Part of Our Route 66 Town Tee Series – Carnuel Edition
Slip into the storied spirit of Tijeras Canyon with this ultra-soft unisex jersey tee, expertly crafted from 100% Airlume combed and ring-spun cotton. Bearing the rallying cry "Home of Deadman's Curve," this iconic design salutes Carnuel, New Mexico: a small but legendary village that greets travelers just east of Albuquerque.
Perfect for canyon cruisers, history buffs, and dedicated collectors of our exclusive Route 66 Everytown Collection, capturing the thrill and palpable danger of one of the Mother Road's most unforgettable bends.
Shop now at Heart of The Mother Road and enjoy FREE SHIPPING on all orders over $25.
About Carnuel, New Mexico: Where Route 66 Took a Dangerous Turn
Tucked against the rugged sandstone cliffs of Tijeras Canyon, Carnuel traces its history back to the 1700s, when it began as a small Spanish farming settlement east of modern-day Albuquerque. Nearly 120 years after its resettlement, the 1937 “Santa Rosa Cut-off” brought a major change to the region, realigning Route 66 straight through the canyon.
This new, faster path through the mountains placed Carnuel directly on the Mother Road, instantly transforming it from a quiet rural village into a key waypoint for motorists navigating one of the Southwest’s most challenging drives.
Deadman's Curve: A Route 66 Legend
The narrow, twisting roadway through Tijeras Canyon quickly gained notoriety for its perilous S-curve, known ominously as Deadman’s Curve. The sharp switchback became legendary among travelers for its treacherous descent, frequent wrecks, and the eerie stories that followed.
Nervous drivers would grip their wheels tightly as they maneuvered the curve, their headlights cutting across the canyon walls where freight rigs toppled and tires screeched in the night. The danger persisted until the construction of Interstate 40 in the 1970s, which finally tamed this deadly stretch.
Today, you can still walk parts of the old alignment, where the whispers of history and the hum of wind through the canyon evoke the drama of Route 66’s most infamous turn.
Carnuel Today: Where History and the Highway Meet
Modern Carnuel may be small, but it’s rich in character and roadside charm. Visitors can stop to admire the futuristic Aluminum Yucca Sculpture, a local landmark that gleams along the highway, or experience the Route 66 Musical Highway, where the rumble strips play “America the Beautiful” as your car passes over them.
Nearby, the remnants of the Tijeras Canyon Trading Post and Child’s Motor Court offer glimpses into the area’s mid-century travel history. With the Sandia Mountains rising dramatically in the distance and Albuquerque’s neon glow just down the road, Carnuel remains a scenic and storied stop: a place where beauty, history, and a touch of danger still ride side by side on the Mother Road.
Product Features:
- 100% Airlume combed and ring-spun cotton for premium softness
- Side seams for added structure and durability
- Tear-away label for comfort
- Classic crew neckline with a flattering unisex fit - true-to-size for all day comfort (see size chart for details)
- Fulfilled in the USA
Care Instructions:
- Machine wash: cold (max 90°F / 30°C)
- Tumble dry: low heat
- Non-chlorine bleach as needed
- Iron or steam: medium heat
- Do not dry clean
