Near Santa Fe in Santa Fe County, New Mexico — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Route 66
Photographed By Brian Anderson, May 25, 2018
1. Route 66 Marker
Inscription.
Route 66. . You are traveling an early alignment of U.S. 66, perhaps the most well-known road to follow this historic transportation corridor. A Spanish mission trail to Pecos Pueblo, the Santa Fe Trail and the National Old Trails Road all predate the Mother Road in using this narrow passage through rocky terrain. Until the 1930s, Route 66 was aligned through downtown Santa Fe, exited the city to the southwest, traversed La Bajada and passed through the famed “Big Cut” before descending into Albuquerque. In 1937, Santa Fe was bypassed and Route 66 straightened, creating a direct east-west alignment that eliminated 197 miles of travel.
You are traveling an early alignment of U.S. 66, perhaps the most well-known road to follow this historic transportation corridor. A Spanish mission trail to Pecos Pueblo, the Santa Fe Trail and the National Old Trails Road all predate the Mother Road in using this narrow passage through rocky terrain. Until the 1930s, Route 66 was aligned through downtown Santa Fe, exited the city to the southwest, traversed La Bajada and passed through the famed “Big Cut” before descending into Albuquerque. In 1937, Santa Fe was bypassed and Route 66 straightened, creating a direct east-west alignment that eliminated 197 miles of travel.
Erected by New Mexico Historic Preservation Division. (Marker Number 739.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the U.S. Route 66 series list.
Location. 35° 33.7′ N, 105° 52.8′ W. Marker is near Santa Fe, New Mexico, in Santa Fe County. Marker is on Old Las Vegas Highway (State Highway 300) 0.3 miles north of U.S. 285, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Santa Fe NM 87505, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 8 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Cañoncito at Apache Canyon (approx. 3 miles away); Seton Village
Credits. This page was last revised on July 9, 2018. It was originally submitted on July 9, 2018, by Brian Anderson of Humble, Texas. This page has been viewed 565 times since then and 100 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on July 9, 2018, by Brian Anderson of Humble, Texas. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
