HWY 80 History
- 2008 HWY 80 was renamed
- In 1850 the original site of Longview, Earpville is founded along what is now know as US 80.
- In the 1920s a paved highway, which is now known as US 80 is constructed through Longview.
- Elvis Presley performed at the Mint Club in Gladewater in November 1954. Elvis also performed at Gladewater radio station KSIJ in the mid-1950s.
- As a member of the inaugural class of US highways commissioned in 1926, US 80 was the first all-weather coast-to-coast route available to auto travelers. For a time known as the “Broadway of America”, its legendary history is second only to US Route 66 in American highway folklore.
- Bonnie and Clyde were ambushed approximately four miles south of US 80 in Gibsland, Louisiana.
- Lee Harvey Oswald was captured on November 22, 1963, shortly after the assassination of President Kennedy, at the Texas Theatre on Jefferson Street in Oak Cliff, Texas, which at the time was a business spur of Highway 80. Texas Theatre is still open today and is set to undergo necessary restoration to insure the preservation of history.
- A report by the Federal Highway Administration in 1992 wrote that Route 80 has a total length of 2,671 miles.
East Texas Tourism Association is proud to announce the 2013 dates for the US Hwy 80 Sale for the third weekend in April & October. The Historic US 80 Hi-Way Sale will begin at 8:00am daily on April 19th, 20th & 21st and on October 18th-20th and should draw crowds from far and wide looking for a bargain.
Organized to promote and increase tourism trade and traffic along historic US 80, the first coast-to-coast, all-weather highway in America, the 2,400 mile route begins in Savannah, Ga., makes its way through East Texas and concludes in San Diego, California. The three-state event will cover a 392 mile route – one of the nation’s longest –from Mesquite, TX through Louisiana to Jackson, Mississippi.
“We intend to keep the name and legacy alive,” said Mary Ramos, “There will be hundreds of sales going on…more than you can shop in a day. This is a great fund-raising opportunity for churches, civic clubs and individuals.”
The event is part of ETTA’s 23rd year effort to draw attention to the byways of its region. Each city along the US 80 route will be responsible for its part in the Hwy 80 Sale.
News of the sale is spreading among antique car, motorcycle, RV clubs and flea market enthusiast. While shoppers will be searching for great deals, cities along the route hope they find the highway’s more permanent treasures, such as bed and breakfasts, motels, restaurants, and historical sites.
For more information on the US 80 Sale and how to advertise, contact East Texas Tourism at MaryRamos@msn.com or call (903) 757-4444
Advertise your business here. Only $200 per year.
Call (903) 757-4444 for more information
#Hwy80Sale
