The Tragic Tale of Budville and Deadman's Curve on Route 66 in New Mexico

The ghost town of Budville, New Mexico is like a lot of small towns that were bypassed by the interstate. The streets are empty and the businesses are long-closed. The town's real tragedy came in 1967 though.
In November 1967, the founder of the town, Bud Rice, and an elderly employee of the Budville Trading Company were murdered in cold blood, just feet away from Route 66. Four years later, the Budville trading Company was the site of a third unsolved murder.
If the tragedy of Budville isn't enough, just a few miles east of the town is one of several spots along Route 66 that have been nicknamed Deadman's Curve. A dangerous stretch of road with a blind curve.
In this video we travel to Budville and explore its history before taking on Deadman's Curve.
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[@GuyReed-mh6sv]

My Dad was a trucker and we pulled off so he could sleep and woke up to snow. At 2am we had a snowball fight. Thanks for the memories.

[@MajorT0m]

Your dad pulled himself off?

[@toddabowden]

​@@MajorT0mHey, his mom was out of town and I was lonely

[@sabrinatscha2554]

That’s such a sweet story ignore these meatheads

[@Finder76]

My dad sold insurance, one day we drove to the store bc it was going to snow. We’ll long story short , that night we slept in our beds at home.

[@barbharrington2903]

I turned 66 today so decided this is my Route 66 year….googled your videos….very good!

[@SuperWhatapain]

Happy late birthday wishes🎉

[@larrypaul8688]

Thanks Steve. You make armchair tourism fun.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thank you.

[@LordOfThePancakes]

How about a cash donation to show your gratitude. Links in the description.

[@lauriechristmas5494]

Great Post . Love RT 66 .. BEST ADVENTURES EVER!! . Many vacations driven on this historic route ❤️❤️💯💯🌹🌹🙏🙏😃😃🎊🔥💯🤠🤠

[@pg1171]

It really is fun! And interesting!

[@Adrenaline416]

Just saw this and thought I'd share a quick bit of info. I'm a fashion photographer and wanted to get permission to who a photoshoot there. I went there in 2012 and knocked on the door. A guy named Aaron (I think) answered and was living there at the time, and the place was much cleaner and kept up. No broken windows, no boards, no weeds etc. Even one of the old gas pumps was still there. We chatted for a bit and he told me he lived there, or was the owner or something. He was totally fine with me setting up a production shoot there. He gave me his number so that I could call him when I was ready to come back and do the shoot, but I just never got around to it. Your video made me think of that day, but until now I never knew the creepy history. I thought you or anyone find it interesting that a guy was indeed living there awhile back and it looked more in tact at that time. I still have a few photos I took of the exterior of the property that day which he gave me permission to shoot. Nice guy. I'll bet he was surprised that I had no idea of the history of that place; I just thought it looked like a great location.

[@Neil-ru7kw]

Hi Steve . In '78 after recently becoming an owner/operator in trucking , I decided to take as much of rt. 66 as I could on my way back to So. Cal from Witchita Falls Tx. I actually parked at dead man's and slept . Got up at sunrise and made coffee . That's a beautiful spot in person . Owl rock is close by . An older man I knew drove that highway from South Gate Ca. to Albuquerque and back from '49-'62 for a large carrier called ICX (Illinois-California-Express) . Also on google maps if you zoom down to the plateau above the curve you'll see remnants of a rock structure . Native American maybe ????? Take Care 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@muffs55mercury61]

ICX had a Phoenix terminal. One of many victims of trucking deregulation. I think they folded around 1983.

