Route 66

Route 66 is one of the most iconic roads in the United States, stretching from Chicago, Illinois to Santa Monica, California, and passing through the states of Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. The road was established on November 11, 1926, and was a major route for those heading west, particularly during the Dust Bowl and the post-World War II period, with many people stopping at famous landmarks like the Cadillac Ranch and the Blue Whale. It was also a popular route for musicians, including Chuck Berry, who wrote a song about the road, and Nat King Cole, who sang about Get Your Kicks On the road. The road was decommissioned on June 27, 1985, but it remains a popular tourist destination, with many visitors stopping at the Petrified Forest National Park and the Grand Canyon.

● History of

Route 66 The history of the road dates back to the early 20th century, when the Federal Highway Administration began planning a network of roads to connect the country. The road was officially established on November 11, 1926, and was originally called the Main Street of America. It was designed to connect the Great Lakes region to the West Coast, passing through the states of Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. The road was a major route for those heading west, particularly during the Dust Bowl and the post-World War II period, with many people stopping at famous landmarks like the Gateway Arch and the Albuquerque BioPark. The road was also a popular route for musicians, including Bob Dylan, who sang about the road in his song Highway 61 Revisited, and The Rolling Stones, who sang about the road in their song Route 66.

● Route Description

The road spans over 2,400 miles, passing through a diverse range of landscapes, including the Great Plains, the Rocky Mountains, and the Mojave Desert. The road begins in Chicago, Illinois, and passes through the states of Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona, before ending in Santa Monica, California. Along the way, the road passes through many famous cities, including St. Louis, Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Amarillo, Albuquerque, and Flagstaff. The road also passes through many national parks and monuments, including the Petrified Forest National Park, the Grand Canyon, and the Monument Valley. The road was a major route for those heading west, particularly during the Dust Bowl and the post-World War II period, with many people stopping at famous landmarks like the Cadillac Ranch and the Blue Whale, and visiting famous events like the Indianapolis 500 and the Rose Bowl.

● Points of Interest

There are many points of interest along the road, including the Cadillac Ranch, the Blue Whale, and the Petrified Forest National Park. The road also passes through many famous cities, including St. Louis, Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Amarillo, Albuquerque, and Flagstaff. Many of these cities have their own unique attractions, such as the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, the Philbrook Museum of Art in Tulsa, and the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science in Albuquerque. The road also passes through many national parks and monuments, including the Grand Canyon, the Monument Valley, and the Carlsbad Caverns National Park. Visitors can also stop at famous restaurants, like the Dell Rhea's Chicken Basket and the Big Texan Steak Ranch, and attend famous events like the Route 66 Fun Run and the Turquoise Trail.

● Cultural Significance

The road has had a significant impact on American culture, particularly in the fields of music, film, and literature. Many musicians, including Chuck Berry, Nat King Cole, and Bob Dylan, have written songs about the road. The road has also been featured in many films, including Easy Rider, Thelma and Louise, and Forrest Gump. The road has also been the subject of many books, including The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck and On the Road by Jack Kerouac. The road has also been recognized as a historic landmark, with many sections of the road being listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The road has also been designated as a National Scenic Byway, and has been recognized by the National Park Service as a historic route.

● Decline and Preservation

The road began to decline in the 1950s and 1960s, as the construction of the Interstate Highway System drew traffic away from the road. The road was officially decommissioned on June 27, 1985, but many sections of the road have been preserved and restored. The Route 66 Association was established in 1987 to promote the preservation and restoration of the road, and many states have established their own Route 66 associations to promote the road. The road has also been recognized as a historic landmark, with many sections of the road being listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The road has also been designated as a National Scenic Byway, and has been recognized by the National Park Service as a historic route. Many famous people, including Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton, have supported the preservation of the road.

● Route 66 Today

Today, the road is a popular tourist destination, with many visitors stopping at famous landmarks like the Cadillac Ranch and the Blue Whale. The road has also been recognized as a historic landmark, with many sections of the road being listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The road has also been designated as a National Scenic Byway, and has been recognized by the National Park Service as a historic route. Many states have established their own Route 66 associations to promote the road, and many events are held along the road, including the Route 66 Fun Run and the Turquoise Trail. Visitors can also stop at famous restaurants, like the Dell Rhea's Chicken Basket and the Big Texan Steak Ranch, and attend famous events like the Indianapolis 500 and the Rose Bowl. The road remains a popular destination for those interested in American history, music, and film, with many famous landmarks and attractions, including the Grand Ole Opry, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, and the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Category:United States highways