WELCOME TO TUCUMCARI
Boasting as a popular hub for travelers on Historic Route 66, Tucumcari is a destination, not just a blip on a map. We are home to our famous Neon Trail, murals, diners, museums and so much more!
It’s said that Tucumcari, pronounced “to come carry,” is among the oldest towns named in the State of New Mexico. The origin and meaning of the word Tucumcari is not known for certain, unfortunately. Most historians & linguists believe it’s derived from the language of Plains Indians, though. Most likely the term is Comanche. See our city’s history for more on that!
The Tucumcari/Quay County Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center thanks you for your visit. We hope you’ll look around our website, and our town. The community has a lot to offer travelers, history-lovers, and people of all ages!
TUCUMCARI IS LEGENDARY
Our town is legendary. Travel along the Mother Road, Historic Route 66, one of America’s original highways. In fact, it is one of the most famous roads in the country. Route 66 holds stories of a mobile nation on the road. Its history includes the Dust Bowl of the 1930s. Travelers migrated west during the 1930s and 1940s using this famous highway. We invite you to discover our heritage and history of American travel. You’ll feel like you’re stepping back in time to when Route 66 was bustling!
Tucumcari sits along the historic roadway, nestled on the plains of New Mexico. Our days in the Land of Enchantment began far before Route 66, though! In 1901, our town got its start as a tent city. When the railroad turned the camp into a division point in 1908, Tucumcari got its official name. By 1910, it was a major railroad center. There was a roundhouse, depot, water tower & more than 60 thriving businesses. The birth of Route 66 in 1926 brought new travelers to Tucumcari by carload. Wagon yards & blacksmiths were soon replaced by gas stations, gift shops, diners & cafes. Today, Tucumcari’s proximity to I-40 continues to attract thousands of travelers yearly.
Our town is a great place to visit. Come by and see us at the Tucumcari Chamber of Commerce.