History of U.S. Route 666

Yes, at one time - there was a United States Highway 666 that went through the Southwest, or specifically the Four Corners region. It had different alignments throughout its history, but what the road is mostly famous for is being nicknamed "The Devil's Highway". It was (or still is) believed to be cursed, and some unfortunate accidents and deaths have occurred on it. Like all U.S. Highways, U.S. 666 debuted in 1926 and after several years of pressuring the government to change the road's name, it was changed to U.S. Highway 491 in 2003 by then-New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson. (The other two states that carried U.S. 666, Utah and Colorado, agreed to let the AASHTO change the numbering.)

In this video, I visit Gallup, New Mexico, near its former southern terminus.
A Route 66 bonus episode.

[savagenato]

My family is from that area and we've known quite a few people that have been killed or injured along that highway back when it used to be a two lane road.

[driver]

It's a short story. Im a truck driver, and back in 2012, I had a load of wood going down to Gallup, nm. One late night Imade a right turn down 491 but when I straightened my rig out I distinctly remember seeing a regular black sign labeling it us 666. Well, about the time I was fully committed to the routethe song Highway to Hell started playing on my radio. I thought that's ironic and just sead F it and turned it up and continued on my way. The next day, when i came back through, the only signs i saw were us 491. Short sweet and anticlimactic.

[hawaiianpunch]

I thought it was just a movie. Id do a road trip just because it's route 666.

[troymillion]

Is route 666 really cursed. Compair it to other highways of simular age and length. All roads have fatalities and injuries. It's probably a coincidence. It got it's original name because it was the 6th road off of route 66. There was also a rt 665 and 667. That's all there is to it.

[jujubee]

Just went on 491 yesterday. That former 666 sign by McDonald's is the only us 666 sign left on the whole route. The scenery was amazing. Utah was fine. Colorado was fine. But then came New Mexico and good lord I thought I was on a rollercoaster. New Mexico DOT needs to get on the ball with the road repairs. Going through that section, I can understand how it could be deadly if your not careful and paying attention.

[risksikrikak]

I was on 666 in 2005/06 my b/f was an otr.then i moved bk to canada.i love the states, even more now w the clown we hv in power, turdeau

[jasonbia]

Old triple 6 or 491 just east of my place about 9 Miles, yeah late at night you might see ghost's hitching, Yíí yáá 👹