LOCAL
yon d e r
Plunge into History and Legend in Collingsworth County by Allison Kendrick
A
s you are traveling on “The Last American Highway,” U.S. Highway 83, you cannot miss the sprawling Collingsworth County Pioneer’s Park on the banks of the Salt Fork of the Red River. At first glance, you might notice a couple of historical markers, a giant steel arrow, a covered pavilion and families out camping. Or you might wonder what the river looks like under the bridge you just passed over. Hopefully, you get out to stretch your legs and investigate these sights. To your surprise, you see a historical marker in all caps that reads “THE RED RIVER PLUNGE OF BONNIE AND CLYDE.” You’re not mistaken, it is in fact a harrowing tale about the infamous couple known across the United States for their crime sprees. You see, their fateful plunge just happens to be tied back to the highway you were just on. Before it was designated as U.S. Highway 83, it was State Highway 4. In the summer of 1933, it was completed from the Childress County line to the Salt Fork of the Red River but diverted to the old highway to cross the river on the old 1910 bridge.
WELLINGTON
PLAINS TRAIL REGION
18
AUTHENTIC TEXAS
