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History
in a Pecan Shell
Iatan began life as a stop on the Texas and Pacific Railroad in 1881. It
was also known as Vista, Texas and the unusual name is thought to have
come from the Williams-Waddell Iatan Tank Ranch.
A post office opened
in early 1890 and served the residents until the mid 1920s when it moved to nearby
Westbrook. Iatan’s school merged the Westbrook
schools in 1938 when there was an approximate population of 125. It dropped to
a mere 20 for the 1950 Census and remained at that level for years.
By
the 1970s only a depot remained – and today only the cemetery. |
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Iatan was suggested
for inclusion by Mr. & Mrs. Sayles who wrote:
We would like to add the small
town of Iatan (pronounced like "I can" only "I tan") which was located between
Colorado City and
Big Spring.
Iatan became a Ghost Town in the 1960s. Empty stores and empty houses lined the
dirt road of town. The buildings are now gone; but for those of us whose ancestors
lived and died there; we hope it will not be forgotten.
Getting There
Today, only a cemetery remains. To reach the Iatan Cemetery, which was about a
mile before reaching the old town; travel west from Colorado
City on I-20 and take the Iatan Exit (which used to lead you to the old town).
Go north about 1 to 1-1/2 miles. The cemetery is on the right. - Mr. & Mrs.
Sayles, January 17, 2008 |
1940s
Mitchell County Map showing Iatan near Howard County line
Courtesy Texas General
Land Office | |
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