New Mexico US Route 666 highway sign

Description

US Route 491 is a highway running from Gallup, New Mexico, up to Shiprock, and then onward into Colorado and Utah. However, before 2003, it wasn’t called US 491. Secondary US routes like this one are numbered by adding a digit before the number of a main highway they branched off of. This highway was the sixth branch of US 66…making it US Route 666. Logical though the designation was, the general public still responded unfavorably to it. The road got the name of “the Devil’s Highway.” Accidents along it were attributed to its number, rather than the mountainous terrain it crossed and lack of design upgrades. There was also the difficulty of keeping the signs up along the road thanks to its “cool” number. As a result, US 666 became US 491.

Our New Mexico US Route 666 signs let you step back in time to enjoy the Devil’s Highway under its original name. We offer it in two versions: the original 1926 standard using the classic block fonts, and the 1948 standard, which was the first to use the modern highway sign fonts. Both signs are on the cut-out shield-shaped blank typical of US route signs of the era. It makes a great addition to any space needing just a touch of devilish charm!

Our New Mexico US Route 666 sign is flat printed on heavy-duty 14-gauge steel. This sign is nonreflective, with a high-gloss finish reminiscent of the original signage of the early days of the automobile era. Our signs are weatherproof, serving you well for years when installed outside, even under the New Mexico sun. Mounting holes are included for your convenience. Take your pick from the following sizes:

• 12 in. × 12 in. (our economy option)
• 18 in. × 18 in. (the typical size of signage in use in 1926 and in reassurance contexts in 1948)
• 24 in. × 24 in. (the “oversize” marker for use at junctions under the 1948 standard)
• 36 in. × 36 in. (the modern oversize marker, for use in high-speed contexts such as freeways)

We can make a sign like this with any state and route number! We also have a wide assortment of other route markers, from across the US, Canada, and around the world! Are you looking for one but don’t see it on our site? Just place a custom order! It’s easy, contact us today to get started!