A Journey Through Time on America’s Iconic Route 66
Route 66, often referred to as the “Mother Road,” continues to captivate travelers from around the globe. This legendary highway, which turns 100 years old this year, offers a unique slice of Americana, with its eclectic motels, neon signs, and roadside attractions that echo a bygone era.
Spanning approximately 2,400 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica, Route 66 has been much more than a mere transportation link. For John Steinbeck, it was a beacon of hope for Dust Bowl migrants seeking a new life in California. For Native American communities, it brought both economic opportunities and challenges. For Black travelers, it offered a refuge during the era of segregation, while music enthusiasts have long celebrated it as the birthplace of iconic tunes.
Despite being decommissioned as a federal highway in 1985, this storied route still draws countless visitors eager to experience the quintessential American road trip.
The Genesis of a Dream
Route 66 was conceived by Cyrus Avery, an Oklahoma businessman, who envisioned a road that would connect the industrial Midwest with the Pacific coast. This highway, pieced together from Native American trails and old dirt roads, symbolized the promise of prosperity and adventure.
Avery’s choice of the number “66” proved to be a marketing triumph. The highway swiftly became a cultural icon, immortalized in literature and music. Steinbeck’s “The Grapes of Wrath” and Jack Kerouac’s “On the Road” cemented its place in literary history, while Bobby Troup’s “Get Your Kicks on Route 66” became an enduring anthem.
Arizona’s Timeless Ties
Arizona holds a special place in the Route 66 narrative. When musician Jackson Browne found himself stranded in Winslow in the 1970s, the experience led to the Eagles’ classic “Take it Easy.” Meanwhile, Bobby Troup’s famous song continues to resonate, with artists like Nat King Cole, Chuck Berry, and The Rolling Stones offering their own renditions.
In Arizona, the town of Oatman offers a glimpse into the Wild West, complete with staged shootouts and free-roaming burros. This former gold mining town was once a vital stop along Route 66 before being bypassed in the 1950s.
Migrations and Memories
Since its inception in 1926, Route 66 has been a corridor of hope and opportunity. It provided a lifeline for those fleeing the Dust Bowl and Great Depression, and during World War II, it facilitated the movement of troops and supplies.
The postwar era saw the highway become a favored route for vacationers, symbolizing freedom on the open road. “People generally have a sense of adventure, a sense of curiosity. And you can find that on Route 66,” says historian Jim Hinckley.
A Cultural Crossroad
Route 66 thrived with its roadside diners, motels, and attractions that enticed travelers. From rattlesnake pits to neon-lit diners, the road offered a mix of novelty and nostalgia. The Cozy Dog Drive In in Springfield, Illinois, has been serving its famous breaded hot dogs since 1949, with travelers sharing stories over meals.
“The road wouldn’t be alive without the stories of all the places along it,” remarks Josh Waldmire, third-generation owner of the Cozy Dog Drive In. “We just survive off each other.”
The Dual Impact
While Route 66 brought prosperity to Native American tribes, it also left lasting impacts through eminent domain and cultural misrepresentation. Many businesses along the route were owned by tribal members, with restaurants and service stations becoming vital community hubs.
The highway also posed challenges for Black travelers, who relied on guides like the Green Book to find safe accommodations. The Threatt Filling Station in Oklahoma, though not listed, served as a sanctuary for Black motorists during the Jim Crow era.
Preserving the Legacy
After its decommissioning, efforts by local governments, historical societies, and individuals like Angel Delgadillo have kept the spirit of Route 66 alive. In Seligman, Arizona, Delgadillo’s advocacy led to the road being designated a historic highway, sparking preservation efforts elsewhere.
Route 66 remains drivable in many sections, with attractions like Cadillac Ranch in Texas and the old Chain of Rocks Bridge at the Mississippi River offering unique experiences. Over 250 sites along the route are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, ensuring its stories endure for future generations.
“Some of the most interesting and fun things that happen to people when they travel the route is running into somebody they know or some happenstance thing that comes totally unexpected,” observes historian Jim Ross, encapsulating the serendipitous nature of the Route 66 journey.
