U.S. Route 66

U.S. Route 66
source
Country	USA
Type	US
Route	66
Length mi	2448
Length km	3939
Established	1926
Decommissioned	1985
Direction a	East
Terminus a	Chicago
Direction b	West
Terminus b	Santa Monica
States	Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, California

U.S. Route 66. Known as the "Main Street of America" or the "Mother Road," this iconic highway served as a primary east-west artery from the Midwest to the Pacific Coast. Commissioned in 1926, it connected Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California, traversing eight states and approximately 2,448 miles. Its path facilitated westward migration, shaped 20th-century American travel, and became an enduring symbol in popular culture.

History

The route was officially established on November 11, 1926, as part of the initial U.S. Highway System, largely incorporating existing segments like the National Old Trails Road. Promoted by entrepreneur Cyrus Avery of Tulsa, its diagonal course provided a critical link between Chicago and Los Angeles. During the 1930s, it gained notoriety as a primary corridor for families fleeing the Dust Bowl, a migration powerfully depicted in John Steinbeck's novel The Grapes of Wrath, where he coined the term "Mother Road." The economic boost of World War II and subsequent postwar prosperity saw the highway become a major thoroughfare for tourists and automobile traffic, lined with distinctive motels, diners, and roadside attractions.

Route description

Beginning at the intersection of Jackson Boulevard and Michigan Avenue in downtown Chicago, the route angled southwest through the agricultural plains of Illinois and Missouri, passing through Springfield and St. Louis. It cut a small section of southeastern Kansas before crossing Oklahoma, where it passed through Oklahoma City and the city of Amarillo in the Texas Panhandle. The road continued across the rugged landscapes of New Mexico, notably through Albuquerque and Gallup. In Arizona, it passed near the Grand Canyon and through the towns of Flagstaff and Kingman before crossing the Mojave Desert into California. Its western terminus was originally at Olympic Boulevard in Santa Monica, though signage often directed travelers to the Santa Monica Pier.

Cultural significance

Beyond its transportation role, the highway became a profound cultural icon, immortalized in literature, music, and television. Bobby Troup's song "(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66" was popularized by artists like Nat King Cole and Chuck Berry. The 1960s television series Route 66, featuring a Chevrolet Corvette, further cemented its image of freedom and adventure. The road inspired the Disney-Pixar film Cars and is celebrated in the works of authors like Jack Kerouac. Its unique roadside architecture, including the Wigwam Motel chain and the Cadillac Ranch art installation, became symbols of American kitsch and ingenuity.

Decline and decommissioning

The highway's decline began with the passage of the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956, which authorized the construction of the modern Interstate Highway System. Faster, safer limited-access interstates like I-40, I-44, and I-55 gradually replaced segments, bypassing the small towns that depended on the road's traffic. By the 1970s, most of the original alignment had been superseded. The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials officially decommissioned U.S. Route 66 on June 27, 1985, after the final bypassed segment in Arizona was replaced by Interstate 40.

Preservation and revival

Following decommissioning, dedicated preservation efforts emerged. The National Park Service established the Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program to provide technical and financial assistance for conserving historic sites. Organizations like the National Historic Route 66 Federation and the Route 66 Alliance promote its legacy. Many states have designated surviving alignments as "Historic Route 66" or as National Scenic Byways. Annual events like the Route 66 International Festival and the Route 66 Rendezvous in San Bernardino draw thousands of enthusiasts. In 2023, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced the designation of a new U.S. Bicycle Route 66 to further celebrate its enduring appeal.

Category:U.S. Highways Category:Transportation in the United States Category:Historic trails and roads in the United States