Route 66 – 10 interesting facts about the Mother Road

Route 66, also known as the “Mother Road”, is not only one of the most famous routes in the world, but also a symbol of the American dream, freedom and travel through picturesque landscapes. When planning a trip or already driving along this historic road, it is worth discovering a few interesting facts that will make the route even more fascinating.

Today, we have prepared a list of just such interesting facts about Route 66. But before we get to them, here are a few words about the history of Route 66.

History of Route 66

Route 66 was established in 1926 as part of the new road system in the United States. It was one of the first interstate highways, designed to connect the country’s eastern and western coasts. The route began in Chicago, Illinois, and initially ended in Los Angeles, California, before being extended to Santa Monica, covering a total of 2,448 miles (3,939 km). Its purpose was to improve transportation and provide easier access to the western states, which was particularly important in the 1930s in the context of migration during the Great Depression.

The road quickly became a symbol of American freedom and dreams of a better life. In the 1950s and 1960s, it was particularly popular with families traveling on vacation, as well as serving as a transportation route for trade. However, the introduction of modern interstate highways in the 1950s and 1960s contributed to the gradual decline of Route 66 as a major transportation route. With the closure of the road, many smaller towns lost their main source of income, leading to economic problems. Local communities, however, took action to preserve the historic character of the route and attract tourists. Museums, restaurants and Route 66 souvenirs appeared, while sections of the road were marked as “Historic Route 66”, allowing the route to be transformed into a popular tourist attraction. It was officially removed from the national highway system in 1985, but it is still possible to drive along it, or at least along some of its sections.

Interesting facts about Route 66

1. Route 66 did not begin as a single continuous route

Although Route 66 was officially established in 1926, its history dates back much further. The road connected existing local routes and roads. Only after they were combined into a single route was a continuous road linking Chicago with Los Angeles created.

2. It is no longer officially “Route 66”

In 1985, Route 66 was officially removed from the US highway system and ceased to be, strictly speaking, a “legal” road, which means that it cannot be found as a single continuous route on modern maps. Nevertheless, thanks to the efforts of local communities, its original sections have been preserved in many places and marked as “Historic Route 66”.

3. The road was strategically important during World War II

During World War II, Route 66 was a key transportation route for the military industry. Supplies, troops and equipment were transported along the road, which contributed to its further modernization and maintenance in good condition.

4. It inspired the movie “Cars” (2006)

Disney and Pixar created one of the most iconic animated movies, drawing inspiration from the history of Route 66. Many of the towns and characters shown in the movie refer to real places and people who were part of this legendary road over the years. For example, the town of Radiator Springs, where the movie takes place, was inspired by several towns, including Seligman and Peach Springs in Arizona, Baxter Springs in Kansas and Shamrock in Texas. The design of the Cozy Cone Motel refers to the famous Wigwam Motel in Holbrook, Arizona, or the Wigwam Motel in San Bernardino, California, while the mountain formations are surprisingly reminiscent of the Cadillac Range in shape.

In a way, the movie is a tribute to the people who preserve the memory and history of this road. While gathering material, its creators traveled many miles across the United States and spoke with many such people.

5. The longest preserved section is located in Arizona

Although much of Route 66 has been replaced by modern highways, Arizona is still home to the longest intact section of the historic road. Driving along it, you can feel as if you have traveled back to the road’s glory days.

6. It has its own official song

“Get Your Kicks on Route 66” is a well-known song written by Bobby Troup in 1946. The song has been performed many times by artists such as Nat King Cole, Chuck Berry and The Rolling Stones, making it an inseparable part of the road’s heritage.

7. The first McDonald’s opened along Route 66

The first McDonald’s opened in San Bernardino, California, in 1948. Although the restaurant changed its location, today’s McDonald’s museum in the same city commemorates the fast-food chain.

8. It is a route through 8 states

Route 66 begins in Chicago, Illinois, and ends in Santa Monica, California. Along the way, it passes through eight states: Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and finally California. Its total length is 2,448 miles (3,940 km).

9. Many unusual landmarks were created along the route

Route 66 is known for its distinctive roadside landmarks. These include old restaurants, motels and attractions, some of which are already closed while others are still operating. Various forms of advertising, including large sculptures and neon signs, also attract attention.

It is worth looking out for places and landmarks such as the Wigwam Motel, Cadillac Ranch, Gemini Giant, Blue Whale of Catoosa and Paul Bunyan Holding a Hot Dog. These iconic landmarks are perfect places for souvenir photos.

10. It has its own museum

Kingman, Arizona, is home to one of the best-known Route 66 museums. It offers an insight into the history of the road, presenting numerous exhibits, photographs and stories of the people who contributed to its legendary status.

Other well-known museums include the Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum in Pontiac, Illinois, which celebrates the history of the road through memorabilia and photographs, and the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum in Clinton, Oklahoma, which offers interactive exhibitions showing the road’s influence on culture and everyday life. The California Route 66 Museum in Victorville, California, is also worth visiting, as it features unique installations such as recreated gas stations and former roadside landmarks.

Summary

Route 66 is a road that offers much more than asphalt and landscapes. It is the story of people, places and culture that have shaped its unique atmosphere over the decades. We hope these interesting facts have captured your interest and will make your journey even more inspiring.