Seligman, Arizona
- Route 66 site
- In Seligman, Arizona
- 0.1 mi from Route 66
Seligman, AZ, is the small railroad town known as the Birthplace of Historic Route 66. After Interstate 40 bypassed it in 1978, local barber Angel Delgadillo helped found the Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona in 1987, and the state went on to name the old road Historic Route 66. Today its short main street of neon signs, gift shops and old cafés is a popular stop on the Arizona stretch.
What is Seligman?
Seligman is an unincorporated community on the northern edge of Yavapai County, with 446 residents in the 2020 census. The old highway runs straight through it, and a few blocks of its main street form the Seligman Commercial Historic District. Along them stand Delgadillo's Snow Cap Drive-In, Angel Delgadillo's original barbershop and gift shop, and the Cottage Hotel.
Many travelers also know Seligman as one of the towns behind Radiator Springs in Pixar's Cars. Director John Lasseter visited while researching the film, and the story of a town emptied by a new interstate is Seligman's own.
History of Seligman
The railroad arrived in 1882, and the stop was first called Prescott Junction, where a branch line to Prescott met the main line. In 1886 it was renamed for Jesse Seligman, a New York banker whose firm helped pay for the railroads. With its big switching yard, the town also shipped cattle for the ranches around it, and Route 66 later brought a steady stream of cars.
On September 22, 1978, Interstate 40 opened around the town and traffic nearly vanished. In February 1987 Angel Delgadillo, born in Seligman in 1927, called a meeting in town to push for the old road. Those who came formed the association with him as president, put up signs and started a yearly Fun Run. Visitors followed. Angel retired from barbering in 2022 after 75 years.
Visiting Seligman: tips
From the east, leave I-40 at Exit 139 and drive about 17 miles of old Route 66 into town; Exits 121 and 123 also lead in. Park once and walk: the historic district is about 0.1 mile from the town center, the Snow Cap about 0.2 mile and the Cottage Hotel about 0.2 mile. An hour or two covers the main street. Fuel is about 0.6 mile away. West of town the old road runs on toward Kingman and the Colorado River, part of the longest unbroken stretch of old Route 66, about 160 miles.
Practical info
- On site & nearby
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Where to eat near Seligman
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On the map
Full mapSeligman with the 6 closest stops and places to eat (fork and knife). Tap a marker for details.
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Stops near Seligman
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Questions about Seligman
Why is Seligman called the Birthplace of Historic Route 66?
After I-40 bypassed the town in 1978, Seligman barber Angel Delgadillo led a 1987 meeting that created the Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona. Its work got the old road named Historic Route 66 in Arizona and inspired similar groups in other states, so Seligman is credited as where the revival began.
Is Seligman the town from the movie Cars?
Not exactly, but it is widely seen as a main model for Radiator Springs. John Lasseter visited Seligman while researching Cars, and the film's story of a town forgotten when the interstate opened closely follows what happened there. Other Route 66 places also shaped the film.
How long should you spend in Seligman?
An hour or two is enough to walk the main street, look into the gift shops and eat at the Snow Cap or another café. Allow more time for the day if you also plan to drive the long stretch of old Route 66 west toward Kingman.
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