Route 66, known as the “Main Street of America” or the “Mother Road,” holds a special place in American history and culture. Spanning nearly 2,500 miles from Chicago to Los Angeles, this road became a symbol of freedom, adventure, and the open road. But how did Route 66 come to be, and why has it remained such an enduring cultural icon? This article explores the story behind Route 66, its creation, its rise and fall, and why travelers still seek it out today.
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The Vision and Creation of Route 66
The idea for Route 66 began in the 1920s, at a time when America’s road infrastructure was still developing. Businessman Cyrus Avery from Tulsa, Oklahoma, envisioned a cross-country highway that would link rural towns with major cities. Avery understood that improved roadways would boost local economies, make travel more accessible, and modernize the country’s transportation. His vision was to create a highway that would stretch diagonally from the Midwest to the West Coast, connecting smaller towns with larger urban areas and boosting commerce along the way.
In 1926, Avery’s vision became reality when Route 66 was designated as part of the new U.S. highway system. Construction was a monumental task, involving roadwork crews across eight states—Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California. The project took years to complete, as workers paved, graded, and expanded the route section by section. Finally, by the late 1930s, Route 66 was fully paved, making it one of the first continuous highways of its kind in America.
The Golden Years: Route 66’s Rise to Fame
By the 1940s and 1950s, Route 66 was thriving. The road was a lifeline for Americans, particularly during the Dust Bowl of the 1930s, when thousands of families migrated west in search of a better life. John Steinbeck famously referred to Route 66 as the “Mother Road” in his novel The Grapes of Wrath, capturing its role in helping Americans find hope in hard times.
Post-World War II, Route 66 became the ultimate symbol of freedom and exploration as car ownership soared and families began taking vacations on the open road. Roadside attractions, diners, motels, and gas stations sprang up along the route, each vying for the attention of travelers. Iconic stops like the Blue Whale of Catoosa, Oklahoma, and the Wigwam Motel in Holbrook, Arizona, drew tourists with their quirky charm. The road became a destination in itself, offering a unique glimpse into American life and culture.
The Pros and Cons of Route 66’s Popularity
Route 66’s popularity brought both positive and negative effects. On the positive side, it revitalized local economies, brought communities closer together, and fostered a spirit of adventure and connection across the nation. The small towns along the route benefited from increased tourism, and local businesses—particularly diners, motels, and service stations—flourished. The road represented a tangible link between Americans, no matter where they came from.
However, there were downsides too. The increased traffic led to congestion and wear on the road, and accidents became more common. Since Route 66 was initially a two-lane road without modern safety features, it lacked the capacity to handle the high volume of traffic safely. Additionally, as car culture grew, pollution became an increasing concern. Route 66 was eventually deemed insufficient for the demands of a growing nation.
The Decline of Route 66: Interstate Competition
In the 1950s, President Dwight D. Eisenhower championed the creation of the Interstate Highway System, inspired by the efficient road networks he had seen in Germany. The new interstates were faster, safer, and more direct, bypassing small towns and creating streamlined connections between major cities. By the 1970s, Route 66 was largely replaced by these new highways, which offered speed and convenience but often ignored the local communities Route 66 had supported.
In 1985, Route 66 was officially removed from the U.S. Highway System, marking the end of its heyday. Many businesses along the route closed as traffic shifted to the interstates, leaving once-bustling towns quiet and economically struggling. Parts of the road fell into disrepair, and Route 66 seemed destined to fade into history.
The Route 66 Revival: Preserving an American Icon
Despite its official “retirement,” Route 66’s story was far from over. A growing movement to preserve and celebrate the road emerged in the late 20th century. Enthusiasts, preservationists, and local communities recognized the historical and cultural value of Route 66 and sought to protect it. In 1990, Congress designated Route 66 as a National Scenic Byway, and organizations like the National Historic Route 66 Federation began working to promote and preserve it.
Today, Route 66 is more than just a road—it’s a living museum. Visitors can drive sections of the original route, stopping at historic landmarks and experiencing the nostalgia of mid-century America. Iconic roadside attractions, like the Cadillac Ranch in Texas and the restored gas stations and motels along the route, continue to draw travelers from around the world. Route 66 has also inspired countless books, films, and songs, adding to its legacy as a symbol of American freedom and adventure.
Why Route 66 Continues to Intrigue Travelers Today
What is it about Route 66 that keeps people coming back? Part of the allure lies in its history—it represents a bygone era when travel was slower, towns were close-knit, and the journey was as important as the destination. Route 66 offers a chance to experience the charm of small-town America, to meet locals, and to see a side of the country that often goes unnoticed in the age of interstates and airports.
Route 66 also embodies a spirit of adventure and independence. The road invites people to explore at their own pace, stopping wherever curiosity leads them. It’s a chance to disconnect from the fast-paced modern world and reconnect with a simpler, more personal experience of travel.
Route 66 Today: Challenges and Preservation Efforts
Despite its popularity, Route 66 faces ongoing challenges. Maintaining the old road and its historic sites requires funding and dedicated preservation efforts. Many sections of the route have fallen into disrepair, and some of the iconic landmarks are at risk due to age and lack of maintenance. Preservation groups and local governments work tirelessly to keep Route 66 alive, but it’s an ongoing struggle.
On the bright side, Route 66 has enjoyed a resurgence in popularity, particularly among international tourists fascinated by its history. Visitors from around the world come to experience this quintessentially American road, adding economic support for local communities and helping to sustain preservation efforts.
Conclusion: Route 66—More Than Just a Road
Route 66 remains an enduring symbol of the American spirit, a road that tells the story of a nation’s dreams, struggles, and transformations. From its origins as a means to connect rural and urban America to its current status as a historic highway, Route 66 has become more than just a stretch of pavement. It’s a journey through time, a place where travelers can explore the past, meet the present, and dream about the future.
Whether you’re drawn by the nostalgia, the history, or the adventure, Route 66 offers a unique travel experience that continues to capture the imagination. As long as there are people who value the journey over the destination, Route 66 will remain a treasured part of America’s landscape, a reminder of where we’ve been and where we’re headed.
To deepen your understanding of Route 66 consider the following books:
Route 66: The Mother Road 75th Anniversary Edition
Authored by Michael Wallis, this comprehensive guide delves into the history, culture, and enduring legacy of Route 66, offering readers a vivid portrayal of its significance.
Route 66 Adventure Handbook: Full-Throttle Sixth Edition
Drew Knowles provides an updated and expanded edition of this essential travel guide, featuring detailed maps, attractions, and historical insights for those exploring the Mother Road.
The Best Hits on Route 66: 100 Essential Stops on the Mother Road
Amy Bizzarri highlights must-see destinations along Route 66, offering readers a curated list of attractions that capture the essence of this iconic highway.
Route 66: The Highway and Its People
Susan Croce Kelly explores the human stories behind Route 66, providing a narrative that intertwines the road’s development with the lives of those who built and traveled it.
Route 66: Traveler’s Guide and Roadside Companion
Tom Snyder offers a practical guide for travelers, complete with maps, historical context, and recommendations for experiencing the best of Route 66. These resources provide valuable perspectives and information that can enhance your article on Route 66.