A placard marking the beginning of Route 66 is still visible. Placed by the Route 66 Association of Missouri, it traces the Mother Road along Springfield streets.
Oklahoma realtor and coal company owner Cyrus Avery began acquiring oil leases in the early 1900s. Avery needed to reach the barren lands nearby, and Avery is known as "The Father of Route 66.
Route 66 connected hundreds of rural communities. Although not completely paved until 1938, it was an easy drive for truckers as they crossed the prairies. - Dust Bowl of the 1930s.
The Federal Highway Administration notes that the trucking industry began using Route 66 in the 1930s. Although not completely paved until 1938, it was an easy drive for truckers as they crossed the prairies. The climate of the new route was favorable compared to the usual northern routes.
Avery proposed the number 60 to identify the new route. He wanted a round number. After controversy and input from surrounding states, who tried to keep specific numbers for their projects, Avery and engineer John Page settled on 66, even though U.S. 66 was north of U.S. 60.
Road signs went up on November 11, 1926. The country's most famous road connected nine states for over 2,448 miles end-to-end.
U.S. 66 underwent many improvements and realignments over its lifetime. In 1985, it was removed from the United States Highway System. Parts of the road that passed through Illinois, Missouri, Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Arizona have been designated Historic Route 66.
Booby Troup wrote the 1946 song "Get Your Kicks on Route 66!" and was sung by Nat King Cole. Nelson Riddle did the theme for the 1960s television series Route 66.
With the popularity of the automobile, filling stations were built and associated with oil companies. Restaurants, souvenir shops and auto camps gained popularity. Landmarks dotted the route. The road was at its peak of popularity.
Post-war families had jobs, money, and a car. To get their kicks, they hit the road and made cross-country trips via Route 66 to see the sites.
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Douglas Pilarski is an award-winning writer & journalist based on the West Coast. He writes about luxury goods, exotic cars, horology, tech, food, lifestyle, equestrian & rodeo, and millionaire travel.
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