Glenrio
Where Route 66 Died Twice
State: Texas
County: Deaf Smith County
Founded: 1903
Abandoned: 1973
Peak Population: 500
Glenrio straddled the Texas-New Mexico border on Route 66. The town had a unique setup - Texas was dry, so the bar was in New Mexico; New Mexico banned gambling, so the slot machines were in Texas. When Interstate 40 bypassed the town in 1973, every business closed.
Border Town
Glenrio exploited its location. The State Line Bar on the New Mexico side served travelers from dry Texas. Gas stations and motels served Route 66 traffic.
Interstate Bypass
When I-40 was built miles north, Glenrio's reason for existence vanished overnight. The town was abandoned and has decayed ever since.
Timeline
- 1903 - Founded Railroad established the town
- 1926 - Route 66 Highway brought traffic
- 1973 - Bypassed I-40 ended the town's economy
Plan Your Visit
Best Time: Spring or fall
Difficulty: Easy
Time Needed: 30 minutes
Quick Facts
- Half in Texas, half in New Mexico
- Featured in 'The Grapes of Wrath'
- The State Line Bar still stands as a ruin
Location
Address: Glenrio, Texas (at New Mexico border)
Coordinates: 35.1564, -103.0403