Route 66 is more than just a road—it’s a living piece of American history. Known as the Mother Road, it carries stories of migration, music, roadside charm, and reinvention.
Here are some fascinating facts that make this legendary highway unforgettable:
Born in 1926
Route 66 was officially established on November 11, 1926, envisioned by Cyrus Avery to link rural America with major cities.
Not Always Smooth Sailing
Large sections were once dirt and gravel, making early road trips dusty, slow, and unpredictable until full paving was completed in the late 1930s.
Crosses 8 States
The highway stretches across Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California.
The Father of Route 66
Cyrus Avery’s push for a diagonal highway changed U.S. travel forever. Tulsa honors him at the Cyrus Avery Centennial Plaza.
2,448 Miles Long
Nearly 2,500 miles of changing scenery—from open plains to deserts to the Pacific coastline.
A Depression-Era Escape Route
During the Dust Bowl, thousands of families traveled west along Route 66 seeking work and survival.
Immortalized in Literature
John Steinbeck famously chronicled its hardship and hope in The Grapes of Wrath.
A Pop Culture Icon
Songs like “Get Your Kicks on Route 66” and the TV series Route 66 turned the highway into a symbol of freedom.
Ghost Town Time Capsules
When interstates bypassed the road, many towns faded away, leaving behind haunting ghost towns.
Birthplace of Roadside America
Motels, diners, and neon signs flourished here—icons like the Wigwam Motels still stand today.
Decommissioned but Not Forgotten
Route 66 was officially removed from the highway system in 1985, sparking preservation efforts soon after.
Chicago to Santa Monica
The journey begins in Chicago and ends at the Santa Monica Pier, where the iconic “End of the Trail” sign awaits.
Quirky Roadside Wonders
From the Blue Whale of Catoosa to Cadillac Ranch, the road is packed with playful surprises.
Inspired the Interstate System
Its success helped influence President Eisenhower’s vision for the modern U.S. interstate highways.
Still Celebrated Today
Festivals, car runs, and music events keep Route 66 alive, proving the road never truly ended.
Route 66 isn’t just driven—it’s remembered, restored, and relived, mile by mile.
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Clever Journeys 
Route 66 must have been an awesome road trip back in the day when it was bustling with businesses and unusual attractions. I thoroughly enjoy your historical/nostalgia posts. 🙂
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Thank you for this report! Route 66 holds a special place in my memories. When I was 6 years old (1962), my family moved from San Diego, CA, to Champaign, IL. A big chunk of that journey was on Route 66, and I have distinct memories of that trip. Then, in 1968, we moved to Albuquerque, NM! I have traveled to and fro on Route 66 (I-40) so many times I have lost count. I have a small collection of Route 66 souvenirs – keychains, fridge magnets… and one of my favorite ballcaps depicts the route from LA to Chicago. Anyway. Love it!
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