The History of Route 66: from its beginnings to today

Route 66! That legendary strip of asphalt that transformed the road trip from a matter of pure logistics into a unique ritual, an experience to be lived. But how did this road come to be, this highway with the power to draw people from all over the world and make us feel like the stars of a vintage movie every time we get behind the wheel?
In this article, we travel through the history of the legendary Route 66, from its beginnings and birth all the way to the present day.

If you’d rather take a step back first, read the article about the Route 66 itinerary.

The History of Route 66: From Its Beginnings to Today

1. A Dream Road: The Early Days

Born in 1926, Route 66 originally ran from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California, crossing eight states and covering a distance of 2,448 miles. A real nightmare for anyone with a sense of direction worse than a broken compass. But this was boom-time America, and there was an insatiable thirst for roads. And for hot dogs. But mostly for roads.
 

2. The Economic Boom and the Great Depression

During the 1930s, Route 66 became the road of hope. Many Americans, hit by the Great Depression, traveled along the “Mother Road” in search of fortune in California. And while many found only dust and further despair, Route 66 cemented its reputation as an escape route, offering the promise of new beginnings. And lots of gas stations. Let’s never forget the gas stations.
 

3. The Golden Age: The 1950s and 1960s

With the rise of car culture and the postwar economic boom, Route 66 reached its peak. It became the road of drive-ins, diners with vinyl booths, and motels with neon signs. If you’ve never dreamed of stopping at a diner on Route 66 for a milkshake while “Johnny B. Goode” plays through the speakers, well, you were probably born in the new millennium and have never used a cassette tape.
 

4. Decline and Revival

Unfortunately, like every great story, Route 66 also had its dark moments. With the construction of the interstate highways in the 1970s, the old road lost importance. But not all was lost! Thanks to the efforts of enthusiasts and nostalgics, Route 66 has experienced a revival as a tourist destination, attracting travelers from all over the world eager to experience a piece of American history. And to eat those darn hot dogs.
 

5. Route 66 Today

Even though it is no longer the country’s main artery, Route 66 remains one of the most iconic roads in the world. Places like Cadillac Ranch in Texas, the Blue Whale of Catoosa in Oklahoma, and the Wigwam Motel in Arizona still attract thousands of tourists every year. And most of them, I’d bet, get lost at least once along the way. Because, let’s face it, that broken compass was never really fixed.
 

Conclusion

If you’re looking for an unforgettable journey, an experience that blends history, culture, and a healthy dose of kitschy Americana, you have to drive Route 66. It would take a very long time! And if you don’t have that much time, to get a taste of it and drive part of the route, you can always take a look at our California trip, or our United States and Great Parks Tour. It’s an experience to have at least once in a lifetime.