A Little History of Route 66

Let me tell you about the magic on Route 66. These blog pages are dedicated to people, places, memories, and more that I have encountered on my travels on America’s scenic highway.

The History of Route 66

In 1927, small highways and some new ones were woven together from Chicago to Santa Monica. This road would serve as the Mother Road for those seeking new homes, jobs, and adventure.

Route 66 took travelers through eight states. If you started in the east you drove from Illinois, to Missouri with a quick stop in Kansas, and on to Oklahoma. Next, came a drive through the Texas panhandle, a long stretch through New Mexico and Arizona. Finally, the road entered California. The road was 2,244 miles long.

The two lane dirt roads and paved roads led families and business-minded people to places they had never seen before. When tourists came, restaurants opened. When serious travelers took their time on the new highway, motels awaited them. And there were thousands of cars on the road, which meant there were often empty gas tanks and flat tires.

What we call convenience stops today were filling stations in the 1930’s, 40’s, and 50’s. Cars and travelers kept coming. In the 60’s more hotels, more rest stops, more shops, more museums, more businesses supported the demands of curious tourists.

In the 1940’s, the nation’s highway planning began. There were roads being built that let cars go faster, reaching their destinations faster. There were larger hotels. Restaurants loved the crowds that gathered in front of their businesses.

In 2020, the Interstate highways became the preferred way of travel but those who treasured the magic of small towns, quaint businesses, historic museums, and familiar landmarks never stop visiting Route 66. The route is still very much alive and just as entertaining as it was 90 years ago.