Texas Route 66 Museum in McLean
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U.S. Route 66 through Texas totaled 186 miles, and closely followed today's Interstate I-40.
The Mother Road crossed the Texas state line at Texola, OK, near Shamrock, and traveled through McLean. From there, it continued on through Alanreed, Groom and Conway on its way to Amarillo. From Amarillo it continued west to Vega, Adrian and Glenrio.
McLean is located in southeastern Gray County, and is home to more than 700 residents.
In 1927, the Mother Road, U.S. Route 66, was built through McLean, and it became a stop for tourists and a center for oil, livestock, agriculture processing and shipping. Today, Interstate 40 Business (Old U.S. Route 66) passes through the town as First Street (westbound) and Railroad Street (eastbound), connecting to I-40 at Exit 141 west of town and Exit 143 to the east.
The McLean Commercial District, consisting of most of the downtown area, was listed in the historic register on December 20, 2006.
Travelers on Route 66 today enjoy visits to the Texas Route 66 Museum, the Devil's Rope Museum and Phillips 66 Service Station.
Map of approximate Route 66 in Texas showing the location of McLean
Texas Route 66 MuseumThe Texas Route 66 Museum in McLean showcases hundreds of original Mother Road memorabilia, road signs, a recreated Route 66 cafe, and the original large steer from Amarillo's Big Texan Steak Ranch. McLean has in the past been known as "The Uplift Town", since for two decades a bra factory was located in this building. About a hundred women worked to produce nearly 5,000 brassieres a day. The factory employed 10% of the town's population, but closed in the late 1970s. Located at 100 Kingsley Street in McLean. Free admission. Phone 806.779.2225 |
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Devil's Rope MuseumAnd be sure to explore the history of barbed wire, i.e. "Devil's Rope" in the Devil's Rope Museum, in the same building with the Texas Route 66 Museum. Exhibits include a photographic History of the Dust Bowl, entanglement wire used in warfare, different styles of barbwire and fencing tools. The Western side of the museum includes Evolution of the Cowboy, Branding and Ranching History. A Tribute to Barbed Wire ... located at 100 Kingsley Street in McLean. Free admission. Oftend closed in winter, so check for opening days and hours.Phone 806.779.2225 |
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Phillips 66 Gas Station
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The Murals in McLean
Mural in McLean, Texas: The Heart of Old Route 66
Mural in McLean, Texas: The wide-open spaces of the Texas Panhandle
Interactive Map of McLean, Texas
Classic Lodging in McLean
| Cactus Inn Motel website - 101 Pine Street in McLean - Phone 806.779.2346 Cactus Inn Motel traveler reviews at TripAdvisor |
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Classic Dining in McLean
| Red River Steakhouse - 101 W. Highway 66 in McLean, also in Amarillo - Phone 806.779.8940 | |
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More Information About McLean |
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Other Popular Destinations in Texas on Our Other Website |
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