Route 66 History: Hauntings, Legends, Lore, and the Weird Highway

Route 66, also known as the Main Street of America, stretches over 2,400 miles from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California. This iconic highway has captured the imagination of travelers for decades, with its rich history, eerie hauntings, mysterious legends, captivating lore, and bizarre occurrences. Let's embark on a journey along Route 66 and uncover the captivating stories that lie along its path.

The History of Route 66

Route 66 was established back in 1926 and quickly gained popularity as a major thoroughfare for travelers looking to explore the diverse landscapes of the United States. It became the primary route for people migrating west during the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression, carrying with it stories of hope, despair, and resilience.

Towns sprung up along the highway, offering food, lodging, and entertainment to weary travelers. Motels, diners, and gas stations adorned the Route 66 landscape, becoming iconic symbols of American culture.

WEIRD HIGHWAY: MISSOURI: Route 66 History & Hauntings, Legends & Lore (Weird Highway Series Book 2)

by Barbara Raue (Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	8101 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	300 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Paperback	:	64 pages
Item Weight	:	3.52 ounces
Dimensions	:	6 x 0.15 x 9 inches

FREE

Hauntings Along the Route

With such a rich history, it's no wonder that Route 66 is rumored to be haunted. One of the most infamous haunted spots on the highway is the Hotel Monte Vista in Flagstaff, Arizona. Built in 1927, this hotel has seen its fair share of paranormal activity, with reports of ghostly apparitions, strange noises, and objects moving on their own.

Another eerie location is the El Rancho Hotel in Gallup, New Mexico. It is said to be haunted by the ghost of a cowboy who was murdered in one of its rooms. Guests have reported hearing footsteps, seeing apparitions, and experiencing a general feeling of unease throughout the hotel.

Legends and Lore

Route 66 has its fair share of legends and lore, adding to its mystique. One such legend is that of the "Phantom Hitchhiker," a ghostly figure who hitchhikes along the highway. Travelers have reported picking up a hitchhiker, only to have them mysteriously vanish from the car moments later.

Another famous legend is that of the "Diamond Dog," a ghostly canine companion said to protect travelers along the route. According to the legend, the dog appears to those in need of assistance, offering them protection and guidance until they reach their destination safely.

The Weird and Bizarre

Route 66 is not just known for its hauntings and legends; it's also home to some bizarre occurrences. One such occurrence is the "Leaning Tower of Britten" in Groom, Texas. This replica of the Leaning Tower of Pisa was intended to be part of a tourist attraction that never materialized. Now it stands alone, leaning at an unusual angle, baffling passersby.

Another strange sight is the "Cadillac Ranch" in Amarillo, Texas. This art installation features ten Cadillacs buried nose-first in the ground, creating a unique and surreal spectacle. Visitors are encouraged to bring spray paint and leave their mark on the cars, making it an ever-evolving piece of roadside art.

The Enduring Fascination

As time passes, Route 66 may have lost some of its original glory, with parts of the highway falling into disrepair. However, its enduring fascination remains, drawing in travelers from around the world. Whether it's the haunted hotels, the captivating legends, the intriguing lore, or the bizarre sights, Route 66 continues to captivate our imaginations and remind us of a bygone era.

So, if you ever find yourself traveling along the Main Street of America, keep your eyes open for the hauntings, legends, lore, and weirdness that make Route 66 such a unique and compelling highway.

WEIRD HIGHWAY: MISSOURI: Route 66 History & Hauntings, Legends & Lore (Weird Highway Series Book 2)

by Barbara Raue (Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	8101 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	300 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Paperback	:	64 pages
Item Weight	:	3.52 ounces
Dimensions	:	6 x 0.15 x 9 inches

FREE

WEIRD HIGHWAY: MISSOURI
ROUTE 66 HISTORY & HAUNTINGS, LEGENDS & LORE
BY TROY TAYLOR

“GETTING YOUR KICKS” ON MISSOURI’S ROUTE 66!

There is no greater highway in American History than Route 66 – the legendary “Mother Road” – which began in downtown Chicago and stretched all of the way to the Pacific Ocean. For millions of people, it represents a treasure trove of memories and a link to the days of two-lane highways, family vacations, and roadside diners that vanished decades ago. For many, it conjures up images of souvenir shops, tourist traps, cozy motor courts, flickering neon signs, and roadside attractions that have blown away in the wind. To others, the highway holds stories of ghosts, haunted hotels, roadside spirits, mysterious vanishings, and bewildering anomalies from America’s past.

In the second books in the “Weird Highway” series, author Troy Taylor takes readers on a virtual road trip and journey back in time to one of his favorite eras in our history. Part travel guide, part crime thriller, part ghost book, this volume reveals everything from lost restaurants to outlaws like Bonnie and Clyde, forgotten towns, abandoned motels, haunted places, and restless spirits that still linger from the heyday of Route 66. This is not just another book about the Mother Road, but an entertaining trip along parts of the road that many have never heard about, or have forgotten altogether. Hope in, buckle up, and let us take you on a ride you’ll never forget!

Some of the stories in this volume include:

* Spirits of St. Louis
* Mystery at the Coral Court Motel
* Times Beach: Modern-day Ghost Town
* Legends of “Zombie Road”
* Diamonds & the Tri-County Truck Stop
* Meramec Caverns
* The Man Who Would be “Jesse James”
* “Mammoth Cave of Missouri”
* Tribute to the “Trail of Tears”
* Murder at Devil’s Elbow
* Ghosts of Fort Leonard Wood
* Munger Moss Motel
* The Story of “Nelsonville”
* Spectral Soldiers at Wilson’s Creek
* Haunts of Pythian Castle
* Ghosts of the “Brookline Massacre”
* Hiding out with Bonnie & Clyde
* Billy Cook’s Unmarked Grave
* The Hornet Spook Light
* Kansas on Route 66 – and much more!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Troy Taylor is the author of nearly 120 books about ghosts, crime, and the unexplained in America. He is also the founder of American Hauntings, ghost tours, books, events and excursions across America. He was born and raised in the Midwest and currently divides his time between Illinois and the far-flung reaches of America.