Fast forward to 1975, and the construction of Interstate 40 some distance away from the town sent Glenrio into decline. Residents filed out, and what remains is the Glenrio Historic District: a huddle of abandoned diners, motels, and bars that still fascinate visitors today.

Texas is just one part of Route 66's sad story – tumbleweed towns and deserted dreams across the West are all that's left of this iconic gateway to the Pacific.

Now discover the gold rush towns that time forgot

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Texas's most fascinating ghost towns, lost places