Memories and Murals on Texas Route 66
Discover the vibrant history of El Barrio in Amarillo, a Mexican American community shaped by railroad workers, murals, and Route 66 pride!
By Latinos in Heritage Conservation
By Latinos in Heritage Conservation in collaboration with LHC Route 66 Fellows
The Blank Space team and Abuelas Route 66 team (21st Century) by Asami Robledo-Allen YamamotoLatinos in Heritage Conservation
Texas and Route 66
Mexican influences shaped Amarillo; hotels, cafes, and tourist spots adopted Spanish or Mexican "pueblo style" architecture, blending culture and commerce. These designs celebrated and preserved the Southwest’s rich heritage along the iconic highway.
East view of the Barrio Neighorhood Mural (21st Century) by Asami Robledo-Allen YamamotoLatinos in Heritage Conservation
Welcome to El Barrio Neighborhood
By 1889, El Barrio Neighborhood was established to accommodate Mexican workers and their families brought to the U.S. by the Santa Fe Railroad. When Route 66 later wound its way through Amarillo, it passed through the Barrio, creating economic and social changes.
"You know, I moved here in '81. I have been here for 43 years, being honest, 43 years. This is home to me. And I love the fact that even though it's a little over 200,000 population, it still feels like a small town." - Teresa Kennedy (Left) "I'm very close to the community that I'm proud to be from and proud to be involved with... I lived in a city within a city. You know, I grew up in El Barrio and Amarillo... everything I knew was life in Barrio." - David Rojas (Right)
"Because Mexican Americans came here as farm laborers to begin with, they used to go work the fields and all, that's how they got here. They were basically brought here to do labor work. And, then they stayed. They didn't go back home wherever home was. They just stayed here in Amarillo and, made lives, livelihoods and, sent their kids to school and just stayed. And that's how the barrio actually got started with railroad workers" - Lilia Escajeda (Right)
"I built this house here because I couldn't buy any property across the tracks on the west side that was designated for whites only. So I put all my money and time into building this house." - Tony Renteria (Left) "We want people to come visit our town! I absolutely love our town, you know, I take great pride in our city so I hope people take away that people in Amarillo are friendly." - Jennifer Gallardo (Right)
Mary Martinez and Glorie Arrasmith (21st Century) by Beatriz Dominguez AlemanLatinos in Heritage Conservation
La Frontera in El Barrio
Mary’s journey with La Frontera began with the legacy of Cueller Grocery and Tortilla Co., run by Juan and Teresa Cueller. After 40 years of hard work, Mary transformed it into the beloved restaurant it is today. Today La Frontera is a multi-generational, family-owned business.
El Barrio Map (21st Century) by Asami Robledo-Allen YamamotoLatinos in Heritage Conservation
Fiesta Foods
In the 1950s, rural residents along Route 66 started businesses like motels, diners, and gas stations to remain in their communities. Many invested their savings into ventures like Fiesta Foods, aiming to attract travelers, support their families, and sustain their livelihood.
Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church (21st Century) by Asami Robledo-Allen YamamotoLatinos in Heritage Conservation
Our Lady Guadalupe Catholic Church
Constructed in October 1918, the Catholic Church was funded through generous donations from Santa Fe Railroad workers. Now over 100 years old, the church continues to serve the Barrio community in Amarillo and has been recognized as a historic site, reflecting its significance.
Blank Spaces students working on a mural (21st Century) by Asami Robledo-Allen YamamotoLatinos in Heritage Conservation
Blank Spaces student works on a new mural
Blank Spaces and other artists paint murals in El Barrio, honoring its heritage. They transformed the historic 70+ year-old Wesley Community Center, celebrating two dedicated community members and preserving the neighborhood’s history and growth. There are over 40 murals in Amarillo.
The Abuelas Route 66 jumps at Cadillac Ranch off Route 66 (21st Century) by Asami Robledo-Allen YamamotoLatinos in Heritage Conservation
Latinos in Heritage Conservation (LHC) at Cadillac Ranch
The murals, businesses, and neighborhoods that line Route 66 are more than just markers honoring Will Roger's era. Organizations like LHC can document and share the hard work and efforts of preserving El Barrio's heritage.
LHC staff and fellows with community members (21st Century) by Asami Robledo-Allen YamamotoLatinos in Heritage Conservation
There is more Latinx preservation work to be done!
At Latinos in Heritage Conservation, through the Abuelas Project, we aim to safeguard, preserve, and amplify Latinx heritage. To learn more about our experiences traveling through Texas and Route 66, explore our Storymap by clicking here.
Latinos in Heritage Conservation
The Abuelas Route 66 Team: Asami Robledo-Allen Yamamoto | Jennifer Rivera | Melanie Escobar| Brittney Jimenez | Karina Amalbert | Beatriz Dominguez Aleman
Featuring interviews from: Teresa Kennedy | David Rosas | Tony Renteria | Jennifer Gallardo | Lilia Escajeda | Shawn Kennedy | Mary Martinez & Glorie Arrasmith | Bale Sisneros | Monica Bencomo | Leticia Gutierrez | Rosemary Gallegos | Almalia Berrios-Payton | Patricia Garcia | Jesse Dominguez | Irene Dominguez |Tamara Serrao-Leiva | Nina Fresco
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