Route 66

The 2,448-mile route winds from Jackson Boulevard and Michigan Avenue in Chicago to Los Angeles through the most romantic and celebrated portions of the American West. Route 66 was a lifeline through much of America, connecting the small midwestern towns of Illinois, Missouri, and Kansas, with the big cities of Los Angeles and Chicago. Known by several names throughout the years including the "Mother Road," "Main Street of America," and the "Will Rogers Highway," Route 66 served travelers for some 50 years before totally succumbing to the new and improved interstate system. Established in 1926, road signs began to be erected the following year but it would be several years before Route 66 would be continuously paved from Chicago to Los Angeles. Running through the states of Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California, the highway became one of the most famous roads in America. For decades, this historic path served thousands who were migrating west, especially during the Dust Bowl of the 1930's. Over the years the Mother Road underwent many improvements and realignments, changing its path and overall length, and moving its endpoint farther west to Santa Monica. Route 66 was officially decommissioned in 1985 and the familiar highway markers came down but it was not the end for this historic road. New generations wanted to travel this old road, signs began to go back up, and today thousands enjoy these vintage peeks along the old highway.