Route 66 is 100 years old!

Introduction to Route 66 – The Legendary American Roadway

Route 66, officially commissioned on November 11, 1926, remains one of the most iconic and culturally significant highways in the United States. Spanning 2,448 miles (3,940 km) across eight states and three time zones, the highway connected Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California, serving as a vital conduit for migration, commerce, and cultural expression throughout the 20th century.

Key Facts and Historical Milestones

• Length at inception: 2,448 miles

• States crossed: Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, California

• Time zones: Central, Mountain, Pacific

• Nicknames: “Mother Road” (Steinbeck, The Grapes of Wrath, 1939), “Will Rogers Highway” (dedicated 1952), “Main Street of America”

• Decommissioned: June 27, 1985, due to the completion of the Interstate Highway System

Origins and Development

Planning and Paving (1900s–1938)

Route 66 was conceived by Cyrus Avery of Tulsa and John Woodruff of Springfield, who lobbied for a transcontinental road that would benefit rural communities. The route was originally intended to be US 60, but political compromises led to its final designation as U.S. Route 66.

• Official commissioning: November 11, 1926

• Initial paved mileage: Only 800 miles

• Completion of full paving: June 29, 1938 – first coast-to-coast all-weather highway

Dust Bowl Migration and WWII Usage (1930s–1940s)

Route 66 served as a lifeline during the Dust Bowl, facilitating the migration of over 200,000 displaced families to California. It was also a crucial corridor for moving wartime supplies and troops during World War II.

Post-War Expansion and Cultural Boom (1945–1956)

After the war, Route 66 became a symbol of freedom and middle-class prosperity. The rise of car culture gave birth to classic roadside attractions:

• Cadillac Ranch (Amarillo, Texas)

• Wigwam Village Motels

• Neon-lit diners and gas stations

Its place in American pop culture was cemented through works such as:

• The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck

• Bobby Troup’s song “(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66” (1946)

• CBS TV series Route 66 (1960–1964)

Decline and Decommissioning (1956–1985)

The Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956 introduced the Interstate Highway System, which gradually replaced long segments of Route 66:

• I-55, I-44, I-40, I-15, and I-10 absorbed much of the original path

• The final bypass: Williams, Arizona, on October 13, 1984

• Decommissioned: June 27, 1985

• Physical remnants: Approximately 85% of the original alignment remains accessible as state highways or frontage roads

Preservation and Economic Impact (1987–Present)

Efforts to preserve the legacy of Route 66 began with local initiatives such as the Arizona Route 66 Association (1987) and culminated in federal action:

• Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program (est. 1999)

• $10 million in federal matching grants distributed

• Economic impact:

  • $132 million in annual direct tourism revenue

  • $262 million total national economic output

  • 1,741 jobs supported directly

Planning Your Route 66 Journey

Mileage by State

Best Travel Times

• Ideal months: June and September – balanced temperatures and fewer crowds

• Avoid: January–March – potential snow in high-altitude areas

• Heat risks: July–August in the Mojave Desert can exceed 40°C (104°F)

Itinerary Suggestions

• Minimum time: 10–14 days

• Optimal pace: 14–21 days with side trips (e.g., Grand Canyon, Petrified Forest, Santa Fe Loop)

• Daily mileage goal: 150–250 miles for a balanced experience

Navigation Tools

• Use the Route 66 Navigation App or custom GPX files

• Avoid highways toggle on Google Maps

• Carry paper road atlases in case of signal loss

Essential Route 66 Landmarks (East to West)

Must-Visit Route 66 Museums

• Oklahoma Route 66 Museum (Clinton, OK): Features a replica 1950s diner

• Arizona Route 66 Museum (Kingman, AZ): Focuses on early trade routes and migrants

• California Route 66 Museum (Victorville, CA): Interactive exhibits and memorabilia

• Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame (Pontiac, IL): Showcases artist Bob Waldmire’s iconic VW bus

Route 66 Centennial: What to Expect in 2026

The Federal Route 66 Centennial Commission, established in 2022, is coordinating nationwide celebrations. Highlights include:

• Illinois: Full-year heritage trail and community events

• Arizona: Beautification projects and grant-funded preservation initiatives

• National Relay Drive: A nine-day ceremonial cruise from Santa Monica to Chicago, beginning January 3, 2026

• Tourism surge expected: Book motels and guided tours as early as possible—many are already full for 2025

Traveler’s Checklist

• Lodging: Reserve historic motels like Blue Swallow (Tucumcari, NM) 6+ months in advance

• Fuel planning: Approx. 2,500 miles = 100 gallons (380 L)

• Supplies: Carry water, spare tire, and emergency repair kit

• Respect the land: Avoid trespassing on private ranch land near ghost towns

• Support locals: Buy from family-owned businesses and museums

Cultural and Economic Legacy

Route 66’s cultural impact spans:

• 1,500+ songs, including the famous “Route 66” track

• 150+ movies and TV shows

• Thousands of novels, postcards, and travel logs

• Today, the highway generates:

  • $127 million in GDP

  • 2,401 jobs nationwide (direct + indirect)

  • $37.2 million in tax revenues

Conclusion

Route 66 stands as a monument to American resilience, ingenuity, and wanderlust. With nearly a century of stories woven into its asphalt, the Mother Road continues to inspire millions. As 2026 approaches, this centennial is not merely a commemoration—it’s a call to experience, protect, and cherish an irreplaceable piece of living history.