CLARENDON

Population 2,043

Altitude 2,727

General

Established by Methodist minister, L.H. Carhart, in 1878 as a "sobriety settlement" in contrast to typical boom towns of that era. It earned the sobriquet "Saints Roost" by local cowboys. Seat of Donley County, Clarendon is the oldest thriving town in the Texas Panhandle. Many museums have fossilized specimens found near here from the Clarendonian Age, dating back 11 million years to the Early Pilocene Age. Locals call Clarendon home of "trailblazers, cattle barons, cowboys, preachers, teachers, sodbusters, merchants, craftsmen, artists, old bones, and old fossils... and maybe a few saints!" Today farming and ranching still remain the primary economy of the county.

Attractions

• BAR H DUDE RANCH - From a hearty chuckwagon breakfast to mesquite grilled steaks at dinner, activities are tailored to suit your interests.

  Depending on the season, guests can watch cowboys work cattle, mend fences and other ranch chores. Ranch is also a game preserve licensed by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. For information/reservations, call 806-874-2634. U.S. 287 west three miles to F>M. 3257, north two miles to the ranch.

• SAINTS ROOST MUSEUM - Housed in former Adair Hospital founded by Cornelia Adair in 1910 for local cowboys, the museum features heirlooms from area ranches, farms, and businesses. Open during summer Sat., - Sun. 1 to 5 p.m. On Texas 70 south.

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