On June 27, 1985, after 59 years, Route 66, the iconic 2,200-mile American highway that stretched from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California, came to an end. The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) voted to decertify the road and remove its highway signs. Route 66 passed through eight states: Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California. The origins of the highway can be traced back to the 19th century when explorer Lieutenant Edward Fitzgerald Beale was commissioned by Congress to chart a wagon road along the 35th parallel from Fort Defiance to the Colorado River. This road eventually led to the creation of Route 66.
In 1926, Route 66 was officially designated as the highway known as “The Mother Road.” It was commissioned on November 11, 1926, and stretched 2,448 miles from Chicago to Los Angeles. Route 66 became a vital transportation link for rural communities in the eight states it passed through, allowing farmers to transport goods more easily and aiding the long-distance trucking industry in competing with the railroad for dominance in the shipping market. However, new interstates built during the 1950s to early 1980s eventually replaced Route 66, and by October 1984, its route had been taken over by highways.
On June 27, 1985, Route 66 was formally decertified, and the signs were removed, marking the end of an era. Despite this, the highway was designated as a scenic byway by the United States Department of Transportation in 2005. Route 66 became a cultural reference, inspiring works such as John Steinbeck’s “The Grapes of Wrath” and the Bobby Troup song “Route 66,” recorded by artists like Nat “King” Cole, Chuck Berry, and the Rolling Stones. In addition, Route 66 was featured in the 2006 animated film “Cars,” further solidifying its place in American pop culture.
Today, drivers can still use 85% of Route 66, and it has become a popular tourist destination for visitors from around the world. The National Historic Route 66 Federation continues to promote and preserve the legacy of the highway. Some interesting facts about Route 66 include that it was replaced by five interstates, reached its highest point in the town of Continental Divide, New Mexico, crossed three time zones, and had a stretch near Tijeras, New Mexico, that plays “America the Beautiful” when driven over at the speed limit of 45 mph.
Looking ahead, in 2026, the nation will celebrate the “Route 66 Centennial,” marking 100 years of the Mother Road serving the traveling public. Many states and organizations are planning special events and tours to highlight the centennial anniversary of U.S. Route 66 and commemorate the highway’s historical significance. Despite no longer being an official highway, Route 66 continues to capture the imagination of people worldwide and remains an enduring symbol of American road travel.
