Route 66 Celebrates 100 Years
Route 66 is celebrating its centennial with themed events from Chicago to Santa Monica, including 18 miles of neon-lit attractions in Albuquerque. Cities along the legendary route are hosting RV caravans and roadside attractions that recall America's golden age of motoring.
Established on November 11, 1926, U.S. Route 66 was one of the original highways in the U.S. Highway System, stretching diagonally for 2,448 miles. It connected Chicago to Los Angeles, linking hundreds of rural communities and enabling farmers to transport goods. The route became a lifeline for migrants heading west during the 1930s Dust Bowl, earning it the nickname "The Mother Road" from John Steinbeck's novel, "The Grapes of Wrath." During World War II, Route 66 served as a key artery for moving military equipment and personnel. After the war, it blossomed into a symbol of American optimism and the golden age of automobile tourism, giving rise to countless "mom-and-pop" businesses like motels, diners, and quirky roadside attractions. By 1938, it became the first completely paved highway in the United States. The highway's prominence declined with the creation of the Interstate Highway System, which bypassed many of the towns that depended on its traffic. In 1985, U.S. Route 66 was officially decommissioned, but preservation efforts began almost immediately. Associations in all eight states along the route now work to preserve its history and landmarks. Looking forward, there is a significant push to designate Route 66 as a National Historic Trail, a move that supporters believe will expand economic and historic development opportunities. This designation aims to preserve the iconic roadway for future generations. Cities like Tulsa and Albuquerque have developed long-range action plans to revitalize their stretches of the road, focusing on tourism, historic preservation, and economic growth beyond the centennial.
