Route 66 Historic District | Amarillo

The Route 66–Sixth Street Historic District in Amarillo, Texas, is a preserved and vibrant portion of the original U.S. Route 66. This 13-block district along 6th Avenue (from Georgia to Forrest Avenues) captures the essence of mid-20th-century Americana, with its vintage architecture, roadside culture, and nostalgic charm. It's one of the few remaining intact historic sections of the "Mother Road" that travelers can still walk, shop, and dine through today.

Historical Background

Established in 1926, Route 66 ran from Chicago to Los Angeles and became one of the most iconic highways in the United States.

The Sixth Street segment in Amarillo quickly became a commercial hotspot for travelers needing gas, food, lodging, and entertainment.

During the height of automobile travel in the 1940s–1960s, this district flourished with neon-lit motels, service stations, diners, and shops.

After Route 66 was decommissioned in 1985, much of the road fell into decline-but Amarillo’s Sixth Street was preserved, eventually being listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1994.

Architectural Styles

The district is notable for its range of early-to-mid 20th-century architectural styles, reflecting the changing aesthetics and functionality of roadside America:

Spanish Colonial Revival – Stucco walls, red tile roofs, arched entrances.

Art Deco – Geometric patterns, vertical lines, bold ornamentation.

Art Moderne – Streamlined shapes, curved corners, flat roofs with emphasis on horizontal movement.

Tudor Revival and Mission Revival elements can also be seen in former service stations and shops.

Notable Landmarks

The Nat Ballroom (Natatorium): Originally a 1922 indoor swimming pool, it was later converted into a famous music and dance venue, hosting big bands and later rock-and-roll performers. The building is known for its unique Gothic Revival design.

Martin’s Phillips 66 Station: A historic gas station that evolved from a Tudor cottage design to a sleek, modernist structure. It served motorists from the 1930s through the 1990s.

Carolina Building: Constructed in 1926, this Spanish-style commercial building once housed a variety of businesses including a barbershop and pharmacy.

Adkinson-Baker Tire Company: Opened in 1939, this classic tire and service station features a wide, flat canopy and original signage.

San Jacinto Fire Station: A 1926 Mission Revival-style building, it is the only remaining pre-WWII fire station in Amarillo.

Today’s Experience

Modern visitors to the district will find a blend of preserved history and active local culture:

Over 25 antique stores: Collectibles, vintage decor, Americana, and Route 66 memorabilia.

Boutiques and galleries: Featuring handmade goods, local art, retro clothing, and curiosities.

Restaurants and cafes: Including classic diners, barbecue joints, steakhouses, Mexican food, coffee shops, and even themed retro spots.

Live entertainment: The area frequently hosts music events, car shows, festivals, and Route 66 celebrations.

Murals and photo ops: Colorful wall art, vintage signs, and old-school storefronts make the district a favorite among photographers and Route 66 enthusiasts.

Visiting Info

Location: 6th Avenue between Georgia and Forrest Avenues, Amarillo, Texas 79106.

Accessibility: Easily walkable; plenty of on-street parking.

Best time to visit: Spring through fall, especially during weekends or annual events like Route 66 Summerfest.

Cultural Value

This district not only preserves an important part of America’s transportation and travel history, but also serves as a cultural hub that continues to evolve. It connects past and present-where modern creativity coexists with roadside nostalgia.

Whether you’re on a Route 66 road trip or just visiting Amarillo, the Sixth Street Historic District offers a unique, immersive look at the spirit of mid-century American travel and commerce.