Established on November 11, 1926, this iconic highway connected Chicago, Illinois, to Los Angeles, California, while passing through the states of Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. It was the first highway to link the Midwest to the Pacific Coast, and for many years it served as a vital route for settlers and travelers alike.

U.S. Highway 66 was important for the economies of the small towns along its path. It was especially important for the rural areas of the Midwest during the Great Depression, as it allowed people to travel in search of work. In the 1940s, Route 66 became the main route for military personnel and supplies during World War II.

In the late 1950s and 1960s, Route 66 experienced a decline in popularity due to the construction of the interstate highway system. As the new interstates were built, they bypassed many small towns and replaced Route 66 as the main route of travel. By the 1970s, much of U.S. 66 had become abandoned as a cross-country route and was eventually removed from the U.S. Highway System in 1985.

In recent decades, Route 66 has experienced a well-deserved resurgence in popularity, due in part to its rich history and nostalgia. Though it may no longer be an official highway, it will always remain a part of Americana, a reminder of simpler and, many would argue, better times.

Come with us as we explore Route 66, both past and present.