Moriarty was established back in 1887 and was named for Michael Moriarty, one of the original homesteaders. It was a farming community then and is a farming community today. And it was once home to one of the most impressive Route 66 complexes ever, the Longhorn Ranch Motel. At its peak, the Longhorn included a motel, restaurant, museum, garage, gas station and souvenir shop. Unfortunately, nothing much remains of the Longhorn Ranch.

An old postcard of the Longhorn Ranch Motel, "air-cooled by nature...sleep under cover every night...tiled floors...tub and shower...tiled baths...steam heat."