Deadman’s Curve, Towanda

This Route 66 landmark is a notorious piece of travel history. Built in 1927, this narrow, sharp turn has caught countless motorists by surprise, earning its ominous name as cars and trucks struggled to slow down in time. The two-way road was only 16 feet wide. You can drive down the curve (slowly!) and experience it for yourself.

Dead Man’s Curve traffic dropped dramatically with the construction of the 1956 alignment, which is now the site of the Towanda Route 66 Parkway and frontage road, and the building of Interstate 55 through the area between 1972 and 1977.

Today, the preserved curve and historic markers offer a reminder of the perils of early highway travel.