Route 66, the iconic American byway stretching from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California, came to an end on June 27, 1985, after 59 years. The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials decertified the road and voted to remove its highway signs, leading to its demise. Route 66 passed through eight states, with its beginnings rooted in the 19th century, connecting Fort Smith near the Arkansas River to the western region of the Southwest. Lieutenant Edward Fitzgerald Beale played a pivotal role in charting a wagon road along the 35th parallel, which eventually became Route 66.
The idea of building a highway along this route emerged in Oklahoma in the mid-1920s as a link between the state and major cities like Chicago and Los Angeles. Highway Commissioner Cyrus S. Avery promoted this plan as a way to divert traffic from Kansas City, Missouri, and Denver. By 1926, Route 66 was officially designated, commissioned on November 11 of that year, and ultimately stretched 2,448 miles from Chicago to Los Angeles. The highway, known as “The Mother Road,” gained fame as it united existing rural roads into one single numbered route, aiding farmers in transporting their produce and fostering the growth of the long-distance trucking industry.
Throughout the decades, new interstates were constructed along or near the original Route 66, eventually leading to its decertification on June 27, 1985. However, the route remains a scenic byway designated by the United States Department of Transportation since 2005. Route 66 has become a popular tourist destination, with drivers able to access 85% of the road and experience its rich history and cultural significance. The highway has been immortalized in various forms of art and entertainment, such as John Steinbeck’s novel “The Grapes of Wrath,” the 1947 Bobby Troup song “Route 66,” and the animated film “Cars.”
In addition to its cultural impact, Route 66 boasts several interesting facts and landmarks. The highway was replaced by five interstates, and portions of Route 66 traverse three different time zones. At the town of Continental Divide, New Mexico, the road reached its highest point with an elevation of over 7,200 feet. Moreover, there is a stretch of Route 66 near Tijeras, New Mexico, that plays “America the Beautiful” when driven eastbound over the rumble strips. Looking ahead, the nation will celebrate the “Route 66 Centennial” in 2026, marking 100 years since the Mother Road began serving the traveling public. Many states and organizations are planning special events and tours to commemorate this historic milestone.
