‘We fought hard to save it’: Abilene’s Arrow Ford sign removed after standing for 45 years

ABILENE, Texas ( KTAB/KRBC ) – The large Arrow Ford sign that was previously located along Interstate 20 between Old Anson Road and Highway 277 has been taken down.

In late June, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) informed Arrow Ford that they needed to take down their sign. The removal was due to Arrow Ford’s failure to renew their permit to lease the sign at the location.

The renewal was missed in late 2020 when the dealership had to reduce staff due to COVID-19. In 2022, Arrow Ford discovered the mistake and tried to appeal to TxDOT to fix it. The dealership’s sign had been there since 1977 and was grandfathered during a contract renewal. However, the renewal was missed, and the old contract was voided. If Arrow Ford wanted to keep the sign, they would need to make adjustments to meet the new standards.

Arrow Ford owner Seaton Higginbotham explained that to preserve the sign, Arrow Ford sought assistance from various entities, including the governor’s office and the National Highway Department.

“We even went to the historical society and asked them, ‘Can you make it historical?’ and it’s not quite at the 50-year mark,” said Higginbotham.

Higginbotham described how they worked diligently to keep the sign at its location before it ultimately had to be taken down.

“It’s part of the Arrow’s heritage. It’s part of the family’s heritage. It’s part of Abilene’s heritage. It’s part of West Texas. So, we fought hard to save it, and sometimes the government works in different ways,” Higginbotham shared.

While the sign is currently down, Higginbotham mentioned that it may not be for long.

“The good thing about the city is they didn’t want it to go away either. The city’s worked with us on permitting input and location, and hopefully, we’ll get it up in another spot that will last for another 50 years,” Higginbotham said.

KTAB/KRBC contacted TxDOT about this issue and was informed that the final permit decision lies with TxDOT’s right-of-way division in Austin. The Abilene division does not have authority over the final decision for permit regulations and renewal.

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