Ghost Towns of Route 66

“What have they done to the old home place?
Why did they tear her down?
And why did I leave the plow in the field,
And look for a job in town?”

These poignant lines capture the sentiment of a bygone era, a time when small towns thrived along the arteries of America, only to fade into obscurity with the changing tides of progress. Route 66, once a vibrant pathway connecting communities from Chicago to Los Angeles, now whispers tales of forgotten settlements, the Ghost Towns of Route 66, remnants of a time when the "Mother Road" was the lifeblood of the nation. This article delves into the spectral remains of these once-bustling towns, offering a glimpse into their history, their decline, and the echoes that still linger in the desolate landscapes.

The journey westward on Route 66 is not merely a drive through scenic vistas; it’s a passage through time, a poignant exploration of the American spirit, and a stark reminder of the ephemeral nature of prosperity. Each ghost town holds a unique narrative, a story etched in the weathered facades of abandoned buildings, the crumbling foundations of once-proud homes, and the silent whispers carried on the wind. These are the Ghost Towns of Route 66, where the past refuses to be entirely forgotten.

Illinois

Our westward journey begins in Illinois, where the first whispers of abandonment begin to surface.

• Funks Grove – Home of Maple Sirup: Nestled amidst the flatlands of Illinois, Funks Grove offers a sweet beginning to our exploration. While not entirely a ghost town, it retains a vintage charm and a palpable sense of history. Once a vital stop for travelers seeking respite and provisions, its antique shops and preserved buildings offer a glimpse into a simpler time. The iconic image of the old grocery store and gas station, later repurposed as an antique store, is a poignant reminder of the changing landscape of roadside commerce.

Missouri

As we cross into Missouri, the landscape shifts, and so do the tales of decline.

• Ill-Fated Times Beach: The story of Times Beach is a stark and cautionary one. Once a thriving community, it was irrevocably tainted by dioxin contamination in the 1980s, leading to its complete abandonment. The town was purchased by the EPA, demolished, and transformed into Route 66 State Park. It stands as a somber monument to environmental disaster and the fragility of human settlements.
• Rosati – Little Italy in Central Missouri: Rosati, once a vibrant Italian-American community, thrived on agriculture and winemaking. While not entirely deserted, its population has dwindled, leaving behind a legacy of rich cultural heritage and a quiet, reflective atmosphere. The echoes of Italian traditions and the remnants of its agricultural past are palpable in the aging buildings and the surrounding vineyards.
• Route 66 Ghost Stretch in Southwest Missouri: This unnamed stretch of road encompasses a series of small, fading communities, each with its own tale of decline. Abandoned gas stations, crumbling motels, and deserted diners stand as silent witnesses to the glory days of Route 66.
• Halltown – Where Yesterday Meets Today: Halltown attempts to maintain its relevance despite the ravages of time. With a small but dedicated community, Halltown is an example of the resilience of some of these small Route 66 towns.
• Paris Springs Junction – Revival on the Mother Road: Paris Springs Junction is experiencing a revival, breathing new life into the historic location.
• Spencer – Quiet Now: Spencer, as the name suggests, has become a quiet relic. The once-busy community has faded into near-obscurity, leaving behind only faint traces of its former life.
• Heatonville to Plew: The communities between Heatonville and Plew are examples of the rural areas that were once supported by Route 66 traffic.
• Avilla – Capitol 66 Ghost Town: Avilla, once known as Capitol 66, now stands as a testament to the past.
• Red Oak II – A Stroll Through the Past: Red Oak II, a re-creation of a ghost town by artist Lowell Davis, provides a unique glimpse into the past.

Oklahoma

Oklahoma presents a landscape dotted with towns that once boomed, only to bust with the shifting economic winds.

• Shamrock – Oil Boom & Bust (Off the Path): Shamrock, a detour from the main route, epitomizes the boom-and-bust cycle of many towns dependent on a single industry. The remnants of its oil boom days stand in stark contrast to its current state of quiet decline.
• Warwick Has Seen Better Days: Warwick, once a bustling roadside stop, now reflects a faded grandeur. The abandoned buildings and aging infrastructure speak volumes about the impact of the Interstate system on small towns.
• Foss – Doomed From the Beginning: Foss, perhaps aptly named, seemed destined for obscurity. Its isolated location and lack of economic diversification contributed to its early demise.
• Texola – Gateway to Oklahoma: Situated on the border with Texas, Texola once served as a vital entry point into Oklahoma. Today, it stands as a quiet reminder of the days when Route 66 was the primary artery of cross-country travel.

Texas

The vast expanse of Texas holds ghost towns that echo with the sounds of cattle drives and the promise of westward expansion.

• Lela – Drained by Shamrock: Lela, a small community near Shamrock, suffered a similar fate, its fortunes intertwined with the fluctuating oil industry.
• Alanreed – Gone Are the Glory Days: Alanreed, once a thriving agricultural center, now stands as a testament to the shifting economic landscape of rural Texas. The abandoned storefronts and deserted homes paint a poignant picture of a community that has faded with time.
• Conway – Home of the Bug Ranch: Conway is known for the Bug Ranch, a quirky roadside attraction, but the town itself has seen better days.
• Jericho Gap – Stuck in the Mud: Jericho Gap, a treacherous stretch of road, earned its name from the numerous travelers who found themselves stranded in its muddy terrain.
• Glenrio – A Route 66 Casualty: Straddling the Texas-New Mexico border, Glenrio is a quintessential Route 66 ghost town. Its abandoned motel, diner, and gas station stand as silent sentinels, bearing witness to the town’s slow decline after the construction of Interstate 40 bypassed it. The Little Juarez Cafe, formerly a Valentine Diner, is a particularly poignant reminder of the town’s vibrant past.

