TOURING & KIMBLE COUNTY

phy, Peregrinations of a Pioneer Printer, J. Marvin Hunter wrote of a trip in 1898, “The distance to Sonora (from Junction) was sixty-five miles, and the road was not much more than a cow trail. I remember we went up the North Llano for twenty miles, crossing that beautiful stream many times. It was in the month of March, and while glorious Spring had not yet burst forth, the scenery along the route was entrancing, and the rippling waters and overhanging crags presented a grandeur that cannot be described by my pen.” FM 1674 forks as one leaves KC 274 to the left. The route of 1674, straight ahead, will ultimately lead to ranches located in the Bois d’Arc area of the county. We suggest a right turn, where an underpass on IH-10 allows the traveler to continue a journey past Stark Creek and on to the Copperas community. The historic cemetery, school, and the old Methodist Church are located there.

After a crossing of Copperas Creek, a sign on FM 1674 notes that Ft. McKavett is some miles to the north.

Loop 291

Continuing on the route first taken, Loop 291 will take one to an overpass of the interstate highway and lead to the Buck Hollow community. A bridge spans the North Llano just above its confluence with Maynard Creek, and the traveler continues on to another interstate underpass, where the community of Roosevelt is on the horizon. The Presbyterian Church that doubles as a community center is on the left, as well as the remnants of the old schoolhouse. A nearby marker relates the Fort McKavett-Fort Clark-Fort Terrett military road traversed the countryside at this location.

The historic Roosevelt post office, Lyssy and Eckel Feeds, Simon Brothers Mercantile, Backdoor Cafe and several residences are located at this townsite.

After leaving Roosevelt in the background, the River Road (KC 260) is on the right. The current route continues up the steep incline known as Roosevelt Hill. After reaching the summit, a left turn again takes the traveler over IH10 and then the access road continues parallel to the Interstate in a westerly direction.

Sutton County Road

Sutton County is just ahead, but a short drive a bit further will add a delight to the trip. Another overpass is negotiated, and the county road offers an outstanding vista of the landscape as the route dips into the North Llano River Valley near the Cedar Hill Church of Christ. Turning left, one finds the serenity of Camp Allison is phenomenal. Shortly, the road bypasses the Cedar Hill School just before another fording of the river. Eventually, the road will lead past old Fort Terrett, now a ranch headquarters. The fort is on private property and not open to the general public. The route leads back to the IH-10 access route, where a left turn will lead to the overpass, and one’s course is retraced back to Roosevelt.

Kimble County Road 260

Although KC 260 is unpaved, the drive is worth the effort of pacing to a slow speed and enjoying the surrounding beauty of the river and the hills. At the southwestern edge of Roosevelt, the road is accessed. It winds along the North Llano River; hence, the local name “River Road”. This was the old Junction-Sonora highway and was a part of the OST route in earlier days.

Along 260 is the Cedar Hill Cemetery, and we suggest returning to Roosevelt from this point. A river crossing just beyond the cemetery is a bit treacherous to the novice driver and to those unfamiliar with the riverbed’s eccentricities.

FARM TO MARKET 1674, NORTH

Still another interesting route is FM 1674 as it traverses the countryside on the way to old Fort McKavett, now a State Historical Park. That site is one of the best preserved frontier forts in the state.

Both East and West Copperas Creeks flow along 1674 on its northbound route.

A marker will tell of the site known as the Coalson-Pullen Settlement. The Murr Community, with its neighborhood church near the highway, is “out this way”.

After reaching the Fort, a left turn is toward Sonora, while a right turn will lead into Menard.

KIMBLE COUNTY ROAD 370

In the northeastern part of Kimble, County Road 370 west of London between Highways 377 and 83 was dubbed “Whiskey Road,” probably because it was a direct route between London’s dance hall and the liquor store just over the line in Menard County. Today, the road has many crossings of Big Saline Creek before reaching a plateau. There are ranches and a subdivision of rural homes.

KIMBLE COUNTY ROAD 321

Nearer Junction, the Pipe Line Road, so named because the Texas-New Mexico Pipe Line’s facilities were erected along the route, is actually KC 321, off FM 2169.

A wondrous view of Johnson Fork Creek is along this route, and after a while, after winding past mountain peaks and crags, a spectacular view of the Llano River greets the eye. At the end of the road, a decision must be made whether to take the left or the right fork. If one turns left, the Grobe Crossing of the river is a short distance away. This route, KC 314, leads to an intersection with 377.

KIMBLE COUNTY ROAD 320

The right fork of the road will bring surprises. A wondrous view of the river is ahead as the road (KC 320) parallels the stream for a distance. Both Sycamore and another stream known as Cedar flow into the river along the way. The historic Ivy Chapel and School are along this route.

The county road eventually intersects FM 385.

KIMBLE COUNTY ROAD 210

The county road known as KC 210 off FM 2291 leaves Cleo behind as it meanders west with scenic crossings of West

Bear Creek. Even the head draws are spectacular, although they are mostly devoid of water except during the rainy seasons. Once upon a time, a post office serving the ranches of the area was located along the way and was known as Roca Springs. The road intersects the Fort McKavett Road (FM 1674).

KIMBLE COUNTY ROAD 450

An account of country lanes would be incomplete without mention of the old Segovia Road (KC 450) This was a part of the old Fort Terrett to San Antonio Road, and later a portion of the Old Spanish Trail. The road winds easterly from the Segovia Truck Stop complex, and first crosses Sycamore Creek. The Segovia schoolhouse, now a private residence, is on the right, and the remains of a once-thriving post office are adjacent to the road.

Two crossings of Johnson Fork Creek are along this course, and the Johnson Fork Settlement, founded by the Joys and other families, is commemorated by an historical marker near a Johnson Fork tributary known as Joy Branch. Remnants of old rock fences can be seen along the road. One can enjoy a panoramic view of Joy Valley as a steep hill is ascended. The end of the road intersects with FM 2169.

Kimble County Road 410

Another county road that bears mention is KC 410. It crosses Johnson Fork Creek and after meandering on a plateau, dips suddenly into the Sycamore Valley. KC 410 is a link between 2169 and the Blue Mountain Road.

Because of space constraints, this article has touched on only a few of the many country lanes in Kimble County.

They are maintained by the county, but they criss-cross private properties. It is well for each motorist and passenger to remember that all flora, fauna, driftwood, rocks and the like belong to and are under the control of the landowner and should not be taken from along the road. Some roads are dead-ends with no outlet, while others are a short-cut between heavier traveled roads.

Slow speeds and careful driving are a must, as many of these routes are caliche-based and unpaved. Their locations are along streams, for in bygone days, it was a must to have water nearby for weary travelers, for horses used for transportation and for livestock being driven overland.

Enjoy your drive “off the beaten path” in Kimble County.

Robert Stubblefield