Texas
The construction of this part of the road was started in 1926, using old preexistent routes such as the Ozark Trail and others used to travel in the past to New Mexico. Its construction did not finish until it was fully paved, which finally happened in the late 30’s. After that, some changes were made and realignments were introduced along with new connection to other places of the state.
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The route was closed in 1985, with the introduction of the Interstate 40. But the important stops of the route are still there. It is also true that many of the towns were once the route brought thousands of drivers, which caused a great impact in their economy, are now sadly just ghost towns were finding people living is almost and impossible mission.
Cadillac Ranch
The Cadillac Ranch is a public art sculpture located in the city of Amarillo, between the suburbs of Soncy and Bushland. It is opened 24/7 and you do not need to pay a single dollar to visit it.
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It was constructed in 1974 by a group called the Ant Farm. This group people decided to ten used Cadillacs which would range between the years of their construction: from 1948 to 1963 with the porpoise of representing the Golden Age. It was easy for them to get these old cars, which mainly cost about two hundred dollars each, as they were pure junk and broken down.
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When they finally got all the cars, they were displayed half inside the ground, but in good shape, showing colors such as gold, turquoise, sky blue and more.
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Nowadays, visitors are encouraged to paint the cars, do graffiti’s to them or simply leave your name on them. Occasionally, they are repainted and the whole cycle starts again, so you will never see the cars painted the same way they were 5 years ago for example, which makes it unique since it is constantly changing.
The Big Texan Steak Ranch
It is time to talk about one of America’s greatest features when it comes to food: their meat. If you love having a good hamburger or an amazing steak this place in Amarillo is perfect for you.
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It was opened in 1960, when the Mother Road was still fully operative and thousands of famished drivers passed by every single day. One of its greatest futures which soon made it quite famous was the architecture it had, being really different from a regular steak place.
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In the 70’s, the Interstate 40 (a new and better highway) was built, becoming the main highway of the state. The owners of the Steak Ranch decided then to purchase land near this new road and soon after built a new and bigger restaurant. The big cowboy mentioned above, had to be moved as it was their main feature, having to use a helicopter to do so. Nowadays it is just as famous as it was 50 years ago, so enjoy a DELICIOUS steak!
