Santa Fe was bypassed when Route 66 was realigned through Albuquerque in 1937.
The original New Mexico alignment followed a northern route through Santa Fe. In 1937, Route 66 was moved to a more direct westward path through Albuquerque, reducing the distance and avoiding the older alignment’s curves and mountain travel. The change helped the road serve faster automobile traffic.
The realignment altered the fortunes of communities on the former route. Santa Fe retained enormous historical and cultural importance, but it no longer sat on the main federal Route 66 line after the change. Sections of the former alignment are now associated with other historic-road designations and scenic travel.
Travelers sometimes assume every famous city connected with Route 66 was on the route for its entire history. The Santa Fe change is a clear example of how highway alignments evolved before Route 66 was decommissioned.