The Bankhead started in Washington D.C. and made its way through 13 different states before reaching its intended destination of San Diego, California, which is an almost three-and-a-half thousand mile journey, with many different routes along the way. It was renamed Highway 80 and then Highway 180 in most of Texas.

     Abilene and Palo Pinto are the only cities on the Bankhead where a two-loop split occurs. Both loops occur within the Texas Forts Trail region.