Historic Route 66 | Holbrook

Historic Route 66, often called the “Mother Road,” is one of the most iconic highways in American history. Stretching originally from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California, it covered approximately 2,448 miles and passed through eight states: Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California. Route 66 symbolized freedom, adventure, and the American Dream, especially during the mid-20th century when car travel boomed.

Historical Background

Commissioned: November 11, 1926

Decommissioned: Officially removed from the U.S. Highway System in 1985

Purpose: Initially designed as a major corridor connecting rural and urban communities from the Midwest to the Pacific Coast, enabling easier migration and commerce.

Route 66 became famous for being a lifeline during the Dust Bowl migration of the 1930s, when thousands of families from Oklahoma and surrounding areas traveled west to California in search of a better life. The route was later immortalized in literature (The Grapes of Wrath), music (“Route 66” by Nat King Cole and others), and pop culture.

Route and Geography

From east to west, Route 66 traversed a diverse range of landscapes and cultures:

Illinois – Skyscrapers in Chicago, small-town Americana, classic diners.

Missouri – Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Ozark towns, Meramec Caverns.

Kansas – The shortest stretch (13 miles), but home to well-preserved vintage gas stations and small-town charm.

Oklahoma – Known as the "birthplace" of Route 66, filled with roadside diners, neon signs, and classic motels.

Texas – Panhandle plains, Cadillac Ranch, and long desert stretches.

New Mexico – Native pueblos, adobe architecture, and vibrant cultural stops in Albuquerque and Santa Fe.

Arizona – Desert vistas, the Petrified Forest, Meteor Crater, and towns like Holbrook, Winslow, and Flagstaff.

California – Mojave Desert, ghost towns, citrus groves, and the final stretch leading to the Santa Monica Pier.

Cultural and Economic Impact

Route 66 played a central role in shaping modern American tourism. It encouraged the growth of:

Roadside attractions (giant dinosaurs, odd museums)

Classic motor lodges and motels (with neon signs and unique themes)

Family-owned diners serving classic American fare

Service stations that catered to road trippers

Drive-in theaters, rest stops, and kitschy gift shops

For decades, Route 66 supported small towns economically, serving as a direct conduit for tourism and travel-related commerce.

Decline and Preservation

By the 1970s and 80s, the construction of the Interstate Highway System made large sections of Route 66 obsolete. Faster, more direct roads like I-40, I-44, and I-55 bypassed many towns, leading to economic decline and abandonment of many once-thriving roadside businesses.

In 1985, Route 66 was officially decommissioned as a U.S. Highway. However, its cultural significance sparked a preservation movement:

Many stretches have since been designated as “Historic Route 66.”

Grassroots organizations and tourism boards restored old signs, businesses, and landmarks.

Route 66 was recognized as a National Scenic Byway and is part of the National Historic Trail system.

Notable Landmarks Along Route 66

Chain of Rocks Bridge – St. Louis, Missouri

Blue Whale of Catoosa – Catoosa, Oklahoma

Cadillac Ranch – Amarillo, Texas

Wigwam Motel – Holbrook, Arizona

Meteor Crater – Near Winslow, Arizona

El Rancho Hotel – Gallup, New Mexico

Santa Monica Pier – Traditional western terminus of Route 66

Route 66 in Arizona

Arizona has one of the most celebrated and scenic stretches of Route 66, with features such as:

Holbrook’s dinosaur statues and petrified wood shops

Winslow, made famous by the Eagles’ song “Take It Easy”

Meteor Crater – a massive impact site just off the old route

Flagstaff – a lively mountain town with preserved 1920s architecture

Seligman – considered the birthplace of the Route 66 revival

Kingman – with a rich collection of museums and retro signage

Oatman – a former mining town now famous for wild burros roaming the streets

Modern Route 66 Experience

Today, Route 66 is a pilgrimage for nostalgic travelers, car clubs, and international visitors looking to experience classic Americana. Enthusiasts can drive significant portions of the original road, visit restored diners and motels, and experience the feel of mid-century roadside travel.

Tourism boards have invested in wayfinding signs, Route 66 museums, driving guides, and festivals to keep the legend alive. Entire businesses now thrive by offering Route 66-themed merchandise, historic tours, and lodging that recreates the vintage roadside ambiance of the 1950s and 60s.

Summary

Historic Route 66 is more than just a road-it’s a symbol of American freedom, resilience, and creativity. From dust-covered migration trails to neon-lit roadside attractions, the highway tells the story of a nation in motion. Though it no longer serves as an official U.S. Highway, its spirit remains intact along thousands of miles of scenic, nostalgic, and culturally rich byways. Whether driven in segments or end to end, Route 66 continues to captivate travelers with its timeless magic.