What is Route 66 famous for?

During the Dust Bowl of the 1930s, it was the primary route for the migration of farm workers from the Midwest to California. The migration continued during World War II due to opportunities in California. During this time, it also became one of the key routes for moving military equipment across the country.



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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.


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Route 66's popularity led to its downfall, with traffic swelling beyond its two-lane capacity. In 1956, legislation created the Interstate System, and over the course of three decades, five separate interstates bypassed segment after segment of Route 66.

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While the Grand Canyon isn't technically on Route 66, it's worth a detour. The South Rim is the most accessible from the route and has the best viewpoints; although that does make it the most popular with visitors.

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Route 66 has gained a reputation as the United States of America's most famous road.

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U.S. Route 20 is the ??longest road, beginning in Boston at Route 2 and runs through to an intersection with US 101 in Newport, Ore. A dozen states make up U.S. Route 20, covering 3,365 miles of road.

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According to the National Trust for Historic Preservation, about 85 percent of the road is actually still drivable—it just exists under a variety of other official names and numbers, though sometimes marked with a “Historic Route 66” sign.

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Portions of the road have now been designated as National Scenic Byways or as “Historic Route 66” in several states including Arizona, New Mexico, Illinois, and Missouri. Vintage Shell gas station (left) built in 1926 on Route 66 in Mount Olive, Illinois (photo taken between 1980 and 2006).

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Only one state, Montana, is left unspoiled with no daytime speed limit. At night, speeds are restricted to 65 mph on interstate highways and 55 mph on two-lanes.

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Jericho Gap, Texas This became so profitable that there were rumors that some residents watered down the road to increase the plight of Route 66 travelers. Eventually, Route 66 was rerouted to higher ground in the 1930s and the area dwindled into a ghost town.

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And it's a prime example of a rebirth of Route 66 that's occurring in various parts of the country. Town leaders here decided to use the history of the famous road to their advantage, 20 large murals, a museum of Route 66 collectibles, and much more, all bringing in tourists from around the world.

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In some states Rt 66 is not well- marked and it was often difficult to find where it picks up when one section of it ends. But all in all it is worth the effort if you want to see some almost forgotten bits of Americana. Lots of worthwhile stops along the way, but they are scattered across 2,400 miles.

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