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Known by several names throughout the years including
the "Mother Road," "Main Street of America," and the "Will Rogers
Highway," Route 66 served travelers for
more than 50 years, before totally
succumbing to the "new and improved" interstate system.
Established in 1926, road signs began to be erected the following
year, but, it would be several years before the 2,448 mile highway
would be continuously
paved from
Chicago
to
Los Angeles.
Running through the states of
Illinois,
Missouri,
Kansas,
Oklahoma,
Texas,
New Mexico,
Arizona,
and
California, the highway became one of the most famous roads in America. For decades, this historic path served thousands who
were migrating west, especially during the Dust Bowl of the 1930's.
Over the years, the road underwent many
improvements and realignments, changing its path and overall length,
and moving its endpoint farther west to Santa Monica.
Route 66
was officially decommissioned in 1985 and the familiar highway markers came
down.
But, it was not the end for this historic
path. New generations wanted to travel this old road, signs began to
go back up, and today, thousands enjoy these vintage peeks along the
old highway. However, the original road is not indicated on most maps
today, and this portion of
Legends' website
provides descriptions of the many towns, sites, and icons of the
Mother Road, as well as additional articles and the
Route 66
Emporium for those looking for
books & maps,
postcards, souvenirs, and memorabilia.
Nine foot wide road outside of
Miami,
Oklahoma, Kathy Weiser, June, 2004.
This image available for photographic
prints
HERE!
Route 66
does not end along 6th Street in
Amarillo,
Texas,
Kathy Weiser, November, 2005,
This image available for photo prints &
editorial downloads
HERE!
