Celebrating Our Heritage: Local Stories and Landmarks on Route 66

Route 66, also known as the Mother Road, holds a significant place in American history and culture, stretching across various landscapes and communities. With its 100th anniversary coming in 2026, the National Trust for Historic Preservation is gathering 2,026 stories from people who have traveled the iconic highway. These stories aim to preserve both personal and shared memories of Route 66, emphasizing its impact on American identity and exploration.

The character of Route 66 is reflected not only in its landscapes but also through the stories of its people. For example, the Decks family ran a popular drug store in Chatham, Illinois, from 1884 to 2001. In 2021, Casey Claypool reopened the store’s soda fountain, now called Docs, serving travelers once again. In Daggett, California, Seymore Alf’s blacksmith shop, started in 1890, stands as a tribute to the history of the Mojave Desert’s early days.

Important figures like Bill Shea also shaped Route 66. He owned Shea’s Gas Station Museum in Springfield, Illinois, which started as a Marathon gas station in 1955 and turned into a museum of memorabilia, capturing the essence of Route 66 until his death in 2013. His story, like many others, highlights the nostalgia and personal connections people feel towards the road.

Architecturally, Route 66 features notable mid-century designs by the firm Jones and Emmons, particularly in Southern California. These buildings not only showcase architectural trends of their era but also continue to function as landmarks that define the route’s character, preserving their historical value.

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