E.T Highway

Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

The reports of UFO sightings were so common in Rachel that in April of 1996, the Nevada Transportation Department decided to prove that they had a sense of humor by designating Highway 375 as Extraterrestrial Highway. The E.T. Highway unveiling ceremony was heavily hyped and was paired with 20th Century Fox's release of the hit movie "Independence Day", the big-budget sci-fi drama with scenes depicted in Area 51. However, for obvious reasons, the movie was not filmed at Area 51, but areas in Utah and California made to look like the base. The following description of the event was taken from the Las Vegas Leisure Guide and Resource Directory website.

20th Century Fox, in a special ceremony the night before the dedication, donated one of the introduction models of an alien spacecraft used in the movie and autographed movie posters to the Las Vegas Planet Hollywood. The ceremony itself was loaded with tongue-in-cheek commentary and celebration making for a quite enjoyable afternoon. Governor Miller and Lt. Governor Lonnie Hammargren expressed their hopes that if extraterrestrials do venture to earth, that they'll come to the most visited tourist spot first (Las Vegas) and wanted them to be assured that their cash, traveler's checks and intergalactic plastic will be accepted at every casino in Las Vegas.

Courtesy of Dreamland Resort

The ceremony was attended by state dignitaries and movie stars alike. All attendees watched as the new official highway sign as well as a blue E.T. time capsule with stone monument were unveiled. Many items were donated to the capsule from the famous guests, including previews and props from the upcoming movie, models of stealth bombers and books of art and culture.