U.S. Route 66

U.S. Route 66
source
Route	66
Length mi	2,448
Length km	3,940
Established	November 11, 1926
Decommissioned	June 27, 1985

U.S. Route 66 was established on November 11, 1926, and originally ran from Chicago, Illinois, to Los Angeles, California, covering a total distance of approximately 2,448 miles. The route was created to connect the Great Lakes region to the West Coast, passing through the Great Plains and the Southwest United States. It was a major route for those heading west, particularly during the Dust Bowl and the post-World War II period, with many travelers stopping at famous landmarks like the Cadillac Ranch and the Blue Whale. The route was also known for its connections to famous cities like St. Louis, Missouri, Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Albuquerque, New Mexico, as well as its proximity to notable events like the Route 66 Fun Run and the Route 66 International Festival.

● History

The history of U.S. Route 66 dates back to the early 20th century, when the U.S. Highway System was first established by the American Association of State Highway Officials (AASHO) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). The route was originally designed to connect the Great Lakes region to the West Coast, passing through the Great Plains and the Southwest United States, with notable stops in Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California. During the Great Depression, the route became a major path for those heading west in search of work and a better life, with many people stopping at famous landmarks like the Wigwam Motels and the Tepee Curios. The route was also used by the United States Army during World War II, with many soldiers traveling along the route to reach Los Angeles and other major cities like San Francisco, California, and San Diego, California. Notable figures like Bobby Troup, Nat King Cole, and Chuck Berry have all referenced the route in their music, with songs like (Get Your Kicks On) Route 66 and Route 66 (song).

● Route Description

The original route of U.S. Route 66 spanned approximately 2,448 miles, passing through eight states, including Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California. The route began in Chicago, Illinois, at an intersection with Jackson Boulevard and Michigan Avenue, and ended in Los Angeles, California, at an intersection with Santa Monica Boulevard and the Pacific Coast Highway. Along the way, the route passed through many notable cities, including St. Louis, Missouri, Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Albuquerque, New Mexico, as well as famous landmarks like the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, and the Petrified Forest National Park. The route was also known for its connections to other major highways, including Interstate 40 (I-40), Interstate 44 (I-44), and U.S. Route 89 (US 89), as well as its proximity to notable events like the Route 66 Marathon and the Route 66 Bike Run.

● Major Intersections

U.S. Route 66 had many major intersections with other highways and roads, including Interstate 55 (I-55) in St. Louis, Missouri, Interstate 44 (I-44) in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Interstate 40 (I-40) in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The route also intersected with other notable highways, such as U.S. Route 51 (US 51) in Chicago, Illinois, U.S. Route 71 (US 71) in Joplin, Missouri, and U.S. Route 101 (US 101) in Los Angeles, California. Additionally, the route passed through many notable cities, including Springfield, Illinois, Springfield, Missouri, and Flagstaff, Arizona, with connections to famous landmarks like the Gateway Arch and the Hoover Dam. The route was also known for its connections to other major roads, including the Lincoln Highway and the Ozark Trail, as well as its proximity to notable events like the Route 66 Festival and the Route 66 Hall of Fame.

● Attractions and Landmarks

U.S. Route 66 was known for its many attractions and landmarks, including the Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas, the Blue Whale in Catoosa, Oklahoma, and the Wigwam Motels in Holbrook, Arizona, and San Bernardino, California. The route also passed through many notable national parks and monuments, including the Grand Canyon National Park, Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, and the Petrified Forest National Park. Additionally, the route was home to many famous roadside attractions, such as the Meramec Caverns in Stanton, Missouri, and the Big Texan Steak Ranch in Amarillo, Texas, as well as its connections to notable events like the Route 66 Fun Run and the Route 66 International Festival. The route was also known for its connections to famous people, including Bobby Troup, Nat King Cole, and Chuck Berry, who have all referenced the route in their music.

● Decline and Preservation

In the 1980s, U.S. Route 66 was officially decommissioned and replaced by the Interstate Highway System, with many sections of the original route being bypassed or abandoned. However, in recent years, there has been a growing effort to preserve and restore the original route, with many sections being designated as Historic Route 66 or Route 66 Historic District. The Route 66 Association of Illinois, the Route 66 Association of Missouri, and the Route 66 Association of California are just a few of the many organizations working to preserve the route and its history, with connections to notable events like the Route 66 Hall of Fame and the Route 66 Museum. Additionally, many cities and towns along the route are working to restore and promote their sections of the route, with notable examples including Springfield, Illinois, Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Albuquerque, New Mexico.

● Cultural Significance

U.S. Route 66 has had a significant impact on American culture, with many songs, books, and films referencing the route. The route has been immortalized in songs like (Get Your Kicks On) Route 66 by Nat King Cole and Route 66 (song) by Chuck Berry, as well as in films like Easy Rider and Forrest Gump. The route has also been the subject of many books, including The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck and Route 66: The Mother Road by Michael Wallis. Additionally, the route has been referenced in many notable works, including the Route 66 (TV series) and the Cars (film) by Pixar Animation Studios and Walt Disney Pictures, with connections to famous people like John Lasseter and Lee Iacocca. The route's cultural significance continues to be celebrated today, with many festivals and events held along the route, including the Route 66 Festival and the Route 66 International Festival.