Meet Tex Randall, The Tallest Texan Around the Panhandle

If you make your way down to Canyon Texas down Highway 60 you'll eventually come up to the intersection at 15th street and right there in all his glory a 47 foot cowboy, slouched over looking west towards the sunset with a nice pair of jeans and striped yellow pearl snap shirt. He sports a kerchief and a little bit of a howdy glance. You just came face to face with Tex Randall, The tallest Texan in the panhandle. So what's his story? How did he get there?

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Well, Texs' story starts back in 1959 when Harry Wheeler a high school shop teacher was commissioned to build a statue made out of cement and steel reinforcement for Wheeler's Western Store (No Relation, BTW.) Originally Tex didn't have a name and his sole purpose was to bring attention to the store and part of that was wearing a pair of custom made Levi's that unfortunately didn't stay up that well and a canvas shirt. Naturally the winds here in the Panhandle mean we can't have nice things and the clothes eventually wore out. His boot was crashed into once by a semi and believe it or not, Tex sported a cigarette originally that was since shot out. Talk about quittin' cold turkey right?

Michael J. Rivera/Townsquare Media

He was first restored in 1987 with a new paint job and a spur to replace the cigarette that was shot out and even a mustache! That's also when we first got the Tex Randall name, a nod to Randall County where he lives. Time moves on and the winds took their toll on Tex which lead to another make over.

Tex Randall Today

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In 2013, TXDOT stepped in and gave Tex a little bit of yard around him by purchasing the land he sits on and helping to turn it into a park. He was restored again this time to more of his original look with a couple of subtle logos on his boots and buckle to acknowledge those who had a hand in the work.

Tex Randall may not be the tallest in Texas anymore, both Big Tex at the State Fair and Sam Houston have him beat, he's certainly the big man in Canyon and that's more than enough. Stand Tall Tex...

Say You're From Amarillo Without Saying You're From Amarillo

Amarillo is a pretty quirky place. We've got the Big Texan, the weird signs, and (obviously) the famed Cadillac Ranch. But more than that, there's a distinct culture of close-knit community, eccentrics, a thriving arts scene, and much more.

The point is, living in Amarillo is a unique experience. Because of that, it's really pretty easy to tell who's a native or a long-time resident. And I can prove it.

Here's a couple of ways you can say you're from Amarillo.....without saying you're from Amarillo.

The Abandoned Herring Hotel in Amarillo, Texas

You may have passed it a million times while driving downtown, or you may be new to town. Either way, chances are you've seen the beautiful Herring Hotel. The beautiful aging brick tower sits unoccupied on 3rd and Pearce streets. It's a grand building that stands as a reminder of Amarillo's early days as a cattle and oil town and it tells the stories well.

If you've ever wondered what's inside this towering building, just take a peek below.

Weird Signs On Coulter

Filed Under: Canyon Texas, monument, Roadside Texas, Tex Randall

Categories: Amarillo News