Clyde, Texas, located on Interstate 20 just fifteen miles east of Abilene, traces its roots to the expansion of the Texas & Pacific Railway, in 1880, through the Callahan Divide- between the Brazos and Colorado Rivers. Legend has it that the railroad construction crew, which numbered 5,000, gathered regularly at Robert Clyde's construction camp and supply tent, just south of the tracks, hence the area began to be commonly referred to as "Clyde's". Settlers moved into the area, and a post office for the new community was commissioned in June 1881. The town was formally chartered on July 9, 1907. Situated above an aquifer, Clyde earned the nickname “Little California” for its bountiful fruit and vegetable crops, which were shipped across Texas by rail. Cattle and horses were raised on the area’s abundant grasses. Oil production started around 1924 and through the 1980s diversified and stabilized the local economy.
Fast forward to 2020 and welcome to Clyde! The Clyde Post Office now serves more than 4000 families, from every corner of the globe. Young families, professionals, members of the US military, retirees, artists, musicians, students, entrepreneurs, ranchers and cowboys - all call Clyde home. They come together as neighbors; they meet at church, the grocery store, the park, and can be heard cheering one another on at sporting events.
Clyde CISD is a TEA “Recognized” district with new schools, a new performing arts center and a new football stadium. Clyde is a city that is both proud of its history and purposefully forging ahead. Under progressive leadership, Clyde is welcoming new businesses, restoring its downtown area, and expanding its borders. Festivals, parades, art galleries, fine dining, events at the Public Library and a new City Park all add to the quality of life for Clyde residents.