A New Name Doesn’t Save This Highway to Hell

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A New Name Doesn’t Save This Highway to Hell

Famed as being one of the most haunted places in America, a two hundred stretch of land known as “Highway 666” has had more than its share of stories and troubles.  Despite being renamed to “US Route 491” in 2003, trouble has continued to follow anyone brave enough to travel down New Mexico’s Highway to Hell.

(images:roblee/flickr)

(images:roblee/flickr)

The highway starts in Monticello, Utah and travels down to Gallup, New Mexico.  The stretch does not do much to entertain travelers as there is nothing more than wide expanses of rocks, cactus, and dirt.  The highway is notorious as it connects the four corners of Utah, Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico.

Many had cause to be concerned as the number 666 is traditionally regarded as being the “number of the beast”, hence why the highway gained its notorious name.  Statistically, there has been an unusually high number of accidents and fatalities on the highway.  Many of them very odd in nature.  Travelers warn that anyone driving down the highway is immediately cursed.  What many find odd is that after changing the name of the highway, the number of accidents and fatalities drastically reduced, leaving some to wonder if the stories of a curse are true.

Many travelers have reported similar stories after having driven down the highway.  One of the most common complaints is vehicle complications.  People describe having problems with electrical units or engine components.  There are also an unusually high number of flat tires and break downs reported along with accidents and encounters on the road with wild life.

Often times, there is a report of a pack of wild, threatening dogs that accompany vehicle reports.  Often described as the “Hounds of Hell” people indicate that as driving full speed down the highway, the pack of animals easily keeps up with the car, keeping pace as they run alongside the vehicle.  They are often blamed for the many accidents and even worse, some people have reported the dogs suddenly leaping at the vehicle, shredding tires and bashing in windshields, terrifying passengers.

(images:manx/flickr)

(images:manx/flickr)

Drivers have described spirits, most commonly a girl in a blue dress who disappears when approached, or skin walkers and shape shifters who allegedly either warn drivers of impending dangers or await their deaths to take their souls as they leave their bodies.  There have been unexplained disappearances, reports of time loss, and trips taking much longer than documented or expected.

Another common report involves other, seemingly demonic, activity with other cars on the road.  One report involves an ominous black sedan that follows drivers for a short period before reportedly charging at the driver.  People indicate seeing the vehicle and an overcoming feeling of dread or terror wanes on as the sun drops.  When night hits, the car’s headlights turn on and cars are faced with a dangerous choice as the car quickly approaches them- to speed up or pull over.

Those who speed up say the car quickly gains on them no matter how fast they increase their speed.  Despite pulling over or speeding up, many report that the car speeds past them at a blinding rate.  Even worse, drivers have reported buckling down as they are sure that they will be struck by the car and right at the last minute, the headlights blind the passengers but before the collision, the car disappears.  They are left to question whether their visions are a hallucination from the heat of the desert or tricks of the Devil himself.

Megan Borchert
Megan Borchert
Lover of all things unusual, Megan is a staff attorney for the state of South Dakota. When she's not stuffed in an office writing case synopses, you can find her at home with her army of Schnauzers, snuggled up with some strong wine and a good book.

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