Route 66, often dubbed the "Main Street of America" or "The Mother Road," is one of the most legendary highways in the United States. Established on November 11, 1926, as part of the original U.S. Highway system, it originally spanned approximately 2,448 miles from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California. The route was a vital artery for migrants during the Dust Bowl era of the 1930s, popularized in John Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath, and later became a symbol of post-World War II freedom and adventure through songs like Nat King Cole's "(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66" and the 1960s TV show. Officially decommissioned in 1985 due to the interstate highway system, much of the original path is now preserved as Historic Route 66, blending drivable sections with alignments that follow modern roads like I-40. It traverses eight states—Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California—offering a cross-section of American landscapes, from urban skylines and rolling prairies to arid deserts and mountain passes. This route is ideal for history enthusiasts, road trip aficionados, and those seeking nostalgic Americana, with its vintage diners, quirky roadside attractions, and diverse cultural heritage.
Ancient Roots and Early Origins (Pre-1926)
The story of Route 66
begins long before its official designation, rooted in millennia-old
paths. Native American trails, used for trade and migration, formed the
foundation in many sections, such as those paralleling the Santa Fe
Trail in the Southwest. European settlers expanded these into colonial
wagon roads, like the Fort Smith Wagon Road from Arkansas to Santa Fe,
which followed animal paths and early railways for stable terrain. By
the early 20th century, the rise of automobiles demanded better
infrastructure. Cyrus Avery, a Tulsa businessman known as the "Father of
Route 66," championed a national highway system to connect the Midwest
to the West, initially proposing it as U.S. Route 60. Political
disputes, particularly from Kentucky over numbering, led to its
renumbering as 66 in 1925. Avery's vision aligned the route along the
35th parallel to avoid extreme weather, making it an all-season path.
These early alignments cobbled together local, state, and national
roads, reflecting the fragmented nature of pre-federal highway systems.
Establishment and Construction (1926–1938)
On November 11, 1926,
Route 66 was officially commissioned as part of the U.S. Bureau of
Public Roads' new federal highway network, linking Chicago to Los
Angeles (later extended to Santa Monica). Promoted by the U.S. 66
Highway Association as "the shortest, best, and most scenic route," it
initially served farm-to-market needs on often unpaved, rugged roads.
Construction progressed in segments, with full paving completed in 1938,
making it the first entirely paved U.S. highway. The Great Depression
accelerated improvements through New Deal programs like the Civilian
Conservation Corps (CCC) and Works Progress Administration (WPA), where
laborers built bridges, culverts, and alignments from 1933 onward. Early
traffic was modest, but the route's promotion spurred roadside
businesses, including gas stations and diners, fostering economic growth
in rural areas.
The Dust Bowl Era and Migration (1930s)
The
1930s marked Route 66's transformation into a lifeline during the Dust
Bowl, a period of severe drought and soil erosion in the Great Plains.
Thousands of farmers, dubbed "Okies," migrated west along the highway
seeking jobs in California, as immortalized in John Steinbeck's 1939
novel The Grapes of Wrath, where he coined the term "Mother Road." This
era saw Route 66 support desperate travelers with low-cost roadside
services, paradoxically boosting local economies amid national hardship.
The route's role in mass migration highlighted social inequalities and
spurred federal relief efforts. Despite challenges like overloaded
trucks damaging the road, it became a symbol of resilience and hope.
World War II and Post-War Boom (1940s–1950s)
During World War II
(1941–1945), civilian travel declined, but Route 66 became crucial for
military logistics, transporting munitions, materials, and personnel
from Midwest factories to West Coast ports. War-related job migrations
filled motels with defense workers and families. Post-war, the route
entered its golden age, fueled by economic prosperity, unionization, and
rising car ownership (from 25.8 million in 1945 to 52.1 million in
1955). Americans embraced leisure travel, flocking to attractions like
the Grand Canyon and Disneyland. Roadside culture flourished with
neon-lit diners, quirky attractions (e.g., wigwam motels), and
independent businesses. Cultural touchstones included Bobby Troup's 1946
song "(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66," popularized by Nat King Cole, and
the 1960s TV series Route 66, which portrayed it as a path of adventure
and self-discovery.
Decline and Decommissioning (1950s–1985)
The seeds of decline were sown in 1956 with President Dwight D.
Eisenhower's Federal-Aid Highway Act, inspired by his WWII experiences
with the German Autobahn. This created the Interstate Highway System,
emphasizing speed and efficiency over scenic meandering. Route 66 was
gradually replaced by interstates: I-55 (Chicago to St. Louis), I-44
(St. Louis to Oklahoma City), I-40 (Oklahoma City to Barstow, CA), I-15,
and I-10. Bypasses straightened the path, diverting traffic from towns
and leading to business closures. Overcrowding on the old two-lane road
exacerbated the shift. The final segment in Williams, Arizona, was
bypassed in 1984 amid local protests, and Route 66 was officially
decommissioned on June 26, 1985, as it no longer met modern standards.
This marked the end of an era, with economic consolidation favoring
chain brands over independents.
Revival and Preservation
(1985–Present)
Decommissioning sparked a nostalgia-driven revival.
Preservation groups, including state associations, advocated for
historic signage and scenic byway designations. In 1990, Congress passed
the Route 66 Study Act, leading to the National Park Service's Route 66
Corridor Preservation Program in 1999 (via Public Law 106-45), providing
grants for restoring buildings and promoting tourism. The World
Monuments Fund listed it as endangered in 2008, partnering on economic
studies, while the National Trust for Historic Preservation deemed it a
"National Treasure." Today, much of the original alignment is drivable
as Historic Route 66, attracting international tourists seeking its
retro charm. Efforts continue through organizations like the Route 66
Road Ahead Partnership, ensuring its legacy endures.
