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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11 Most Endangered Historic Places How These 7 Past '11 Most' Listings Are Faring Today -
Preserve Route 66 Photo Essay: Waiting for Route 66 -
Preserve Route 66 Photo Essay: You're Not From Around Here -
Preserve Route 66 Photo Essay: Refuel With Old-School Americana -
Preserve Route 66 Photo Essay: As Seen From the Road -
Preserve Route 66 Photo Essay: Take a Trip Down Route 66 -
Preserve Route 66 Route 66: Economic Benefits -
Preserve Route 66 Route 66 Road Trip: By the Numbers -
Preserve Route 66 Recovering the Places We Lost Along Route 66 -
Preserve Route 66 Route 66 Reflection: Finding Hidden Treasures on The Mother Road
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Now accepting nominations for the 2024 list of America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places! Letters of Intent are due September 29, 2023.
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