Learn About Route 66 and Its Historic Significance

The Origins and Creation of Route 66

Route 66 was established in 1921 and officially dedicated on November 11, 1926. The highway was created to connect Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California, spanning approximately 2,448 miles across eight states. The road was designed during a time when America was experiencing rapid growth in automobile travel, and there was a need for a major highway that could connect the Midwest to the Pacific Coast.

The route was the vision of Cyrus Avery, a businessman from Tulsa, Oklahoma, who saw the potential for a transcontinental highway that would boost commerce and tourism. Avery worked with state highway officials and business leaders to plan the route, which would pass through Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, California, Missouri, Kansas, and Illinois. The highway was numbered Route 66, a designation that carried symbolic meaning—the number was considered easy to remember and had positive associations.

Before Route 66 was established, cross-country travel was difficult and unreliable. Roads varied dramatically in quality, and many were simply dirt paths that became impassable during bad weather. Route 66 provided a standardized, well-maintained path for travelers. The highway became one of the most important transportation corridors in the United States during the 20th century.

The construction and maintenance of Route 66 involved cooperation between multiple states and the federal government. The road was continuously improved throughout the 1920s and 1930s, with many sections being paved and widened. By the 1930s, Route 66 had become a vital economic link, moving goods and people across the country more efficiently than ever before.

Practical takeaway: Understanding Route 66's origins helps explain why certain cities and towns along the route developed rapidly. Communities that were positioned along Route 66 experienced significant economic growth due to increased traffic and tourism opportunities.

Route 66 During the Great Depression and Dust Bowl Era

During the 1930s, Route 66 took on profound social and economic significance. The Great Depression devastated the American economy, and millions of people lost their jobs and homes. At the same time, the Dust Bowl—a severe drought combined with poor farming practices—made farming impossible in parts of Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas, Colorado, and New Mexico. Families facing starvation and economic collapse began migrating westward, and Route 66 became their primary pathway to California, where they hoped to find work and opportunity.

Historical records indicate that between 1930 and 1940, approximately 3.5 million people migrated from the Great Plains and Southwest regions. Many of these migrants traveled Route 66 in search of agricultural work in California. The journey was grueling—families often traveled in old, unreliable vehicles, faced extreme heat, and had limited money for food and lodging. The route became known as the "Mother Road" because it served as a lifeline for desperate families seeking a fresh start.

Photographer Dorothea Lange documented the migration along Route 66 during this period. Her images, which were part of the Farm Security Administration's photographic project, captured the struggles of migrant families and helped bring national attention to their plight. Writer John Steinbeck's novel "The Grapes of Wrath," published in 1939, also chronicled the experiences of families traveling Route 66 to California, though the book sparked controversy in some communities along the route.

Towns along Route 66 developed services specifically for migrant travelers during this era. Motor courts, diners, gas stations, and repair shops became essential businesses. Some communities welcomed the migrants as customers, while others viewed them with suspicion and sometimes hostility. Despite the hardships, Route 66 represented hope and opportunity for millions of people during one of America's darkest economic periods.

Practical takeaway: Learning about this historical period illustrates how transportation infrastructure shapes human migration patterns and economic opportunity. Route 66's existence made large-scale westward migration possible during a time of national crisis.

Route 66 and American Tourism Development

After World War II ended in 1945, Americans had more leisure time and disposable income than ever before. The post-war economic boom created a new culture of vacation travel, and Route 66 became the primary destination for families seeking road trips. The highway represented freedom, adventure, and the ability to explore America's diverse landscapes without following predetermined travel routes.

Tourism along Route 66 transformed small towns and rural communities. Businesses specifically designed to attract travelers flourished during the 1950s and 1960s. Motor courts—the predecessors to modern motels—became iconic symbols of Route 66 travel. These establishments often featured unique architectural styles, neon signs, and themed decorations. The Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari, New Mexico, opened in 1939 and still operates today, representing the enduring appeal of Route 66 accommodations.

Roadside attractions proliferated along Route 66 during this golden era. These attractions included quirky museums, giant statues, dinosaur parks, trading posts, and unusual geological formations. The Cadillac Ranch near Amarillo, Texas, featuring ten Cadillacs buried nose-first in the ground, became one of the most famous roadside attractions. The Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona and the Grand Canyon served as major destinations for Route 66 travelers. These attractions generated significant income for local communities and created employment opportunities for residents.

The restaurant culture along Route 66 also became legendary. Diners featuring neon signs, checkerboard floors, and classic American food emerged as social gathering places. The Skirvin Restaurant in Sayre, Oklahoma, and numerous other classic diners still serve as reminders of Route 66's food culture. Many of these establishments became known for regional specialties and comfort food that appealed to traveling families.

Practical takeaway: Route 66 demonstrates how transportation infrastructure can spark economic development in rural areas. Communities that strategically positioned businesses along the highway experienced sustained tourism revenue and job creation.

The Decline and Decommissioning of Route 66

The construction of the Interstate Highway System, authorized by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1956, fundamentally changed American transportation. Interstate highways were designed for faster, more direct travel, and they gradually bypassed many of the towns and cities that had thrived along Route 66. Interstates 40, 44, and other major highways provided faster alternatives that reduced travel time but eliminated the economic benefits that small communities had gained from Route 66 traffic.

The shift away from Route 66 was dramatic and economically devastating for many communities. Between the 1960s and 1970s, businesses along Route 66 closed rapidly as travelers chose the faster interstate routes. Motor courts were abandoned or converted to other uses. Diners that had served hundreds of customers daily found themselves empty. Some communities lost 50 to 75 percent of their business revenue when traffic was diverted to interstate highways. The phenomenon was documented in various studies about rural economic development and transportation policy.

Route 66 was officially decommissioned on June 27, 1985. By that time, the highway had already lost most of its significance as a major transportation corridor. However, the decommissioning did not mark the end of Route 66's cultural importance. By the 1980s, people began to recognize Route 66 as an important part of American history and culture.

The television series "Route 66," which aired from 1960 to 1964, had helped establish the highway as an iconic symbol of American freedom and adventure. The 1984 song "Route 66" by the band Depeche Mode introduced the highway to new generations. These cultural references kept Route 66 alive in the American imagination even as the physical highway declined in importance for transportation purposes.

Practical takeaway: Understanding the decline of Route 66 provides insights into how infrastructure changes affect local economies. The Interstate Highway System's creation demonstrates that newer transportation options can quickly render older systems obsolete.

Route 66 as a Cultural Icon and Historic Preservation

Beginning in the 1990s, Route 66 experienced a remarkable revival as communities and preservationists recognized its historical and cultural significance. The highway transformed from a forgotten relic into a celebrated symbol of American heritage. States and municipalities began designating sections of Route 66 as historic routes, and preservation organizations worked to restore and maintain the surviving infrastructure along the original alignment.

The National Route 66 Preservation Foundation, established