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Tucked along the historic stretch of Route 66 in Galena, Kansas, a towering figure rises above Main Street. Standing 22 feet tall in a Texaco uniform, wrench in hand, “Big A, the Texaco Giant” greets travelers with a mix of nostalgia and whimsy. Equal parts roadside Americana and local storytelling, this fiberglass giant is no ordinary Muffler Man — he bears the likeness of Gearhead Curios’ owner, Aaron Perry.
Installed in September 2024, Big A is already a landmark in his own right, drawing visitors to one of the most photogenic stops along Kansas’s short but vibrant section of the Mother Road. For travel photographers, he’s more than a quirky roadside statue — he’s a reminder of Route 66’s enduring power to reinvent itself.
From Advertising Icon to Local Legend
Muffler Men first appeared in the 1960s, mass-produced fiberglass giants designed to catch the eye of motorists and advertise everything from tires to donuts. With their chiseled jaws, stiff poses, and interchangeable props, they became icons of mid-century roadside marketing.
Big A takes that familiar formula and adds a personal twist. Instead of a generic face, he features Perry’s own likeness — complete with white goatee and friendly expression — making him both a tribute to the Muffler Man tradition and a deeply personal landmark for Galena. His Texaco uniform nods to the heyday of American service stations, while the oversized wrench adds a playful touch, anchoring him firmly in the automotive culture of Route 66.
A Story Worth Telling — and Photographing
For photographers, Big A offers a rich mix of texture, color, and Americana. The gleaming white-and-red Texaco uniform pops against Kansas skies, while the statue’s sheer size makes for dramatic wide-angle shots from below. Late afternoon light casts warm tones across Main Street, ideal for golden-hour compositions.
Look for creative angles: frame Big A against vintage cars often parked at Gearhead Curios, or use Route 66 signage in the foreground to tell a broader story. Close-ups of his detailed face — especially the goatee and strong features — highlight the craftsmanship that sets him apart from traditional Muffler Men.
Beyond the Giant: Visual Treasures in Galena
Big A is just one reason photographers and travelers stop in Galena. Gearhead Curios itself is a destination — a lovingly restored filling station filled with retro décor, Route 66 memorabilia, and classic cars. Just down the road, you’ll find the famous “Cars on the Route” attraction, home to the tow truck that inspired Pixar’s Mater. The small town’s murals, historic brick buildings, and roadside oddities make Galena a compact but rewarding stop for storytellers behind the lens.
Preserving Culture, Celebrating Community
In giving Galena its own Muffler Man, Perry has added to the rich tapestry of Route 66 attractions that continue to draw visitors from around the world. Big A isn’t just fiberglass — he’s community pride made larger than life. By blending personal identity with a roadside classic, Galena reinforces its role as a must-see stop for anyone chasing the spirit of America’s most legendary highway.
Plan Your Visit
Location: Gearhead Curios, 520 Main Street, Galena, KS 66739
Best Time for Photos: Late afternoon for warm light; mornings for soft skies and fewer crowds.
Admission: Free (store and grounds open to visitors).
Nearby: Cars on the Route, Galena murals, and other small-town Route 66 attractions.
Have you photographed Big A on your Route 66 journey? Share your shots with us — this Texaco giant has quickly become one of the Mother Road’s newest icons, and we’d love to see how you’ve captured him.
