On the way to Route 66
In November 2018 we went north on 281 Mineral Wells and Decatur, TX. That is the same route we took in 2021 to get to Route 66 just west of Oklahoma City. These photos were taken in November 2018.
Mineral Wells became famous for its healing water attracting tourists, and the Baker Hotel opened in 1929 as an international resort destination and was for many years considered one of the country’s most glamorous resorts. But things changed, and the hotel finally closed in 1972. The good news is the hotel is currently being renovated.
Dismuke’s Pronto-Lax monument and Famous Well gate
Read more about the History of Mineral Wells…
One more town before we begin our actual Route 66 tour… Decatur, Texas.
The 1930’s Sinclair station is now a gift store.
The Wise County Courthouse in Decatur, TX, was built in 1895. Designed by architect, J. Riley Gordon of New York, the courthouse is constructed of beautiful pink granite and has been pronounced architecturally perfect by noted experts in that line. The first court was held in the new building in December of 1896. The courthouse is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and is a recorded Texas Historical Landmark with the appropriate medallion and plaque.