Ben Pate
Special to the Citizen
On June 21, 1917 State Highway 10 was proposed to go through Dublin as part of the original 25 state highways in the State of Texas. It was to start in Fort Worth, pass through Dublin and Comanche then on to Brownwood, to Alpine and Sierra Blanca
In the April 16,1920 edition of the Dublin Progress it says County Commissioners Court asked for bids for the immediate construction of State Highway 10 . The funding was for the Erath County part from county line to county line connecting Fort Worth to Brownwood. “By building now, the highway in this section of the county will receive near $65,000 aid from the federal and state commissions.” (Dublin Progress and Telephone, April 16, 1920)
Months later it was reported that “As soon as a few culverts and bridges are completed and some more gravel placed, there will be a first class highway from Bluff Dale to Dublin.” (Dublin Progress, October 21 1921)
“At Greens Creek the present cement culvert is to be torn out and a wider span substituted at a height of four feet above the present...Contract provides for construction work to begin on or before June 10th and to be completed within twelve months.” (Dublin Progress and Telephone, May 28, 1920)
When writing about the O’Neil Street Bridge, it said “This improvement will be the greatest individual item on the highway in this precinct, in that it does away with the sharp curve and dangerous situation that has been maintained by the old wooden bridge crossing and instead gives an easy curve from all approaches to the bridge and a wide roadway.” (Dublin Progress and Telephone, February 4, 1921)
Much of the original highway can still be seen as you drive to Fort Worth. Approaching Dublin, State Highway 10, went through Upper Greens Creek across a number of bridges on its way. It must have passed behind the old Sunset Cafe building, down Patrick Street and across the bridge on its way to Comanche.
State Highway 10 was later made part of the United States Numbered Highway System in 1926. Its name was changed to Highway 67. The length is 766 miles from Presidio to Texarkana making it one of the longest highways in Texas. (Wikipedia, U.S. Route 67 in Texas)
An article in Texas Highways, says that Highway 67 is just as beautiful as its brother Highway 66, sometimes called Route 66. The only difference is 67 doesn’t have all the cheap souvenirs along the way. Of special note is the beautiful section from Glen Rose, through Dublin and on to San Angelo. (Texas Highways, March 30, 2022)
On October 25, 1990 a section of old SH10 in Dublin that had been abandoned but never removed was returned to Dublin. (Wikipedia, State Highway 10, History)
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Visitors often amazed at the historic items we have. But our museum wouldn’t be open except for the gracious volunteers who everyday make our museum possible. We are grateful for all of our hosts who welcome visitors and tell the story of Dublin. Come see our museum and all the interesting items we have on display.