The Legendary Past of Route 66, the Iconic Roadway Extending from Chicago to California
In 1926, Route 66 was born as part of the first federal highway system, connecting Chicago with Los Angeles, spanning 2,448 miles across eight states. Known as the "Main Street of America" and the "Mother Road", this iconic route became a symbol of freedom, adventure, economic development, and the evolution of transportation [1][2][3][5].
From the 1920s through the 1980s, Route 66 underwent dramatic changes. Initially, it was a numbered designation on mostly poor condition state roads, forming a critical cross-country route that linked rural communities to urban centers, supporting the movement of agricultural goods and fostering economic growth in small towns along the route [1][3][5]. As the years passed, paving and improvements accelerated, transforming it into a scenic and practical path for motorists.
The 1930s marked a significant period in Route 66's history. The Dust Bowl drought pushed massive migration westward on Route 66, as thousands sought better opportunities in California. This migration was famously memorialized by John Steinbeck, who called it the "Mother Road" in his novel The Grapes of Wrath (1939) [3][4][5]. During this decade, Route 66 became a lifeline for those seeking a new beginning.
Post-World War II, increased car ownership spurred a new culture of American road trips. Route 66 became emblematic of freedom and leisure travel, dotted with motels, diners, gas stations, and roadside attractions. Popular culture embraced the road—Bobby Troup’s 1946 song "(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66" famously celebrated its spirit [2].
However, the creation of the Interstate Highway System began to overshadow Route 66, as faster, more direct highways diverted traffic away. By 1985, Route 66 was officially decommissioned as a U.S. Highway [2][5]. Yet, cultural nostalgia kept its legacy alive, with many segments preserved as historic routes and a symbol of a bygone era of American independence and exploration [2][5].
In 1999, President Bill Clinton signed a National Route 66 Preservation Bill that provided $10 million to preserve and restore features of the iconic road [6]. Today, 85 percent of the original Route 66 remains drivable, and many of its most iconic roadside attractions are still in business [7].
Route 66 was more than a road: it was a vital artery for economic migration, a backbone for rural communities, a catalyst for the trucking industry, and an icon of American culture celebrating mobility and adventure over six decades [1][3][5]. Despite its decommissioning, the spirit of Route 66 continues to inspire, reminding us of a time when the open road represented freedom and adventure for millions of Americans.
References:
[1] National Park Service. (n.d.). Route 66 History. Retrieved from https://www.nps.gov/route/learn/historyculture/route66-history.htm
[2] National Park Service. (n.d.). Route 66: The Mother Road. Retrieved from https://www.nps.gov/route/learn/historyculture/route66-the-mother-road.htm
[3] Oklahoma Historical Society. (n.d.). Route 66. Retrieved from https://www.okhistory.org/publications/enc/entry?entry=RO001
[4] Encyclopædia Britannica. (n.d.). Route 66. Retrieved from https://www.britannica.com/topic/Route-66
[5] Route 66 Association of Illinois. (n.d.). Route 66 History. Retrieved from https://www.il66.org/history
[6] United States Department of Transportation. (1999, August 6). President Clinton Signs Route 66 Preservation Bill. Retrieved from https://www.transportation.gov/briefing-room/president-clinton-signs-route-66-preservation-bill
[7] National Trust for Historic Preservation. (n.d.). Route 66. Retrieved from https://savingplaces.org/places/route-66
- The transformation of Route 66 from a rough country route to a paved and improved pathway for travelers in the 1930s and 1940s significantly influenced the culture and lifestyle of millions, turning it into a symbol of freedom, adventure, and leisure travel in American history.
- The legacy of Route 66, once a critical cross-country route that fostered economic growth and connected rural communities to urban centers, lives on today through its historic preservation and the continued operation of many of its iconic roadside attractions, serving as a testament to its rich history andribution to American culture.
