Route 66 Celebrates 100 Years: A Historic Road Trip Across America
This year marks the centennial of Route 66, the legendary American highway, making it the perfect time to embark on a road trip along this iconic road. Known as the Mother Road, a term coined by author John Steinbeck, it has transformed from a 1930s escape route for dust storm refugees into the quintessential American journey, still offering adventure and nostalgia.
Despite faster modern routes between major cities, Route 66's neon signs glow brightly, inviting travelers to restored motor lodges, classic diners, and unique roadside attractions. Each stop sparks the imagination, reflecting the lives and communities that have thrived along this historic corridor.
Illinois: The Starting Point
Chicago, a key economic hub, was chosen as the starting point by Cyrus Avery, the Father of Route 66, who foresaw the rise of automobiles. As a federal highway board member, he selected the number 66 for its marketing appeal, embedding it in motorists' minds. Food plays a starring role here, with spots like the Cozy Dog Drive In in Springfield, where secret-recipe breaded hot dogs on a stick have delighted travelers for generations.
Missouri: Quirky Bridges and Neon Art
Missouri features the Chain of Rocks Bridge, a peculiar engineering marvel over the Mississippi River, now reserved for pedestrians and cyclists. The state also hosts St. Robert Route 66 Neon Park, showcasing handcrafted neon signs that once guided travelers to motels and cafes, serving as folk art and cultural symbols.
Kansas: Short but Impactful
Kansas' brief stretch of Route 66 includes the Kan-O-Tex Service Station in Galena, which inspired Pixar's Cars. The Brush Creek Bridge, or Rainbow Bridge, is a historic concrete arch design by James Barney Marsh, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Oklahoma: Resilience and Safe Havens
During the Jim Crow era, the Green Book listed safe establishments for Black motorists, though the Threatt Filling Station near Luther was an unlisted haven for fuel, barbecue, and baseball. In Sapulpa, the restored Tee Pee Drive-In Theater, opened in 1950, offers a nostalgic glimpse into 1950s car culture, having survived disasters to reopen in 2023.
Texas: Art and Midway Marks
The Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, a public art installation from 1974, features spray-painted vintage Cadillacs, reflecting on time's passage. Adrian marks the midpoint of Route 66, with the Midway Cafe serving delicious pies, while The Big Texan in Amarillo challenges diners with a free 72-ounce steak meal if finished in an hour.
New Mexico: Native Heritage and Urban Stretches
Over half of Route 66 traverses Native American lands, tracing ancient tribal routes. While past marketing used stereotypes, tribes now share their own stories through crafts and culture. Albuquerque boasts the longest intact urban stretch, with restored neon signs and vibrant car culture along Central Avenue.
Arizona: Musical Inspiration and Wild West Charm
Winslow, Arizona, inspired the Eagles' hit Take It Easy, and Route 66's anthem by Bobby Troup has been covered by artists like Nat King Cole and The Rolling Stones. Oatman offers a Wild West atmosphere with staged shootouts and burros, once a key stop on the original alignment.
California: Desert Solitude and Ocean Views
Roy's Motel & Café in Amboy, with its iconic neon sign, is a Route 66 landmark. The Mojave Desert stretch provides solitude amid Joshua trees and volcanic remnants, largely unchanged since 1926. The journey ends at Santa Monica Pier, a bustling celebration with Pacific Ocean views, symbolizing the road's enduring legacy.
As Route 66 turns 100, it remains a testament to American history, culture, and the spirit of adventure, inviting travelers to explore its storied path across the nation.
