Route 66 Historic District

Welcome to the historic Route Sixty Six district in Amarillo, Texas. I am your guide, a historian of the American West, and I invite you to walk with me along the most famous highway in the world. …

As we arrive at the preserved brick pavement of Sixth Street, I want you to look closely at the uneven surface beneath your feet. Before the luxury of smooth asphalt, traveling the route was a grueling physical test. …

Standing before this vintage service station facade, with its classic enamel pumps and restored garage bays, we must consider the vital role of the roadside mechanic. In the mid twentieth century, crossing the American West was…

As we pause under the shadow of this towering, restored neon motel sign, we enter the golden age of Route Sixty Six tourism. During the post war boom, the highway was lined with thousands of motor courts and motels, their glowing…

Approaching this vibrant corner, lined with antique storefronts and curio displays, we see the primary survival mechanism of the Mother Road. When the endless river of interstate traffic dried up, the towns that managed to avoid…

Welcome to the classic Route Sixty Six diner. As you stand outside, take a deep breath and imagine the rich, heavy aromas of griddled beef, frying oil, and strong black coffee. …

As we stop by this vibrant, graffiti covered mural wall, we must discuss the eccentricity of roadside art. Route Sixty Six is essentially an open air gallery of the bizarre, the patriotic, and the deeply personal. …

Welcome to the Western Heritage Plaza. As we stand amidst these bronze sculptures and native landscaping, it is crucial to zoom out and view the highway in its broader geological and historical context. …

We have reached the western gateway of the historic district. As you look down the avenue, following the pavement as it stretches toward the New Mexico border, I hope you have gained a profound appreciation for what this road…