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The Times of India
The Times of India
World
TOI World Desk

A new highway nearly killed his town. This 98-year-old 'Angel of Route 66' helped bring America's most famous highway back to life

Long before Route 66 became a nostalgic symbol of American road trips, it was a vital highway connecting small towns across the United States. But when Interstate 40 bypassed many of these communities in the 1980s, businesses closed, tourists disappeared and towns like Seligman, Arizona, faced an uncertain future. One local barber, however, refused to let history fade away. At 98, Angel Delgadillo continues to greet travellers from around the world, earning the affectionate title of the "Angel of Route 66". His determination not only revived his hometown but also helped transform the iconic highway into one of the world's most celebrated heritage routes.

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