Cultural
Impact and Legacy
Route 66's influence permeates American popular
culture, from Steinbeck's novel to songs, films, and TV shows that
romanticize the open road. It represents mobility, opportunity, and the
American Dream, while also highlighting themes of displacement and
change. Economically, it revitalized rural communities and now sustains
heritage tourism. As a preserved corridor, it connects past and present,
offering lessons in adaptation amid progress.
A complete trip usually spans 2-3 weeks at a relaxed speed, aiming
for 200-300 miles daily. Below is a state-by-state summary of essential
segments, terrains, and highlights:
Illinois (Approx. 300 miles):
Features urban areas transitioning to rural prairies. Key towns/cities
include Chicago, Springfield, and Pontiac. Notable attractions: Start at
the official sign on Adams Street in Chicago; Chain of Rocks Bridge;
Abraham Lincoln-related sites in Springfield; Pontiac Route 66 Hall of
Fame Museum.
Missouri (Approx. 300 miles): Includes rolling hills and
the Ozark Mountains. Key towns/cities: St. Louis, Rolla, and
Springfield. Notable attractions: Gateway Arch in St. Louis; Meramec
Caverns; Route 66 State Park; historic motels in Cuba.
Kansas
(Approx. 13 miles, the shortest segment): Consists of flat plains. Key
towns/cities: Galena. Notable attractions: Brief but charming stretch;
Kan-O-Tex Service Station (which inspired the town in Pixar's Cars).
Oklahoma (Approx. 400 miles): Ranges from prairies to red dirt hills.
Key towns/cities: Tulsa, Oklahoma City, and Clinton. Notable
attractions: Tulsa's Art Deco architecture; Oklahoma City Stockyards;
Route 66 Museum in Clinton; Pops Soda Ranch offering over 700 soda
varieties.
Texas (Approx. 180 miles): Covers Panhandle plains. Key
towns/cities: Amarillo and Shamrock. Notable attractions: Cadillac Ranch
(buried Cadillacs art installation); Big Texan Steak Ranch; U-Drop Inn
in Shamrock.
New Mexico (Approx. 400 miles): Encompasses high deserts
and mesas. Key towns/cities: Albuquerque, Gallup, and a detour to Santa
Fe. Notable attractions: Old Town Albuquerque; Petrified Forest detour;
Blue Hole in Santa Rosa; historic pueblos near Gallup.
Arizona
(Approx. 400 miles): Includes deserts, canyons, and forests. Key
towns/cities: Flagstaff, Williams, and Kingman. Notable attractions:
Grand Canyon detour; Meteor Crater; Seligman (another Cars inspiration);
Oatman with wild burros; Painted Desert.
California (Approx. 315
miles): Spans Mojave Desert to coastal beaches. Key towns/cities:
Barstow, San Bernardino, and Santa Monica. Notable attractions: Amboy
Crater; Wigwam Motel in San Bernardino; End at Santa Monica Pier with
ocean views and an amusement park.
This overview is based on
detailed travel resources, illustrating the route's varied appeal from
the humid Midwest to the parched Southwest.
Route 66 brims with unique, essential stops that embody its spirit:
Cadillac Ranch (Amarillo, Texas): Installed in 1974 by the Ant Farm
art collective, this features 10 Cadillacs buried nose-down at the Great
Pyramid of Giza's angle. Guests can add spray paint, turning it into a
dynamic piece of art.
Grand Canyon Detour (Arizona): Though not on
the main path, a quick side trip from Flagstaff accesses this marvel,
with options for hiking, overlooks, and aerial tours.
Meramec Caverns
(Missouri): An expansive cave network once a Jesse James hideout,
offering guided explorations and subterranean boat excursions.
Pops
Soda Ranch (Arcadia, Oklahoma): A contemporary highlight with a 66-foot
LED-lit soda bottle sculpture, stocking thousands of distinctive sodas.
Santa Monica Pier (California): The final destination, boasting a Ferris
wheel, games, and the "End of the Trail" marker by the Pacific.
In addition to landmarks, savor regional foods such as chili in
Illinois, barbecue in Missouri, Tex-Mex in Texas, and seafood in
California. Immerse in cultures like Native American traditions in New
Mexico and Arizona, blues scenes in St. Louis, and various Route 66
museums along the way.
Best Time to Visit: Opt for spring (April-June) or fall
(September-November) for comfortable conditions; summers may exceed
100°F (38°C) in the Southwest, and winters can bring snow to elevated
areas.
Vehicle and Navigation: Consider renting a vintage car or
convertible for the true feel. Rely on apps like the "Route 66 Ultimate
Guide" or the EZ66 Guide for precise routing, since standard GPS favors
interstates.
Budget and Logistics: Plan for $200-300 daily on fuel,
meals, and accommodations (motels around $100/night). Refuel frequently
in isolated spots; pack water and provisions. Mostly two-lane highways,
so proceed with care.
Modern Considerations: Certain parts may be
bumpy or inaccessible; verify via state DOT sites. With centennial prep
in 2025, watch for improved markers and festivities.
Sustainability:
Patronize local spots to sustain rural areas; reduce litter at sites
like Cadillac Ranch.
Taking on Route 66 goes beyond mere
travel—it's an immersion in America's past, endurance, and exploratory
spirit, ideal for forging lasting recollections.