Route 66 and Santa Fe: A Tangled Tapestry of History

Route 66, the "Mother Road," evokes images of classic Americana: chrome-laden automobiles, neon-lit diners, and the open road stretching westward. While its iconic path is often associated with a straight shot across the American Southwest, its relationship with Santa Fe, New Mexico, is a story of twists, turns, and political intrigue.  

In its original 1926 alignment, Route 66 deviated from its more direct course to include Santa Fe, the state's historic capital. This decision stemmed from a desire to connect the national highway system with this vital cultural and political center. The route, in this early phase, took travelers along the Old Pecos Trail, winding through towns like Santa Rosa, Pecos, and then into Santa Fe, before descending the challenging La Bajada Hill towards Albuquerque.  

This initial alignment brought a surge of travelers to Santa Fe, exposing them to the city's unique blend of Native American, Spanish, and Anglo influences. The city's ancient adobe architecture, vibrant arts scene, and distinct culinary traditions became part of the Route 66 experience. Landmarks like the La Fonda on the Plaza, a historic hotel, became waypoints for weary travelers.  

However, this connection was short-lived. By 1937, a new, more direct alignment of Route 66 was established, bypassing Santa Fe. This change, driven by a desire for a shorter, more efficient route, and reportedly, political maneuvering, redirected the flow of traffic away from the capital city.  

What Still Remains: Echoes of the Past

While Santa Fe is no longer directly on Route 66, the city's connection to the Mother Road lingers. Here's what remains:  

• Historical Markers:
  • Historical markers in Santa Fe denote the original Route 66 alignment, reminding visitors of the city's brief but significant role in the highway's history.  
  • These markers help preserve the memory of the original path that historical travelers took.
• La Fonda on the Plaza:
  • This iconic hotel, which predates Route 66, played a significant role during the highway's early years. It remains a symbol of Santa Fe's historic hospitality.
• The Spirit of the Era:
  • Santa Fe retains much of the charm and character that attracted Route 66 travelers. The city's historic plaza, adobe architecture, and thriving arts scene offer a glimpse into the era.
• The La Bajada Hill:
  • Though much of the road is no longer driven by main traffic, the remains of the old road that traveled down La Bajada hill, is still there. This is a testament to the difficulty of early route 66 travel.

Five Things Most People Don't Know About the Route 66 and Santa Fe Connection:

1. Political Revenge:
   • The decision to reroute Route 66 away from Santa Fe is believed to have been influenced by political rivalries. Former New Mexico Governor Arthur T. Hannett, it is said, sought to "get even" with Santa Fe political figures by pushing for the more direct alignment.
2. The La Bajada Challenge:
   • The original Route 66 alignment through Santa Fe involved traversing La Bajada Hill, a steep and treacherous descent that posed a significant challenge to early motorists. This section of the road was notoriously dangerous.  
3. The Santa Fe Trail's Influence:
   • Route 66, in its original alignment, followed portions of the historic Santa Fe Trail, a vital trade route that predated the highway. This connection highlights the region's long history as a crossroads of travel.  
4. The Ozark Trail:
   • Before route 66 was established, the Ozark trail was an early auto trail, that parts of early route 66 used. The Ozark trail played a large part in the creation of the early route 66 path through New Mexico.  
5. A Short-Lived Connection:
   • Santa Fe's time as a part of Route 66 was relatively brief, lasting only from 1926 to 1937. This short period, however, left a lasting impact on the city's history.

In conclusion, while Santa Fe may no longer be a direct stop on Route 66, its history is inextricably linked to the Mother Road. The city's enduring charm, historic landmarks, and the stories of its past continue to captivate travelers, offering a glimpse into a bygone era of American road trips.