Route 66 is one of the most famous roads in the U.S. It was the first all-weather highway that connected Los Angeles and Chicago, passing through Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Missouri. It has also been referenced repeatedly in pop culture, contributing to its popularity. As a result, Route 66 remains imprinted on the American imagination and is a major sightseeing destination. Learn more about its fascinating history below.

Origins

Congress enacted legislation for constructing national public highways in 1925. The following year, the numerical designation "66" was assigned to a route that would connect Los Angeles to Chicago. The plans included connecting main streets in rural and urban communities to the highway, providing many small towns with access to a major national road for the first time.

The majority of Route 66 traverses flat prairie lands and passes through temperature climates, making it a smooth and comfortable drive. The road linked hundreds of rural communities, allowing farmers to easily transport grain and produce. It also assisted with the growth of the trucking industry, which rivaled the railroad for shipping by 1930. During World War II, the highway allowed for the rapid mobilization of troops to military bases in southern California.

Rise to Popularity

John Steinbeck immortalized Route 66 as the "Mother Road" in his 1939 novel, "The Grapes of Wrath." This book tells the story of an estimated 210,000 people who migrated from Oklahoma to California to escape the Dust Bowl. This is partly how Route 66 became known as the "road to opportunity," symbolizing a newfound spirit of optimism.

Following the war, Americans were extremely mobile, and many people traveled the highway after deciding to permanently relocate to the milder climates of southern California. Robert William Troup, Jr., a pianist who played with the Tommy Dorsey band, relocated from Harrisburg, PA, to Los Angeles. He took the famous highway and, inspired by his journey, penned the song "Route 66," which features the famous lyrics, "Get your kicks on Route 66." Nat King Cole recorded the song, and it became a hit that further immortalized the highway.

Today 

During the mid-1950s, Route 66 began to decline, following the signing of the Interstate Highway Act. This resulted in nearly all segments of the original route being bypassed by modern four-lane highways. Many parts of the original road were abandoned, along with the buildings and businesses that dotted it. 

Fortunately, attempts to preserve parts of the highway and roadside structures are underway. Some segments of the original route are still drivable, and you can experience them on guided tours and sightseeing adventures.

Let the guides at Laughlin Tours take you on a scenic adventure on Route 66. They are based in Laughlin, NV, and offer sightseeing tours of the famous highway, including a stop at the visitor center and a drive through the Black Mountains. They also have Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam tours. Call (702) 420-5345 to schedule a guided tour, or visit the website to learn more.