[@Neil-ru7kw]

@@muffs55mercury61 yep . He would go there and on over Yarnell to Albuquerque sometimes . His bro drove team for them and in '63 , right after they started cabover doubles was in a middle of night head-on with a station wagon , mom dad 4 of 5 kids dead . One 7 y.o boy I n the very back lived , broken arm and leg . Ken broke the the brake pedal off , got his sternum sholder blades and kneecap broken , co driver throw out of the bunk and injured . Ken never was able to go back driving . I was 13 when this happened . Take care 👍

[@muffs55mercury61]

@@Neil-ru7kw Yes by then it was longer hauls and bigger equipment and thus the interstates were needed more than ever. By the late 1960s and into the 1970s, Route 66 in Arizona (the longest stretches still in use) were becoming more lethal, usually from cars trying to pass a slower truck. Every three or four days and some instances sooner there was a massive wreck on Route 66 with multiple fatalities. The desert was last priority for the interstate building.

[@ancientsociety79]

Looks like the remains of a stone house/ranch. You can see it in the drone footage @8:31

[@xtbro78]

What a sad & tragic story from you truck drivers. I love the input the truckers make on this channel, they're the knights of the roadways. I drive a large RV and share roads with them constantly. The vast majority are extremely skilled & polite drivers.

[@WillySmith-sd4em]

It's fascinating stretch of old 66. I've been on that stretch many times over the last 53 years. Thanks for another great video.

[@leeinwis]

liberals ruined it

[@maribethrobison9009]

Hi, I am from Moriarty, the Whiting Brothers station as been refurbished, but no fuel is sold there, just and FYI, but it is pretty. Thank you for your videos, they bring me a lot of joy.

[@muffs55mercury61]

Great for pictures if you have a classic car.

[@hazcat640]

STEVE! "Dead Mans' Curve' Immediately brought the Jan and Dean song to mind.

[@ROGER2095]

And now I can't get it out of my head!

[@Neil-ru7kw]

As a so cal native , I and some friends drove to d m c in '66 . Also saw Jan and dean live at least 5× around so. cal 👍

[@jenniferanne4143]

The Jan & Dean song is about 'dead man's curve" on Mulholland

[@hazcat640]

@@jenniferanne4143 Yes, I know but anytime you talk about a 'dead mans curve' it brings that song to my mind. Doesn't matter which one.

[@baltijoslietuvis4642]

​@@Neil-ru7kw You are fortunate! You saw them before '66? Never able to see J & D but had a great time at a Beach Boys concert in '87 at Duke's Stadium Albuscratchy, NM.

[@cornwellstingray]

I look forward to these videos every week!

[@johnkeith2450]

Should have 1 million subscribers

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Glad you like them!

[@johnkeith2450]

@@saminaneen Yet here you are

[@johnnyfreedom3437]

It's not boring, it's relaxing for those of us that like to travel! Especially for those of us who can't travel anymore because of age and disability! So go look for something exciting you young whippersnapper! Always looking forward to the next one Steve!!

[@petehealy9819]

​@@saminaneen Fine, dingdong, so go watch some "Travels of the Rich & Famous" video jacked up with crappy hip-hop. 😂

[@theinstructor2687]

My wife and I stopped in Budville, while on a road trip, about twenty years ago. The gas station / trading post property was for sale. I spoke with the seller and tried to negotiate a deal. But, the price they wanted was much higher than I felt it was worth and we were unable to make a deal. I liked that property and wished I could buy it. Oh well, shoulda, coulda, woulda, right? Thanks for another fun and interesting video. I always watch and enjoy your content.

[@rickbarrett4654]

A little slow LoL but exactly where is budville been on route 66 many times and drove it lost at this moment

[@yzenynot]

Really like how you tied the deaths in budville to those attributed to dead man's curve. Excellent storytelling, as always.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thank you.

[@kenbearsley8322]

Thank you Steve. As always, you do great history lessons. If my wife, myself and our children ever went to America, you and your wife would be our first choice for tour guides.

[@kenuber4014]

Nice history lesson Steve. Thank you!

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@jtc1964x]

This literally is my favorite site on KZbin. I have ridden or driven Route 66 over 3 dozen times starting as a baby in 1966 and continuing until it was gone! So many GREAT memories

[@dtna]

Thank you, Steve. Your videos allow me to see and hear the many stories of places that I would never see or go to. Keep it up!

