The 100th Anniversary of Route 66
Route 66, known as America's "Main Street" or “The Mother Road” is the iconic highway that spanned 2,448 miles from Chicago to Los Angeles, passing through eight states and numerous small towns along the way. It was officially designated on November 11, 1926, and has since become a symbol of freedom, adventure, and the American Dream. Its influence can be seen in songs, movies, and even Hawaiian shirts featuring its bright signs and retro designs. The upcoming celebration of Route 66's centennial (1926-2026) is not just about looking back fondly. It represents a nationwide acknowledgment of how this single highway changed American life.
Preservation and Revival Efforts for Route 66
The story of Route 66's preservation begins in the small town of Seligman, Arizona, where barber Angel Delgadillo witnessed his community's decline after Interstate 40 bypassed the historic highway in 1978. In order to get cars back on Route 66 to benefit the businesses along the Route 66, Delgalillo lobbied for support to have it designated as a historic highway. The idea was that if Route 66 could be designated as a “Historic”, people would interested in taking this nostalgic and scenic route. The return of traffic would benefit the many businesses along Route 66 that had been struggling when Interstate 40 opened. His efforts paid off. In February 1987, Delgadillo founded the Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona.
Delgadillo's efforts sparked similar preservation groups across all eight Route 66 states. His advocacy demonstrated that local communities could protect their heritage through organized action, inspiring business owners, historians, and residents to document and preserve their sections of the Mother Road.
The federal government recognized these grassroots efforts when Congress passed legislation in 1999 establishing the Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program. Administered by the National Park Service, this program provides crucial support for protecting historic sections of the highway. The program focuses on identifying and preserving significant Route 66 resources, from vintage motels and diners to bridges and gas stations.
Many sections of Route 66 now hold listings in the National Register of Historic Places, ensuring legal protection for these cultural landmarks. The 100th Anniversary of Route 66 celebrates not just the highway's creation, but the dedicated preservation work that allows you to experience this American icon today.
Photo Credit: Abhishek Navlakha
Centennial Celebrations Across States Along Route 66
The federal government recognized the cultural importance of Route 66's 100th anniversary through the Route 66 Centennial Commission Act, establishing a coordinated framework for nationwide celebrations. This legislative action provided structure and resources for communities along the historic highway to commemorate this milestone year.
Federal grants flowed to states along the corridor, funding preservation projects that ranged from signage upgrades to festival organization and tourism promotion initiatives. The investment demonstrated a commitment to keeping Route 66's legacy alive for future generations.
Illinois led the way with substantial financial support for attraction improvements along U.S. Highway 66 corridor. The state's investment addressed both historical preservation and modern infrastructure needs, ensuring the route remains accessible to contemporary travelers. Chicago unveiled a Centennial Marker as part of a broader campaign to honor the highway's legacy, while the Heritage Corridor Bureau sponsored Route 66 selfie spots across multiple cities. Springfield reopened the Shea's Gas Station Museum with state grant funding and constructed a 20-foot by 32-foot monument near the Rail Haven Hotel.
Missouri embraced the centennial through Springfield's hosting of celebration events, with the State Historical Society actively collecting Route 66 artifacts. Webb City added a Route 66 medallion-shield to its viaduct support, creating new photo opportunities for travelers.
Kansas contributed to the festivities by repainting the iconic Rainbow Bridge and minting special Route 66 Centennial Collector Coins for enthusiasts and collectors.
Conclusion
The 100th Anniversary of Route 66 is a unique chance for you to experience American history up close. Thanks to the revitalization and preservation efforts, this legendary highway has become a living museum that anyone can explore.
You can start planning your adventure right now. The National Park Service's Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program website offers detailed maps of historic segments across all eight states.
State tourism boards have created comprehensive guides highlighting newly restored attractions, museums, and landmarks ready for your visit.
This milestone year brings enhanced experiences you won't find at any other time:
- Freshly restored neon signs illuminating the Mother Road
- New monuments and exhibits telling untold stories
- Upgraded charging stations making electric vehicle travel feasible
- Special centennial events and festivals throughout 2026
You'll discover authentic roadside diners, vintage gas stations, and quirky attractions that capture the spirit of mid-century America. The highway's preservation ensures these treasures remain for future generations to enjoy. And while you do that, it would be absolutely fitting for you to be sporting a Route66 Hawaiian shirt.