In 1901 the Rock Island Railroad established a camp for the construction crew here in what was popularly known as "Six Shooter Siding" after numerous shootings. Several settlements moved closer to the new railroad and enlarged the camp, which was officially called "Douglas", then from 1908 Tucumcari after the mountain of the same name. According to legends, the name comes from the unfulfilled love between Tocom and the chief's daughter Kari, who is said to have lost her beloved in a duel for tribal leadership and then took her own life. The chief's desperate exclamation "Tocom, Kari" echoed off the mountains, which now stand as a symbol of unrequited love. Other sources see the name as a modification of the word "view" from the language of the Comanche tribe.

neon signs
Tucumcari hasn't lost its 1940s charm over the years. Hardly any other city has so many glowing neon signs for the numerous restaurants and motels that line Route 66 like a string of pearls.

Translated by Google •

In the know? Log-in to add a tip for other adventurers!

Details

Informations

Elevation 1,200 m

Weather

Today

Sunday 23 November

13°C

2°C

94 %

If you start your activity now...

Max wind speed: 5.0 km/h

See rides here

Take Me There

Location: Tucumcari, Quay County, New Mexico, United States

Other Popular Places to Check Out

Mesaland Dinosaur Museum 🐉 - Tucumcari

Blue Swallow Motel

MidPoint Cafe, Adrian

Abandoned Glenrio Motel and Café on Route 66

Route 66 Auto Museum 🚘 Santa Rosa NM

Tucumcari Mountain

Bedford Hill

Circle S Mesa

Carpenter Mesa

Palomas Mesa

Purcell

Taiban Peak

Historic Route 66 Motels in Tucumcari

Other Popular Places to Check Out

We value your privacy ⛰️

We value your privacy ⛰️