Historic Route 66 incites feelings of nostalgia for many as it’s long been a beacon of the American Dream. This lengthy stretch of Americana that spans from Chicago to California was once the link between hundreds of rural farming communities and became a pivotal route for transportation in WW2. Once called “The Main Street of America”, it represented an optimistic time for our country as we gained newfound mobility and the freedom of the open road. [1]

Photo by tommao wang

In the first three years following the Second World War, automobile production grew from 65,000 cars produced in 1945 to over three million cars in 1948. The roads that once expanded the experiences of the average American were now closing in on us, unable to keep up with the growth we were being faced with. These roads became too narrow for our ever-on-the-go lifestyles, making the infrastructure of the time, including much of Route 66 obsolete. Eventually, plans were put into place to progress the growth of our interstates.[2] 

 

Come the 1950s, Route 66 became less of a working road and more of a destination for travelers headed to sunny Los Angeles, proving that it could survive and adapt to the boom of tourism and crumbling infrastructure. Roadside attractions took the stage making road trips a lot less daunting and providing fun all along the way. With plenty of oddities and natural wonders to explore, sightseers throughout the years were excited at the prospect of seeing the Gateway Arch in Missouri, Arizona’s Wigwam Motel, the Gemini Giant Statue in Illinois, and so much more. It wasn’t until the 80s that this became the road less traveled with the unrolling of 5 new interstate highways which led to the decommissioning of Route 66. 

Photo by Heidi Kaden 

While many parts of the road are now defunct, unfortunate victims of the effects of time, much of the route is still alive and breathing with tourists traveling from far and wide to journey back in time through America’s majestic beauty. Scattered with diners, vintage motels, and plenty of novelty pit stops, such as Oklahoma’s Blue Whale of Catoosa and Texas’s Cadillac Ranch, this road is nothing short of iconic. And while it may not be the road of its glory days, 85% of the route is still drivable to this day. Despite the fact it isn’t necessarily a straight drive, it is a great means for those who don’t mind taking detours and immersing themselves in the full experience. What this roadway lacks in modern-day convenience, it makes up for in charm and sentimentality. Every year vacationers spend around 132 million dollars on Route 66 travel, proving it to still be a thriving destination worthy of recognition. [3]

 

With so much to see, and many destinations to cross off of your bucket list, it certainly isn’t too late to enjoy the retro appeal of America’s former glory. Be sure to get your kicks at the hotspots mentioned in Nat King Cole’s 1946 hit song, Route 66.  Like Gallup, New Mexico where you can stay at the El Cortez hotel, which formerly hosted many Old Hollywood stars, or you can visit the Gallup 9th Street Flea Market where you can shop for authentic Native American jewelry(70% of our nation’s Native American jewelry comes from Gallup!). [4]

 

No matter where the road takes you, you will feel the old-fashioned charm of America’s Mother Road.