Part of Our Route 66 Everytown Collection – Lela Edition
Embrace the unique and poignant history of the Mother Road with this ultra-soft unisex jersey tee, expertly spun from 100% Airlume combed and ring-spun cotton. Stamped with the distinctive slogan "The Town Cut Apart by Route 66," our Lela, Texas design celebrates the almost-ghost town that was literally bisected by the famous highway.
It's the perfect shirt for roadside explorers, history enthusiasts, and collectors of our exclusive Route 66 Everytown Collection, offering a tangible connection to the millions of dreams and journeys that once passed through.
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About Lela, Texas: A Roadside Village Bisected by the Mother Road
Lela, a haunting ghost town in the Texas Panhandle, holds a remarkable and bittersweet distinction in Route 66 history. It is the town that was literally split apart by the creation of the highway itself.
When Route 66 was officially established in 1926, its path cut directly through the heart of Lela, transforming what had been a small agricultural settlement into a long, linear community. Businesses quickly sprang up along the highway to serve a steady stream of travelers making their way across the Panhandle’s vast, windswept plains.
Life Along the Line
From the late 1920s through the 1950s, Lela flourished as a quintessential roadside stop, complete with gas stations, cafés, and general stores that catered to motorists journeying between Shamrock to the east and McLean to the west. Yet the very road that fueled its prosperity also altered its identity, dividing the community both physically and socially. When Interstate 40 bypassed Lela in the 1950s, the town’s once-bustling strip fell silent, and its decline began in earnest.
Lela Today
Today, only scattered ruins and foundations remain, acting as silent witnesses to a bygone era of neon signs and dusty travelers. For modern Route 66 enthusiasts, Lela stands as a poignant reminder of how the Mother Road both built and broke the towns that lay along its path. Its faded structures and quiet plains invite reflection on the enduring cost and beauty of America’s pursuit of the open 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
