Gallup in McKinley County, New Mexico — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Gallup's Neon
Scenic Byway Trails
Photographed By Jason Voigt, October 15, 2021
1. Gallup's Neon Marker
Inscription.
Gallup's Neon. Scenic Byway Trails. Gallup has some of the Southwest's largest trading posts and one of the best strips of neon signs you'll see anywhere on old Route 66," boasts the website Road Trips USA., Neon signs are part of Gallup's heritage and once the calling card of virtually every diner and motel that popped up along Gallup's main street. In many communities across the United States, historic neon signs line the edges of Route 66, beckoning weary travelers off the highways. , Neon signs have long been a hallmark of roadside commercial advertising. Today even though these signs are prevalent, they are also at risk. Gallup has proudly preserved some of its vintage neon signs with the help of the Route 66 Corridor Act monies and the support of the New Mexico Route 66 Association. The State Historic Preservation Office recognized the value of its neon signs and the need for their preservation. In 2000, former New Mexico State Historic Preservation Officer and Gallup Downtown Development Director, Elmo Baca proposed restoring some of New Mexico's vintage neon. As part of Gallup's downtown renovation project, the roof-mounted Lexington Hotel sign, constructed in 1931 in downtown Gallup, was refurbished., Each sign is unique to the business. The pink neon outside the El Rancho Hotel, built in 1937 by movie mogul D. W. Griffith's brother, still claims "Charm of Yesterday, Convenience of Tomorrow." Vintage trading posts, hotels and other businesses continue to entice the traveler to stop. As your travels continue along Route 66 through historic downtown Gallup you will find more businesses donning neon signage such as Richardson's Trading Co. and Cash Pawn, the Rex Museum, housed in the 100 year old Rex Hotel Building, and the Gallup McKinley Chamber of Commerce.
Gallup has some of the Southwest's largest trading posts and one of the best strips of neon signs you'll see anywhere on old Route 66," boasts the website Road Trips USA.
Neon signs are part of Gallup's heritage and once the calling card of virtually every diner and motel that popped up along Gallup's main street. In many communities across the United States, historic neon signs line the edges of Route 66, beckoning weary travelers off the highways.
Neon signs have long been a hallmark of roadside commercial advertising. Today even though these signs are prevalent, they are also at risk. Gallup has proudly preserved some of its vintage neon signs with the help of the Route 66 Corridor Act monies and the support of the New Mexico Route 66 Association. The State Historic Preservation Office recognized the value of its neon signs and the need for their preservation. In 2000, former New Mexico State Historic Preservation Officer and Gallup Downtown Development Director, Elmo Baca proposed restoring some of New Mexico's vintage neon. As part of Gallup's downtown renovation project, the roof-mounted Lexington Hotel sign, constructed in 1931 in downtown Gallup, was refurbished.
Each sign is unique to the business. The pink neon outside the El Rancho Hotel, built in 1937 by movie mogul D. W. Griffith's
Click or scan to see this page online
brother, still claims "Charm of Yesterday, Convenience of Tomorrow." Vintage trading posts, hotels and other businesses continue to entice the traveler to stop. As your travels continue along Route 66 through historic downtown Gallup you will find more businesses donning neon signage such as Richardson's Trading Co. and Cash Pawn, the Rex Museum, housed in the 100 year old Rex Hotel Building, and the Gallup McKinley Chamber of Commerce.
Erected by Federal Highway Administration (America's Byways) and the City of Gallup.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the U.S. Route 66 series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 2000.
Location. 35° 31.704′ N, 108° 44.526′ W. Marker is in Gallup, New Mexico, in McKinley County. Marker is on New Mexico Route 118 west of South 1st Street, on the right when traveling west. Marker is in front of the Chamber of Commerce/Visitors Center building. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 106 US Rte 66, Gallup NM 87301, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Hoist (here, next to this marker); Coal Car (a few steps from this marker); Balloon Rally (within shouting distance of this marker); Main Street USA
Credits. This page was last revised on October 21, 2021. It was originally submitted on October 21, 2021, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 387 times since then and 55 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on October 21, 2021, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.
