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Earlier this year, Representatives Darin LaHood (R-IL) and Grace Napolitano (D-CA) reintroduced bipartisan legislation (H.R. 4338) that would designate Route 66 as a National Historic Trail. They were joined by Representatives Jake LaTurner (R-KS) and House Natural Resources Federal Lands Subcommittee Ranking Member Joe Neguse (D-CO) as original cosponsors.

At Past Forward conference in November, dozens of advocates met with House offices to ask for their support of the legislation and secured additional cosponsors. The Route 66 National Historic Trail Designation Act, if enacted, would enhance preservation efforts for Route 66, the most culturally and internationally recognized stretch of highway in America, ahead of the Route 66 centennial celebration in 2026.

Take action to support House Route 66 legislation by contacting your Representative and urge their support for the legislation.

This summer, Representatives Darin LaHood (R-IL) and Grace Napolitano (D-CA) reintroduced bipartisan legislation (H.R. 4338) that would designate Route 66 as a National Historic Trail. They were joined by Representatives Jake LaTurner (R-KS) and House Natural Resources Federal Lands Subcommittee Ranking Member Joe Neguse (D-CO) as original cosponsors.

Advocates are currently conducting outreach to House offices to secure additional cosponsors and push for congressional action this Congress. The bill provides a unique opportunity to secure preservation for Route 66, the most culturally and internationally recognized stretch of highway in America, ahead of the Route 66 centennial celebration in 2026.

Take action to support this effort by contacting your House Rep to urge their support for the legislation.

On Friday, June 23, Representatives Darin LaHood (R-IL) and Grace Napolitano (D-CA) reintroduced bipartisan legislation (H.R. 4338) that would designate Route 66 as a National Historic Trail. They were joined by Representatives Jake LaTurner (R-KS) and House Natural Resources Federal Lands Subcommittee Ranking Member Joe Neguse (D-CO) as original cosponsors.

The bill provides a unique opportunity to secure preservation for Route 66, the most culturally and internationally recognized stretch of highway in America, ahead of the Route 66 centennial celebration in 2026.

Contact your House Representative and ask them to support the bill designating the Route 66 National Historic Trail (H.R. 4338).

Each year, the list of America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places shines a light on the threats facing significant sites of American history. It continues to be a powerful, galvanizing tool for historic preservation, with over 350 sites listed and only a handful lost.

On this year’s list is the Osterman Gas Station in Peach Spring, Arizona. Built in 1929, it has been more than a place to sell gas and service vehicles along the legendary Route 66—it’s been a focal point of the Hualapai Tribal community for generations.

Extreme weather threatens the already deteriorated building, and it needs stabilization and rehabilitation. In consultation with experts, the Tribe is developing a preservation and reuse plan and raising funds to save the Hualapai-owned gas station.

Join the National Trust, the Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership, and dozens of statewide and local organizations in calling for a National Historic Trail designation. It will help preserve Route 66 as a vital, iconic, and evolving piece of Americana for generations to come.

On December 8, the House unanimously passed by voice vote the Route 66 Centennial Commission Act (S. 1014), which establishes a commission to honor Route 66 on its centennial anniversary beginning next year. The House had previously passed the companion bill (H.R. 66) in February 2019, and after the reconciliation of both versions. It was signed by the president on December 23, 2020.

Historic Route 66 stretches approximately 2,400 miles from Chicago to Los Angeles, passing through eight states and more than 300 communities. This vital transportation corridor between the Midwest and southern California has endured as a symbol of freedom and mobility while epitomizing a new optimism that pervaded the nation’s economic recovery following World War II.

The National Trust endorsed this legislation introduced by Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and James Inhofe (R-OK) in the Senate and Representatives Rodney Davis (R-IL) and Grace Napolitano (D-CA) in the House during several committee hearings and previous floor votes.