COVID-19 slowed but failed to derail the explosive growth that boomed throughout Cleburne in the years leading to 2020 . However , the pandemic ’ s negative effects will be felt for some time . Despite such setbacks , and challenges yet to address , Cleburne ’ s economy has rebounded significantly in the months since the pandemic hit hardest , a feat Mayor Scott Cain and other officials credit to the resilience and spirit of community outreach so prevalent among Cleburnites .
Unemployment numbers , as of January 2021 , while not back down to pre-pandemic numbers have dropped substantially and appear poised to continue doing so . New home construction as well as renovation of older homes marched though the COVID-19 crisis largely unabated and show no signs of slowing down , Cleburne Economic Development Manager Grady Easdon said . So too has downtown revitalization continued with the arrival of new downtown sidewalks in 2020 as well as additional landscaping and amenities scheduled though this year . Renovations are also underway to increase capacity at
the Cleburne Railroad Museum and new businesses and industries continue to express interest in Cleburne as growth moves this way along the Chisholm Trail Parkway , Easdon added .
For those and many other reasons , Cleburne is a great destination to visit , live and stay .
Recent years have brought more change than any time in recent memory as city leaders work to bring the promise of a bright future to fruition while at the same time retaining the city ’ s historic charm and character .
More houses have been built in recent years coupled with a flurry of business development much of both in large part the result of the Chisholm Trail Parkway , a toll road connecting Cleburne and Fort Worth , which opened several years ago and has since provided steady growth and tourism .
Yet Cleburne retains its small town sentiment and unique history , character and tradition . City leaders , through careful planning , have worked to continue to attract growth to Cleburne without sacrificing the very nature of what makes Cleburne so special to begin with .
“ We ’ re very enthusiastic about the future of Cleburne ,” City Manager Steve Polasek said . “ Built on a solid past , our community continues to evolve in a manner that enhances our quality of life while staying true to our roots as a family friendly environment .” Cleburne ’ s character counts for a lot , Mayor Scott Cain said . “ As we welcome new folks to our community we must not lose sight of who we are . We will continue to rally around the Yellow Jackets , enjoy festivals and my hope is that a trip to the grocery store continues to take a little longer than in other communities so that you can catch up with your neighbors .”
The opening of The Depot in 2017 , for example , plays into Cleburne residents ’ eye toward the future while treasuring their past .
The Depot serves as home to the Cleburne Railroaders and set the stage for the return of professional baseball to Cleburne after a layoff of 95 years .
The original Railroaders bested the Fort Worth Cats in 1906
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but the owner unfortunately decamped for Houston the following year . The team , under the Railroaders moniker and other appellations returned sporadically through 1922 . The revived team now competes in the American Association of Independent Baseball , a 12-team league with teams stretching from Texas to Canada .
The Depot also serves as the host site for concerts , festivals , community and private events throughout the off season and during Railroaders ’ away games . Soon to come is Cleburne Station , a dining , shopping and entertainment complex to be built around The Depot .
The Railroaders name harkens to Cleburne ’ s railroad past . Also celebrating that past is the Cleburne Railroad Museum opened in 2016 , and serves to keep the history of Cleburne ’ s storied Santa Fe shops and other railroad endeavors alive . The museum holds a wealth of exhibits , photographs and documents detailing the growth and traditions the railroads brought to Cleburne and surrounding areas . Admission is free and the volunteers staffing the museum