There’s a new book about that windy, dusty Route 66 town on the Plains that is Amarillo, Texas. The Mexia (Texas) Daily News reports that Texas Tech University has published “Amarillo — The Story of a Western Town” by professor Paul H. Carlson.
The newspaper says:
Amarillo is the first comprehensive history of the “Queen City of the Texas Panhandle.” But the city’s influence doesn’t stop at the Texas borders; Amarillo is the trading and cultural center for several other states. The famous highway, Route 66, brought millions of travelers thru Amarillo ones that might not have ever come to that part of the world. Some stayed and put down roots. Emmylou Harris lamented the town’s attraction when she sang, “Oh, Amarillo, what’d you want my baby for? Oh, Amarillo, now he won’t come home no more?” Even George Strait tried to make it to “Amarillo by Morning.” Many songs have mentioned the city, even Bobby Troup’ s “Get Your Kicks on Route 66.” Today, more than 176,000 people call Amarillo, home.
The book lists for $28.95, and can be ordered from Texas Tech by calling 800-832-4042. The university says that online ordering is “coming soon.” You can also order it from Amazon.com here.