HISTORY BUZZ: U.S. Route 81 (US 81) is a major north-south highway in the central United States, stretching approximately 1,220 miles from Fort Worth, Texas, to the U.S.-Canada border near Pembina, North Dakota. Established in 1926, it largely follows the path of the historic Chisholm Trail, a cattle-driving route used in the 19th century.
In Texas, US 81 begins in Fort Worth and runs parallel to Interstate 35W, serving as a local route through cities like Decatur and Bowie before entering Oklahoma.
In Oklahoma, US 81 continues northward, intersecting several major highways and passing through towns like Duncan, Chickasha, and Enid. It crosses into Kansas near Caldwell.
In Kansas, the highway runs through Wichita and Salina, often overlapping with Interstate 135. It serves as a key route for regional traffic, connecting agricultural and industrial areas.
US 81 historically served as a major north-south route before the construction of Interstate 35 and Interstate 29. While much of its traffic has shifted to these interstates, US 81 remains a vital corridor for local travel, agricultural transport, and access to smaller communities along its path.
These used to be everywhere. Back when I was a kid, there was one in front of the bowling alley and it had a large sign, no one under 16 allowed. My buddy and I were 12. We each came flying up one at a time, put in a quarter, and took off. We went to river and I smoked 3 and coughed and said why would anyone like that. I threw mine in the river, and have not smoked since. The only real fun was using a forbidden vending machine.