City Administrator / Executive Director of Economic Development:

Christopher McGuire

Clyde, Texas, located on Interstate 20 just fifteen miles east of Abilene, traces its roots to the Texas & Pacific Railway expansion in 1880 through the Callahan Divide- between the Brazos and Colorado Rivers. Legend has it that the railroad construction crew 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 called “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, 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.
The first settlers came to Clyde around 1876, and Mr. Shephard built a log cabin. Many others soon followed. Among the first settlers were people such as R. J. Estes, who came from Fort Worth. When he first came, he didn’t plan on staying. He and Mrs. Estes had stopped only to rest but soon decided to stay. In their quick decision to stay, they left their belongings under a tree while they traveled to get the rest of their belongings for their new home. All their belongings were still as they had left when they returned a few months later.
Each fall, Clyde pays homage to its founders by hosting the Pecan Festival, which includes a parade, eclectic shopping, homegrown bands, and a Bake-Off where Pecan Pie reigns supreme. Hosted by the City of Clyde, the Festival is a celebration that attracts visitors from all over the State of Texas. Clyde has a full calendar of events for the fall, including a 5K, annual Festivals, a City-Wide Yard Sale, and numerous craft markets during the year. With the beautiful weather, there is plenty of time for fishing, grilling, swimming, and having family fun at Clyde Lake. While in Clyde, stop by Shady Oaks Golf Course and play a relaxing yet challenging 18 holes. Shady Oaks is situated on some of the most beautiful land you’ll find in Texas and is groomed to perfection with plants that are native to the area. Clyde also houses unique shopping experiences, including several gift shops, quilt shops, and fine restaurants! Whether you are looking for a nice, quiet spot to vacation or planning to relocate, Clyde has everything you need. Be a part of our community!

City of Clyde

Total Population: 4400

Population Within 15 Miles: 175 K

The City of Clyde has invested over $33 million in infrastructure improvements, modernizing its water, sewer, and solid waste management, and an additional $15 million has been invested in constructing the premier youth sports complex in West Texas. The City of Clyde is within the Abilene Metropolitan Statistical Area, with a population of over 175K. Clyde is also within ten miles of the Abilene Regional Airport, 146 miles from the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, and ten miles from commercial rail access. The City of Clyde affords direct access to Interstate 20, with daily traffic counts exceeding 40K vehicles.

The Clyde Independent School District is accredited with an A Superior rating. The City of Clyde is also within fifteen miles of Abilene Christian University, Hardin-Simmons University, Patty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Cisco College, and Texas State Technical College.