[@rdmeenach]

Excellent story, voiceover and video work as always. Thanks so much Steve.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thanks!

[@y00t00b3r]

@@SidetrackAdventures You could actually do voicework professionally, if so inclined. I can understand everything you speak.

[@glennfoster2423]

Budville had a reputation for being a "rip-off" location when a vehicle needed some TLC. In 1959 I rode with my grandparents and remember staying in Grants, west of San Fidel and Budville. The next morning my grandpa made certain we could easily drive from Grants through San Fidel, Budville, Laguna, and past the junction with the rickety-looking wooden bridge over the railroad to Belen then on to Albuquerque with no stops what-so-ever. Years later Budville (i.e. Mr.Budville himself) was instrumental, according to the talk over coffee, of getting the Anti-Bypass Law passed in Santa Fe in the legislature. That resulted in local towns (read Budville) having the ability to delay I-40 construction from East of Budville to west of San Fidel forcing vehicles to drive the two-lane US-66 highway. That went on for a few years in the '60s long after the Interstate avoided the junction with NM route 6, deadmans curve, Owl rock and Laguna. Another short piece of the old highway is at the NM -Texas border at San Jon.

[@rustypugh123]

LOVE LOVE LOVE❤ this. One of my favorite sections of Route 66. I was just through there a couple of years ago. Thank you for doing these. Your videos are great.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thank you. Yeah, I think New Mexico and Arizona might be the two best Route 66 states.

[@rustypugh123]

@@SidetrackAdventures agreed

[@johnfake2739]

I've just discovered your channel. It is great! The best story telling via any medium comes from people with reverence for their subjects over and above promoting themselves, or getting off on being a KZbin celebrity, writer, film maker, whatever. You do a great job: simple, straight forward, well researched, fact oriented and put together in a way that leads your audience's interest along at just the right pace ... and its about the subject matter, not about you. Great work!

[@hobbyfarmer62]

How insane that the one fatality was a pedestrian involved accident in such a remote area

[@JD-wu3li]

Not so remote. About a mile west is the village of Laguna and 2 miles southeast is the village of Mesita , both on the Laguna Reservation. Back then it was not unusual for tribal members to walk from village to village. I do remember the moniker Dead Man’s Curve but never heard of any auto accidents occurring there. Traveled that stretch many times.

[@davidhorting1613]

Absolutely love the “Off the beaten path” locations and obscure history that will be soon lost if not brought back into the light. Great job and always look forward to the Route 66 information for trip planning. 👍

[@ELMS]

These videos are always a KZbin highlight of mine. Thanks Steve!

[@Opalsdad]

I super look forward to every video you put out!! I always enjoy watching your take on a location!

[@wwk68tig]

....tremendous post, Steve.......thanks for sharing.

[@RetroRobbin59]

Thanks Steve! Always looking forward to your videos

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thank you. I appreciate it.

[@sydneymartin952]

Awesome video thank you, you do amazing videos and I appreciate them all. I've been to many of the places you have been to when I was younger but now I can't travel so I live through your videos. Many bring back great memories and others I wish I had been able to go to. Again thank you for what you do

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thank you, I appreciate it.

[@dwight7651]

So many people are enjoying your videos...... Always nice to see a new one 😊

[@davidjames6879]

I amd constantly amazed and intrigued by the stories and roads you find. I don't klnow eactly you locate such lore, but keep on doing it!

[@gus473]

Thank you, Steve! Always was curious about both spots! 😎✌️

[@jacobgarland3257]

I just realized that although I've watched about thirty of your videos, I hadn't subscribed yet. Great content and research of your destinations. You go on some awesome adventures, Steve. Thank you for bringing us along.

[@VintageVermilion]

Love these videos! Thanks for all the effort and time you put into them.

[@roberthenry9319]

Marvelous, as always. Thank you.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thank you.

[@handy335]

Excellent video! Thank you!

[@lindagrimmett6564]

I look forward to you videos as well because I know nothing about the areas your videos are showing. Thank you Steve!

