Route 66 Stories
Affectionately called "The Mother Road," Route 66 is known for quirky roadside attractions and unique mom-and-pop motels, constructed between the late 1920 and late 1950s and often clad in neon. Stretching more than 2,000 miles from Lake Michigan to the Santa Monica Pier and passing through the states of Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California, Route 66 reflects the 20th century evolution of transportation and tourism in the United States. In its early years, the highway facilitated large-scale settlement of the west, saw the desperate migration of Dust Bowl refugees and World War II troop movements, and played a major role in the advent of car culture and automobile tourism. In the postwar era, Route 66 symbolized unprecedented freedom and mobility for every citizen who could afford to own and operate a car.
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Backing Historic Small Restaurants A Grant for the U-Drop Inn Helps a Town Feel Lucky -
Preserve Route 66 The Abuelas Project: Changing the Way We Remember the Past -
Backing Historic Small Restaurants The Mitla Cafe: Serving the San Bernardino Community for Generations -
African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund Threatt Filling Station: “Grandpa Would Be Proud … Because We Didn’t Give Up” -
Preservation Magazine 6 Places Where You Can Bask in the Glow of Historic Neon Signs -
Preserve Route 66 The Matriarchs of the Mother Road -
Preserve Route 66 Along Route 66, the Hi-Way Cafe Sign Shines Again -
National Fund for Sacred Places Celebrating Historic Sacred Places as Musical Spaces -
Saving America's Historic Sites Saving Places Together: What We Keep Keeps Us -
Preservation Magazine Volunteers Revive an Old Trading Post on Route 66
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This May, our Preservation Month theme is “People Saving Places” to shine the spotlight on everyone doing the work of saving places—in big ways and small—and inspiring others to do the same!
Celebrate!