A few years ago, the State of New Mexico changed US 666 to US 491. The reasons were cited in the resolution that ended over 70 years of the Devil's Highway:
WHEREAS, people living near the road already live under the cloud of opprobrium created by having a road that many believe is cursed running near their homes and through their homeland; and
WHEREAS, the number "666" carries the stigma of being the mark of the beast, the mark of the devil, which was described in the book of revelations in the Bible; and
HEREAS, there are people who refuse to travel the road, not because of the issue of safety, but because of the fear that the devil controls events along United States route 666; and
WHEREAS, the economy in the area is greatly depressed when compared with many parts of the United States, and the infamy brought by the inopportune naming of the road will only make development in the area more difficult.
I dunno...with 666, the highway was at least known for something. Now it's known for nothing. And I'm guessing that the "I Survived the Highway to Hell" t-shirt and mug concession has pretty much dried up (if there ever was one), as have the people stopping to snap pictures.
But there's still hope, as there are three State Highways that bear the mark of the beast. And here's hoping that my friends in the DMOs that boast these beauties in Florida, Ohio and Pennsylvania monetize the opportunity.
Just a thought...
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