The Leaning Tower of Britten Texas – Groom, TX
Everyone’s heard of the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy, right? But have you heard of the Leaning Tower of Texas?
Located and visible right off of Interstate 40 (former Route 66) in the rural Texas Panhandle town of Groom, Texas, the “Leaning Tower of Texas” (aka Leaning Tower of Britten) is actual an old watertower and is one of the most photographed icons of Route 66.
Quick history of the Leaning Tower of Texas
Local entrepreneur Ralph Britten wanted to start a truck stop business. He decided to buy an old-but-functioning water tower that was slated for demolition from the town of Lefors, Texas. His idea was to use the water tower as a sign to attract business from Route 66 to his truck stop. He painted the tower with his last name, Britten, and intentionally installed the water tower so that it was slant at an angle, catching the attention of motorists and luring them into his business.
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His idea worked. Motorists would exit Route 66, enter the truck stop and restaurant, and warn Mr. Britten that his watertower was on the verge of collapse. Ralph assured the customers that it was safe and had always been that way, so why not grab a bite to eat since they’re already here?
Unfortunately, sometime in the ’90s, the truck stop and restaurant burned down and was a complete loss. It was never rebuilt, but Britten USA water tower remains. Even to this day, it still lures tourists (like me!) off of I-40 to take photos of the structure.
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Leaning Tower of Britten (Texas) Location
The Learning Tower of Texas is located directly off of I-40. You can park on a gravel road and take photos of the tower. There’s nothing else around here, so it won’t take you long to pull over, snap a few photos and be on your way.
Have you ever visited the Leaning Tower of Texas? What did you think?
