The History of Route 66

In 1926, a new kind of highway was born. U.S. Route 66 was created as part of America's first national road system, stretching more than 2,400 miles from Chicago to Los Angeles. It connected small towns, big cities, and wide-open landscapes across eight states, offering a direct path between the Midwest and the Pacific Coast.

More than just a road, Route 66 became a symbol of opportunity. It allowed farmers, families, and entrepreneurs to move goods, chase dreams, and explore a rapidly changing nation. For the first time, Americans could travel long distances with relative ease, and Route 66 quickly became one of the most important roads in the country.

Route 66 carried people from every walk of life, but many of their stories were rarely told.

During segregation, African American travelers faced limited options for lodging and dining. Many relied on guides like The Negro Motorist Green Book to find safe and welcoming places along the route. These businesses became essential stops and important parts of the Route 66 experience.

Across the Southwest, Indigenous communities in Arizona and New Mexico welcomed travelers with trading posts and markets, sharing art, culture, and traditions that have endured for generations.

Immigrant families-Mexican, Lebanese, Chinese, and others-helped shape the road as well. They opened motels, cafes, and service stations that became local landmarks, adding their own stories to the fabric of Route 66.

Today, these voices are finally being recognized, revealing a richer and more complete history of the Mother Road.

During the 1930s, Route 66 took on a deeper meaning. As drought and economic hardship devastated the Great Plains, thousands of families packed their belongings and headed west in search of work and a better life.

John Steinbeck famously called it "The Mother Road," a lifeline for those escaping the Dust Bowl. The journey was long and often difficult, but Route 66 represented hope. Along the way, small towns offered gas, food, and rest to weary travelers making their way to California.

For many, this road was not just a route-it was a turning point in their lives.

After World War II, Route 66 entered its golden age. America was on the move, and families embraced the freedom of the open road. Cars became symbols of independence, and Route 66 became the ultimate road trip.

Motels lined the highway, each competing with bright neon signs and unique designs to attract travelers. Diners served up burgers, milkshakes, and coffee around the clock. Roadside attractions-from giant statues to quirky museums-turned the journey into an adventure.

This was the era that defined Route 66 as a cultural icon, where the journey mattered just as much as the destination.

By the 1950s, a new system of highways began to take shape. The Interstate Highway System was faster, wider, and designed for efficiency. Gradually, these new roads bypassed Route 66 and the small towns that depended on it.

Businesses that once thrived along the highway began to fade. Motels emptied, diners closed, and communities struggled as travelers chose speed over scenery.

In 1985, Route 66 was officially removed from the U.S. highway system. But while the road lost its designation, it never lost its spirit.

In recent years, Route 66 has come back to life. Historic motels glow again with restored neon, classic diners serve new generations of travelers, and communities are embracing their place along the legendary highway.

People from around the world now travel Route 66 not just to reach a destination, but to experience a piece of American history.

The upcoming 2026 Centennial marks 100 years since the creation of Route 66. It is more than an anniversary-it is a celebration of the people, places, and stories that continue to define the road.

Today, Route 66 lives on-not just as a highway, but as an enduring symbol of freedom, discovery, and the American journey.