Former Vega Motel TX
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Places Filter: Route 66
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Description: Before Route 66 was officially established in 1926, the town of Vega in the western part of the Texas Panhandle mainly relied on agriculture. However, a section of the Ozark Trail connected Vega to Amarillo, Texas, and Tucumcari, New Mexico. When Route 66 was designated as a national highway, this road became an integral part of the iconic route. As the highway passed through Vega, it paved the way for new businesses to emerge, including the Vega Motel. In 1947, Ervin Pancoast seized the opportunity during a time of economic prosperity in the United States and Texas, when travel and leisure were booming industries. He constructed the Vega Motel, originally known as Vega Court, right on Route 66. The motel featured 12 units in its west and south wings, each thoughtfully designed with garages integrated into the layout. These garages were strategically placed between the motel units, recognizing the importance of automobiles to the travelers of the era. Mr. Pancoast also built a small house at the center courtyard, serving as both an office and his personal living quarters. The following year, he got married, and the couple made the motel their life's work, living on the property and managing the day-to-day operations. Today, the Vega Motel stands as a nostalgic reminder of the vibrant era of Route 66 travel, offering visitors a glimpse into the past and the significance of the iconic highway in shaping American history and culture.