History of Route 66
Written by Mark Pulcifer
Here at Run On History, we are fascinated by history that influences pop culture. Our culture has a history that lives on in folklore and becomes ingrained in our culture. Route 66 is one of those pieces of history with that level of influence. A stretch of road that connects Chicago all the way to Santa Monica, California, has become synonymous with the American road trip and a general sense of freedom. Before it was paved in 1926 and called Route 66, this corridor was traversed by the National Old Trails Highway, one of the country’s first transcontinental highways. For three decades before and after World War II, Route 66 was known as the "Main Street of America." This is because it runs through small towns across the Midwest and Southwest, lined by hundreds of cafés, motels, gas stations, and tourist attractions. The lyrics were written by Bobby Troup, and we loved the way Nat King Cole sang them:
The Need for Route 66
Route 66 was not the oldest or longest route in America when it came to major roadways that connected the east and west. The National Road—the first highway built using federal funds—ran from Cumberland, Maryland, to Vandalia, Illinois, and was established in 1811. The Lincoln Highway, which connects New York City to San Francisco, California, was the first coast-to-coast highway; it was created in 1913. Then why does Route 66 have the reputation of being the iconic road we remember and glamourize in pop culture? There are several reasons, but the emergence of Chicago is a crucial factor in most of them. By displacing other cities like St. Louis and Springfield, Ohio, as major hubs of manufacturing and transportation, the significance of Chicago as a transshipment point for goods that were transported west was ever-increasing. It shaved more than 200 miles off the route between Chicago and Los Angeles.
Route 66 was not the oldest or longest route in America when it came to major roadways that connected the east and west. The National Road—the first highway built using federal funds—ran from Cumberland, Maryland, to Vandalia, Illinois, and was established in 1811. The Lincoln Highway, which connects New York City to San Francisco, California, was the first coast-to-coast highway; it was created in 1913. Then why does Route 66 have the reputation of being the iconic road we remember and glamourize in pop culture? There are several reasons, but the emergence of Chicago is a crucial factor in most of them. By displacing other cities like St. Louis and Springfield, Ohio, as major hubs of manufacturing and transportation, the significance of Chicago as a transshipment point for goods that were transported west was ever-increasing. It shaved more than 200 miles off the route between Chicago and Los Angeles.
The Love of Route 66
Route 66 is inextricably linked to major periods in the American economy. It was popularized as “The Mother Road” in John Steinbeck’s novel The Grapes of Wrath, which provided transportation to desperate migrants escaping from the Dust Bowl and seeking employment in the 1930s. Following the revitalization of the economy after World War II, the highway symbolized the nation's growing optimism. Suddenly, anyone who could afford an automobile (which became increasingly common) could also enjoy the unprecedented freedom to enjoy a cross-section of America with plenty to offer. Families drove to see the wild open lands of America, as well as the iconic businesses and small towns that boomed and were shamelessly self-promotional. Imagine, after hours of driving, the night beginning to fall, and turning a corner to see an oasis of neon signs welcoming you into the otherwise empty sky. This was one of the alluring features of this area. |
The Enduring Allure of Route 66
As a part of the national system of public highways, Route 66 was one of many roadways that helped link small towns in the USA with major metropolitan capitals. It allowed for exposure to many diverse elements of Americana, including the Grand Canyon, Southwest Native American settlements, timeless communities of the Ozarks, and the city streets of St. Louis and Chicago. Unfortunately, because to improvements made to the physical passage, many of the roadside attractions and small businesses that contributed to Route 66's distinctive charm had to close. In many instances, sections of the freeway were re-routed, which left those businesses with no traffic and no customers as a result. In some instances, entire towns were subsequently abandoned due to their unsustainability. The area was decommissioned in 1985 when it became apparent that more of the iconic businesses and tourist attractions were in danger of disappearing, despite representing the spirit of highway culture for over 50 years. Fortunately, many of these locations are still available to future generations because of legislation and individual initiatives to preserve and rehabilitate parts of Route 66.
Do you have a favorite memory of this beautiful road? Share it with us below! If you want to learn more, here are some of our favorite sources on Route 66.
As a part of the national system of public highways, Route 66 was one of many roadways that helped link small towns in the USA with major metropolitan capitals. It allowed for exposure to many diverse elements of Americana, including the Grand Canyon, Southwest Native American settlements, timeless communities of the Ozarks, and the city streets of St. Louis and Chicago. Unfortunately, because to improvements made to the physical passage, many of the roadside attractions and small businesses that contributed to Route 66's distinctive charm had to close. In many instances, sections of the freeway were re-routed, which left those businesses with no traffic and no customers as a result. In some instances, entire towns were subsequently abandoned due to their unsustainability. The area was decommissioned in 1985 when it became apparent that more of the iconic businesses and tourist attractions were in danger of disappearing, despite representing the spirit of highway culture for over 50 years. Fortunately, many of these locations are still available to future generations because of legislation and individual initiatives to preserve and rehabilitate parts of Route 66.
Do you have a favorite memory of this beautiful road? Share it with us below! If you want to learn more, here are some of our favorite sources on Route 66.