Glenrio, Texas on Historic Route 66
 Present day Exit 0 to Old Route 66 from I-40 to Glenrio, on the Texas - New Mexico border |
The Location of Glenrio
Directly on the Texas - New Mexico border at Exit 0 is the abandoned ghost town of Glenrio. The townsite still has noticeable traces of Route 66 and the motels and restaurants that used to thrive there before the arrival of I-40. Just west of Glenrio, Route 66 bridges are still visible to the alert I-40 traveler.
The old Route 66 continued westward from Glenrio through San Jon, Tucumcari, Montoya, the ghost town of Cuervo and Santa Rosa.
Brief History of Glenrio
Originally a railroad town, the village was renamed from Rock Island to Glenrio by the Rock Island and Pacific Railroad in 1908, and began receiving motorists driving the Ozark Trail in 1917. Its original structures were adobe buildings.
The town's location straddling the state line created a variety of unusual circumstances.
Although a post office was established on the New Mexico side of the community, the depot where the mail arrived was on the Texas side. There were no bars on the Texas side of the community, since Deaf Smith County was dry, and no service stations were located on the New Mexico side because of that state's higher gasoline tax.
The Rock Island Railroad depot closed in 1955, and the opening of Interstate 40 in 1975 further accelerated the demise of Glenrio.
Glenrio Today
Today it includes the Glenrio Historic District listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2007. The district encompasses the Route 66 roadbed and 17 abandoned structures.
Remains can still be seen of an old motel, cafe, service station, the post office, and a few other buildings, as well as the old Route 66 roadbed. Some structures are posted, so in respect for owners and residents, please observe any "No Trespassing" signs.
Visitors today will notice construction underway in Glenrio. Parts of the area have been purchased and are slated for redevelopment. Read more:
- Business partners invest in abandoned town of Glenrio to revitalize the area (KFDA Amarillo)
- Glenrio Smoke Stop (in New Mexico)
We've made multiple stops at Glenrio over the years, as witnessed by some of our photos included on this page.
Glenrio sign on present-day I-40 Business Route |
Route 66 Logo on the pavement in Glenrio  |
Abandoned Brownlee Diner in Glenrio (Staff Photo, September 2003)
The State Line Motel and Cafe"First in Texas" or "Last in Texas" depending on which direction the traveler was headed! |
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Looking East ... First in Texas (May 2006) |
Looking West towards New Mexico (May 2006) |
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Old gas station and white Pontiac in Glenrio, Texas (September, 2003)
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More Scenes Around Glenrio
Historic Route 66 right-of-way in Glenrio, Texas, looking east towards Amarillo (May, 2006)
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Entering New Mexico westbound at Glenrio
Historic Route 66 bridge just west of Glenrio, Texas
Driving West |
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Entering New Mexico at GlenrioNeed a break while driving on I-40 and Route 66? Stop at the very well done Glenrio Visitor Center operated by New Mexico DOT. |
The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and there is amble travel information, maps and brochures about New Mexico and Route 66 travel stops. Plus clean restrooms and water. Highly recommended!
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MORE TEXAS ROUTE 66
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