independence. The railroad extension into the Panhandle was completed shortly after the city’s incorporation. Farmers began to settle, and the area enjoyed a boom. By 1900, the county had a lumber company, a saloon, and a YMCA. Restaurants, stores, and a theater were also built for the enjoyment of the 621 residents.
Childress was dubbed the “Gateway to the Panhandle” and has been an essential center for agribusiness in the region. Through the 1940s, the Fort Worth and Denver Northern line railroads served as the county’s mainstays and helped stem the damages from the Great Depression and Dust Bowl in the 1930s and ’40s. Modern highways and farm equipment ushered in new growth in the population, bringing to the county new companies, industries, and business opportunities for its residents.
Childress County’s population is approximately 6,700, with a diverse population. 54% of residents are Caucasian, non-Hispanic, 21% are Hispanic or Latino, and 6.7% are Black, with the remainder divided among mixed-race and other minorities. 22.8% of the population owns a bachelor’s degree or higher. The median household income for Childress County is around $60,000.00. While below the national and state averages. The Childress economy has been making gains in recent years. Politically and culturally, Childress is deep red, with almost 88% of its vote going to Donald Trump in 2024.
Childress is proud of its various residents and natives. Native son and political broadcaster Lou Dobbs hailed from Childress, as did Minnie Lou Bradley, a National Cowgirl Museum inductee. Though not born in Childress, Walter Chrysler also called this county his home from 1905 to 1906, working as a master mechanic and serving as the general foreman for the Childress railroad shops before founding the Chrysler Auto Company.
Primary Sources:
Texas State Historical Society