Preservation

Preservation.

Without the historic preservation of Route 66 in New Mexico, the buildings, communities and archaeological sites would be lost. Our children wouldn't learn about our people, our heritage and the historical events that have shaped our way of life. More importantly, it can help their understanding and shape the future for these communities.

We work very closely with the National Trust for Historic Preservation and The Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership. We are very proud of the Emmy award-winning PBS documentary, The Neon Road, which features the restoration of six of the historic neon signs along Route 66 in New Mexico. Read more about it...

What's the Big Deal about a Road?

Historic Route 66 is part of the mythos of America. Although decommissioned as a U.S. Highway in 1984, the purr of the well oiled automobile engine and the rumble of diesel trucks crossing this great American Highway still echoes in our blood. It was the backbone of economic development as it passed from Chicago through Midwestern communities, down through the Southwest and over into California. For hundreds of communities dotted along its concrete and black top two-lanes, it was the lifeblood flowing, bringing with it people, resources and materials. It was Steinbeck who immortalized this great east-west connector as the "Mother Road."

During the days of the dust bowl, it was U.S. Route 66 that carried folks to new hopes and dreams in the west. During World War II, it was the transportation link moving troops, ammunition, equipment and supplies nationally to protect the country. And, after WW II, the road bustled with returning servicemen and their wives setting out to be part of a new frontier of development and start their families with a fresh vision.

The search for faster more effective means of transport birthed the Interstate system in the mid 50's to mid 60's. Where our older blacktops curved, dipped, climbed, and flowed with the landscape, the new Interstates carved straight through, efficiently moving Americas goods and needs in rapid time. The older Scenic Routes became Byways and their associated communities were left behind in the construction dust of a "progressive" and growing nation.

Those sections of Route 66 that still remain navigable hearken back to a gentler more languid America, real or perceived, that at times we all nostalgically wish for. Along the deteriorating asphalt can be found the remnants; motels, gift shops and gas stations, that serviced our families' needs as we traveled for business or recreation, of what seemed like then, a much larger nation.

New Mexico's 465 mile portion of historic Route 66 is missing some sections. Its two different alignments in many areas are still travelable, linking many of our small communities. In fact, because of its North/South alignment being rerouted East/West in 1937, New Mexico, in downtown Albuquerque, has the only place where Route 66 actually crossed itself. In many cases, you can still find the classic Route 66 architecture and its sites and buildings still functional. For New Mexicans, the highway is our history, our legacy and our economy and we welcome you to travel and stay with us as you share our part of the story.

New Mexico Route 66 Association
Heritage Award Recipients

Created in 2018 to recognize Route 66 Businesses throughout New Mexico who have invested their time, talent and funds
into their establishments to preserve it for years to come and for the betterment of The Mother Road.

In addition to the Route 66 Heritage Award, recipients also receives a 1-Year Complimentary Membership which signifies support for the Route 66 Community. Their Business Membership also offers a business listing in The New Mexico Route 66 Associations Quarterly Magazine. This magazine is distributed to Businesses and Visitor Centers across the state and mailed to members both nationally and internationally.

We invite other businesses to join the NM Route 66 Assn as well to support while promoting your business.

In presenting this award, we would like to note that this is not only on behalf of the New Mexico Route 66 Association, but also on behalf of tourists and preservationists from all over the world!

2020
Motel Safari In recognition of the numerous renovations to this Classic Googie Style Motel, originally opened in 1959, Tucumcari, New Mexico.

2019
Pecos Theatre In recognition of the renovation of the The Oldest Theatre on Route 66. Built in 1917 in Santa Rosa, New Mexico and reopened in September following a $1 million renovation.
Glenn’s Bakery In recognition of the creation and installation of the Glenn's Bakery Neon Sign in Gallup, New Mexico.
May Cafe In recognition of the restoration of an Albuquerque, New Mexico Route 66 landmark, The May Cafe Lumberjack Man... A Giant Attraction on Route 66. Honored for restoring the arms of its Lumberjack fiberglass statue.

2018
Palindrome Communities In recognition of excellence in the preservation and adaptive re-use of the El Vado Motel in Albuquerque, New Mexico. A1937 Spanish Pueblo Revival Gem.