Key Highlights
- Route 66 turns 100 years old, celebrating its historical significance.
- The highway was officially designated in 1926 and decommissioned in 1985.
- Preservation efforts continue to keep the spirit of Route 66 alive.
Route 66, often referred to as the Mother Road, is more than just a highway; it is a symbol of American culture and history. This year, the iconic route celebrates its centennial, marking 100 years since its official designation in November 1926. Spanning 2,448 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica, Route 66 has served as a vital artery for travelers and a canvas for memories, reflecting the diverse stories of those who have traversed its path.
Although Route 66 was decommissioned as a federal highway in 1985, it has never truly faded from the American landscape. Local preservationists, business owners, and passionate travelers have worked tirelessly to maintain its legacy. The centennial celebration has prompted renewed interest and investment, with states like Illinois allocating $4 million in grants to support revitalization projects along the route. Oklahoma has also initiated funding for towns like Clinton, ensuring that the spirit of the highway continues to thrive.
For those looking to commemorate this milestone with a journey, Route 66 offers a plethora of landmarks steeped in history. In Arizona, the town of Seligman stands out as a key player in the road's modern narrative. Angel Delgadillo, a local barber, played a pivotal role in the movement to designate Route 66 as a historic route after the interstate system bypassed his town. His original gift shop remains a popular stop for road trippers, embodying the enduring charm of a community that has resisted the passage of time.
As travelers venture further west, they encounter the breathtaking landscapes of the Mojave Desert in California. Iconic sites like Roy's Motel & Cafe in Amboy, with its striking neon sign, and the Bagdad Cafe, made famous by the 1987 film, serve as reminders of a bygone era when the journey itself was as significant as the destination. These locations are not merely scenic; they are tangible connections to a time when the open road symbolized freedom and adventure.
The centennial has also sparked a critical reevaluation of whose stories are told along Route 66. The American Indigenous Tourism Association has launched initiatives to highlight the more than 25 tribal nations whose lands the highway crosses. From the Pueblos of New Mexico to the Hualapai Nation in Arizona and the Cherokee Nation in Oklahoma, the initiative aims to center Indigenous experiences and heritage in the narrative of Route 66, acknowledging the road's complex history.
In Oklahoma, the highway's heartland stretch is dotted with quirky attractions that reflect the unique character of the region. The Blue Whale of Catoosa, a beloved roadside sculpture, and the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum in Clinton, which chronicles the Dust Bowl migrations, are just a few examples of the whimsical yet meaningful landmarks that define this stretch of the road. These sites serve as archives of American culture, celebrating the significance of motion and the beauty found in everyday life.
As the centennial celebrations unfold throughout the year, events are planned across Illinois, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California. However, the true commemoration of Route 66 lies in the simple act of driving it—stopping at diners with flickering signs and standing at the Santa Monica Pier where the highway meets the Pacific Ocean. Route 66 was never the fastest route to any destination; it was the journey that made the memories worth cherishing.
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