Clarendon, city in Donley County, Texas, U.S.
Clarendon is a small town in the Texas Panhandle situated near the junction of Carroll Creek and the Salt Fork of the Red River. Its quiet streets are easy to walk, and the town features churches, shops, and historic buildings that reflect its development over time.
Clarendon was founded in 1878 by Reverend Lewis Henry Carhart, who established a Christian settlement focused on education and faith. In 1887, residents relocated the entire town six miles south to meet the new railroad line, which brought commerce and growth.
Clarendon was named after Clara, wife of an early settler, and built by people focused on faith and community values. The town's character reflects this heritage through its numerous churches and the welcoming, unhurried way residents treat visitors.
The town sits along US Route 287 and is straightforward to navigate on foot with open, walkable streets. Visitors can find the Donley County Museum, a small airport, nearby lakes, and local restaurants and shops for basic needs.
The original settlement site was flooded in 1968 when Greenbelt Reservoir was built, causing an old cemetery to be relocated. Nearby, artist Harold Dow Bugbee established his studio in 1912 and painted western scenes that captured the character of this region.
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