The Legendary Route 66: America's Mother Road
Route 66, an iconic American highway, stretches over two thousand miles from Chicago to Los Angeles, representing the heart of the United States. It’s known as The mother of all rides.
When did Route 66 start?
Established on November 11, 1926, Route 66, also known as U.S. Route 66, US 66, Route 66, Will Rogers Highway, the Main Street of America, and the Mother Road, served travelers for around 50 years. It was decommissioned by 1984 as newer roads bypassed it. Now designated as Historic Route 66, it cuts diagonally through the U.S., topping out at an elevation of 1,082m (3,550ft) above sea level at Sitgreaves Pass.
Why is Route 66 in America so Famous?
Route 66 gained fame due to active promotion by the U.S. Highway 66 Association, which promoted it as the best route from Chicago to Los Angeles. It became symbolic of American travel.
Where does Route 66 start and where does it end?
Stretching over 2,000 miles (3,200km), Route 66 starts in Chicago, Illinois, and ends in Santa Monica, California. It runs through the diverse landscape of Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona.
How long does it take to drive the Old Route 66?
Plan around 13 days to drive the entire route. While most sections marked as "Historic Route 66" are well-maintained, navigation can be tricky due to limited signage. Following the road can be confusing, as it is not featured on standard maps and has very limited road signage.
Where was Easy Rider filmed?
Route 66’s cultural impact is evident in the iconic American film Easy Rider, directed by Dennis Hopper, where the protagonists journey along much of its length, highlighting its place in American pop culture.
Pic: By Dietmar Rabich, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=30517858
