Route 66 turns 100: A legendary highway's enduring allure and hidden gems
Route 66 is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. The iconic highway stretches 2,448 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica, cutting through eight states along the way. A recent road trip by The Times' Christopher Reynolds highlighted 66 must-see stops over 17 days of travel. The historic route winds through Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California. One of its oldest landmarks is Angel and Vilma Delgadillo’s Original Route 66 Gift Shop in Seligman, Arizona—the first-ever gift shop on the road. The small town of around 550 people relies heavily on the shop, which sells everything from coasters and key rings to hats and books.
Tulsa, Oklahoma, honours Cyrus Avery, the 'Father of Route 66', with the Cyrus Avery Centennial Plaza. A striking bronze sculpture there depicts a Model T Ford facing off against a horse-drawn carriage, symbolising the shift from old to new. Drivers today face higher costs, with California’s average gasoline price topping $6 per gallon. Despite this, the route remains a popular journey for those seeking nostalgia and adventure.
The centennial marks a century of Route 66’s influence on American travel and culture. From its earliest gift shop in Seligman to the towering tribute in Tulsa, the highway continues to draw visitors. Rising fuel prices may challenge road-trippers, but the route’s historic charm endures.