New Mexico

The arid landscapes of New Mexico are dotted with ghost towns that tell tales of Native American heritage, Spanish colonization, and the allure of the Wild West.

• Endee to San Jon – Another Ghostly Stretch: This stretch of road encompasses several small, fading communities, each with its own story of decline.
• Ghosts Beyond Tucumcari, New Mexico: The area surrounding Tucumcari is home to several ghost towns, each with its own unique history.
• Ghost Town of Montoya: Montoya, once a bustling railroad town, fell into decline after the railroad moved its operations elsewhere.
• Ghost Town of Newkirk: Newkirk, like Montoya, suffered a similar fate with the decline of the railroad.
• Ghost Town of Cuervo: Cuervo, a former stagecoach stop, gradually faded into obscurity.
• Indian Country Ghost Towns: These ghost towns reflect the impact of westward expansion on Native American communities.
• Budville: Budville, with its iconic trading post sign, once served as a vital commercial hub for the surrounding area.
• Cubero: Cubero, a small village with a rich history, has seen its population dwindle over the years.
• McCartys: McCartys, a historic Native American village, faces the challenges of preserving its cultural heritage amidst economic hardship.
• San Fidel: San Fidel, a small community with a strong sense of tradition, struggles to maintain its identity in the face of modernization.
• McKinley County Ghosts: McKinley County is home to several ghost towns, each with its own unique story.
• Clarkville: Clarkville, a former mining town, has been abandoned for many years.
• Gamerco: Gamerco, once a thriving company town, declined with the closure of the local mine.
• Heaton: Heaton, a small agricultural community, has seen its population dwindle over time.
• Mentmore: Mentmore, a former railroad town, has been largely abandoned.
• Navajo: Navajo, a Native American community, faces the challenges of preserving its cultural heritage.

Arizona

The stark beauty of Arizona provides the backdrop for ghost towns steeped in tales of mining booms, Native American conflicts, and the relentless pursuit of fortune.

• Canyon Diablo – Meaner Than Tombstone: Canyon Diablo, a lawless town that sprang up near the construction of the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad, earned a reputation for violence and mayhem. Its short-lived existence and violent history have cemented its place as one of the most notorious ghost towns in the West.
• Two Guns – Death By Highway: Two Guns, a roadside attraction plagued by tragedy and misfortune, stands as a cautionary tale of greed and violence. The ruins of its zoo, trading post, and "Apache Death Cave" whisper tales of betrayal, murder, and the dark side of human nature.
• Peach Springs – Home of the Hualapai Indians: Peach Springs, the capital of the Hualapai Indian Reservation, offers a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the Hualapai people.
• Truxton – A New Ghost Town: Truxton, a relatively recent addition to the ranks of ghost towns, reflects the impact of economic hardship on small communities.
• Valentine – A Broken Heart in the Mohave: Valentine, a small town with a romantic name, has seen its fortunes decline over the years.
• Hackberry – A Silver Mining Maven: Hackberry, once a thriving silver mining town, now serves as a living museum, preserving the history of Route 66 and the American West.
• Chloride – Preserving the Past for the Future (Off the Path): Chloride, a detour from the main route, has been revitalized as a living ghost town.
• Ghosts of the Cerbat Mountain Range (Off the Path): This area is home to several ghost towns that reflect the history of mining and ranching in the region.
• Goldroad, Arizona – Gone… For Now: Goldroad, once a thriving mining town, has been abandoned for many years, but there are efforts to preserve its history.
• Oatman – A Living Ghost Town: Oatman, a former gold mining town, has been revived as a tourist attraction, with wild burros roaming the streets.

California

The final leg of our journey takes us to California, where the vast Mojave Desert holds ghost towns that whisper tales of gold rushes, desert dreams, and the relentless pursuit of the California dream.

• Ghost Town Stretch Across the Mojave Desert: This vast and desolate landscape is dotted with ghost towns, each with its own unique story of boom and bust.
• Calico – Revived From A Desert Grave (Off the Path): Calico, a former silver mining town, has been restored as a tourist attraction.
• Belleville – Waiting for the Mother Lode (Off the Path): Belleville, a former gold mining town, has been abandoned for many years.

The Ghost Towns of Route 66 are more than just abandoned buildings and crumbling foundations; they are poignant reminders of a bygone era, a testament to the ephemeral nature of prosperity, and a reflection of the American spirit. These Ghost Towns of Route 66 whisper tales of boom and bust, of dreams realized and shattered, of communities that thrived and faded with the changing tides of progress. As we traverse the Mother Road, let us remember the stories etched in the weathered facades and the silent whispers carried on the wind, for they are an integral part of the American narrative. Exploring these Ghost Towns of Route 66 is a journey into the heart of American history, a chance to connect with the past and to reflect on the ever-changing landscape of our nation. The Ghost Towns of Route 66 are silent storytellers, their weathered buildings and empty streets echoing with the voices of generations past.