[@dennisgoodnight2029]

Another great video! Thanks Steve.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thank you.

[@blanton1624]

I just love these types of historical videos with a good story to go with it. Thanks for another great video, Steve. 👍

[@thesarge4457]

Enjoyed today's video. Thank You Sir. THE SARGE

[@jbcope1000]

Great video! I always wonder about places like this. You give the real history. Very interesting.

[@Kevinville44]

It’s like watching a documentary with a perfect voice over and nice cinematic shots. Make ‘‘em a bit longer please..didn’t know Route 66 is so fascinating 😮

[@sjs1965442]

Thanks Steve - fascinating story.

[@PacoOtis]

Excellently presented and thanks for sharing.

[@deboraharmstrong5851]

I absolutely enjoy your channel I really look forward to it every week

[@LaVaqueraMarin]

GREAT! KEEP IT COMING!!!!!

[@allan9603]

Excellent narration Steve! Just joined and look for more adventures.

[@j.b.a.124]

Thank you for taking us along. Been on I-40 many times since the 1970s but never on the original Hwy 66. Greetings from Florida.

[@scottstoddard4996]

Your videos are steadily getting better. Good job!!

[@Bsizzle92]

I love your videos. Thank you for upload. Safe travels 🙏

[@brandonexploredthis]

I love all the details you put into your videos man! I want to go here soon too!

[@Jackg1949]

I love your videos Steve, they are interesting, well informed and your articulate and soothing voice does my PTSD well for this old vet….thanks again, Jack

[@kplante7881]

Really good. Thanks for sharing…!

[@SidetrackAdventures]

My pleasure!

[@jaydee3046]

The road from Barstow CA to Ft Irwin had a curve named Deadmans. The road was realigned and bypassed the curve decades ago. One of my relatives passed away around 16 years ago, and we found a skull and crossbones sign from the curve in his stuff. I donated it to the Ft Irwin museum.

[@RagDraggo]

Speaking of that road from Barstow CA to Ft. Irwin,,, I believe that stretch of road (that use to be known as Deadmans curve) is now call "The JackHammer". From Oct, 2010 to June, 2012 I was stationed as a civilian DoD contracted worker at Ft. Irwin. I lived in Barstow CA at the time,, and as I commutted,, I did that drive EVERY day. Was part of a van pool. I always looked forward to climbing UP it in the late afternoon (going home) cause that was the sign we were getting close to Barstow. I wasn't living/(working) there at the time but I remember one cold Wintry afternoon (February, 2009) a snow blizzard blew through,, just North of Barstow. It made the Jackhammer stretch of road UNpassable. Lots of workers (Military and Civilian) were stranded there at Fort Irwin overnight,, and couldn't get home to Barstow (or Victorville,, wherever they lived).

[@charkswitlazers]

That stretch of US66 with Deadman’s Curve… I took that road once a couple years ago in my semi when 40 was shut down. I recognized it instantly. It was a bit tight. Never knew the history behind it. Thanks!

[@franciscoflores7911]

Thanks for providing informative and interesting lunch time viewing videos.

[@paulsmodels]

Loved the tour! Thanks!

[@stanleybridge]

Thanks, Steve!

[@markbowles2382]

Thank you mr. Steve, really enjoy your blast from the past down route 66 as well as your other adventures out that way in the desolate west - hailing to you from NE Fla. Take care and watch out on the roads for that subtle icing over.

[@ivanpulido390]

i love watching these kinds of videos!!

[@user-ty4ob8vu9s]

Great job on the Video....I like how much time you put in Researching....Thanks...............JB.

[@dorothylewis1207]

Love the way you present these trips 👍💕

[@wheressteve]

I really enjoy seeing the places and hearing the stories of places I will never get to visit. Thank you !

[@elgreco50]

Really enjoy your videos and how well researched they are. As a dyed-in-the-wool desert rate, I appreciate seeing all these great sites and your insightful narration.

