What are 5 facts about Route 66?
20 Facts About Route 66
- Route 66 was built as an efficient way to get from Chicago to Los Angeles.
- The “Father of Route 66” was an Oklahoma businessman.
- In 1928, promoters held a foot race across Route 66.
- The New Deal helped finish Route 66.
- The Great Depression spurred thousands to head west along Route 66.
Why is Route 66 so special?
US Highway 66, popularly known as “Route 66,” is significant as the nation’s first all-weather highway linking Chicago to Los Angeles. Route 66 reduced the distance between Chicago and Los Angeles by more than 200 miles, which made Route 66 popular among thousands of motorists who drove west in subsequent decades.
What state has the most miles of Route 66?
Oklahoma
Oklahoma has more miles of the original Route 66 than any other state. You can own or adopt a stretch of old Route 66. Arizona has the longest stretch of the historic highway still in use today.
Why does Route 66 no longer exist?
In 1956, President Eisenhower signed the Federal-Aid Highway Act, which established America’s 47,800-mile Interstate Highway System and eventually led to Route 66 becoming obsolete. Interstate 40 subsequently replaced a large segment of Route 66 and the roadway was decommissioned in 1985.
Which is the best Route 66 travel guide?
Our Travel Guide is “The Best” online source of information for your Route 66 Road Trip. Start to Plan your Route 66 Road Trip! Top Ten attractions in each state. The Landmarks on Route 66 and its historic sites. The interesting spots in each of the cities and small Towns on Route 66.
What was the competition like on Route 66?
Competition between motels, stores, diners and shops along Route 66 was tough, so they devised eye catchers to lure in their customers: gaudy, garish, absurd and amusing they are the kitschy side of Route 66. Picture: Blue Whale, Catoosa OK.
Where to go on Route 66 from California to Illinois?
Plan your trip from California to Illinois, a state-by-state guide on Route 66: its alignment, itinerary, towns and sights, map, things to do, places to visit and more! Banner image: Hackberry General Store, Hackberry, Arizona by Perla Eichenblat.
Where does Route 66 cross the San Andreas Fault?
Route 66 crosses the San Andreas fault in a place known as Blue Cut in the Cajon Pass, CA. It passed through Eight States: California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri and Illinois. The Kansas segment is the shortest of the whole Route 66: barely 13 miles long. The New Mexico segment is the longest of them all: 392 miles.