Route 66

Route 66, also known as U.S. Route 66 or the Mother Road, was one of the most famous highways in the United States. Established in 1926, it originally ran from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California, covering about 2,448 miles (3,940 km). It passed through eight states:

• Illinois
• Missouri
• Kansas
• Oklahoma
• Texas
• New Mexico
• Arizona
• California

Significance:

• Symbol of American Road Trips: Route 66 became iconic as one of the first major highways connecting the Midwest to the West Coast, symbolizing freedom, adventure, and the open road.
• Great Depression & Dust Bowl Migration: Many families used it to migrate westward, especially during the 1930s in search of work and better living conditions.
• Golden Age of Travel (1940s-1950s): It flourished with diners, motels, gas stations, and roadside attractions catering to travelers.
• Decline: With the rise of the Interstate Highway System in the 1950s and 1960s, Route 66 was gradually bypassed and officially decommissioned in 1985.

Legacy:

Though no longer an official highway, much of Route 66 still exists as a historic route. Many towns and businesses have preserved or restored sections of it, making it a nostalgic journey for road trip enthusiasts today.

Ever thought about driving parts of it? There are some incredible stops along the way!