[@planetbell1]

Great videos. They are very informative, and you do a great job with the cinematography.

[@RetroRobbin59]

Coffee and Misadventures!

[@TLBF]

Another great video!

[@wschart]

In 1967 I was a student at UNM in Albuquerque. I don’t remember this incident, although I’m sure it was in the news. When I started in fall of 1964, the interstate only ran from Carlisle out to Tijeras Canyon. Not sure when it was extended to the west.

[@excursion_point]

Dear Steve waiting for your vlog each day to know new tales and journeys, yes becoming indeed exploring with your vlog. Love from Middle East

[@minichols5472]

Another great one. Love the story!

[@MarcinNorbert]

Thank you! Nice video again!

[@Jbennyho]

Interesting, and tragic. Thank you.

[@davidabbott7270]

Thanks Steve for this great information

[@user-yu2wo2uj3z]

I went from Amarillo, Texas to Sill OK December, 8th. 1952 the day I was inducted into the army was that route 66 I feel like it was.

[@m.b.88]

Great video, well done!

[@daveharris2884]

I really appreciate these videos each week. I know it sounds kind of sad, but it is the only thing that keeps me going.

[@kipmarsh1305]

Great video, thanks😊

[@bulldogstrut1]

That is quite a story. Thanks for sharing.

[@RukiDance]

Great vids!

[@rogerjohnston9545]

Always interesting, thank you.

[@impalaman4546]

Great video thanks for sharing

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thank you.

[@edstallard4931]

I've driven by Budville numerous times on I-40, but never knew this amazing history. Thanks for sharing Steve.

[@curtholloway7627]

I just subscribed after watching a few of your videos. Great content and soundtracks. Thank for all of the history you've shown. Keep up the hard work, you are appreciated!

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thank you, I appreciate it.

[@Sgt9Rock]

Sad stories but thanks for sharing!

[@rtalways]

Love the road video

[@chipsatterly4902]

Great story!! Always interesting to hear The Truth about the "stories." Thanks!!

[@tracyphillips3325]

Great video. Wonderful channel.

[@WatermarquePaul]

Fascinating video, great job 👏

[@ChollaJJ]

Steve, you do a great job on these interesting places you visit…..and show and tell . Thanks 👍🤠

[@semiproactive9625]

Thanks Steve. I've learned to get my work done first, then sit down and watch this weeks production. Happy Humpday.

[@thomasmcdaniel6264]

I got a teaching job in Las Vegas from 86 until 89. I drove from Kansas City to Las Vegas and I was able to drive about 60 Mi of old Route 66 through Seligman. A wonderful step back in time❤

[@williamwilliam728]

Bloodvile seems cursed. Deadman's curve looks awesome from the drone view. Fantastic topography. Great historic video Steve.

[@leonajameson8902]

Thanks Steve. Good video

[@kennycraven2648]

Great stories. Thank you.

[@rica967]

Thanks for the historical adventure!

[@user-bn1wj3lk5g]

Love your content bro.

[@stefanschneider3681]

Thanks for your careful research and introduction to forgotten stories, even when they are sometimes on the more bloody side 😱

[@steveludwig4200]

Really cool and gruesome story I had not heard.....and I drove by there just last week! Thanks Steve ....from Steve....

[@johnspanjers2750]

Great video!

[@firevike2420]

Great video, and the odd history, while kinda creepy, makes it more intriguing!

[@nancysimpson4246]

Thank you for this video. It really takes me back. I used to travel a lot from California to Arizona with my grandparents. Awesome video thank you.

[@markhiller5037]

Thank you Steve for showing the history of the southwest on these adventures. My work took me out to that area several times but that was it just work. Your videos have me wanting to visit because I'm getting ready to travel again.

[@jeffpalmer5502]

Interesting vid, thanks!

[@Stranglewood]

Great video, as always. I'd heard the story of the original murders before, but didn't know about the second shooting. Thems was violent times, in New Mexicy.

[@toddbraddock236]

Greta video!!! Thanks for sharing!