What ruined Route 66?

Migration and tourism shaped towns along Route 66 even before the road was officially established in 1926. But the Interstate Highway System decimated many of these communities when it circumvented Route 66 in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Today, many sections of Route 66 are completely gone.



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Without much fanfare, the Mother Road was removed from the U.S. Highway System. The end of Route 66 had been a long time coming, though. The new-fangled Interstate Highway System had taken its place and the old, crumbling road no longer had much purpose.

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Of the original 2,448 miles that made up Route 66, about 80-85% is still drivable.

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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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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.

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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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Interstate 40 subsequently replaced a large segment of Route 66 and the roadway was decommissioned in 1985. However, in the aftermath, a variety of non-profit groups were formed to help preserve the historic highway and much of Route 66 remains drivable today.

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After 59 years, the iconic Route 66 enters the realm of history on June 27, 1985, when the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials decertifies the road and votes to remove all its highway signs.

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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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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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Completed in 1926, Route 66 winds 2,448 miles from Chicago to L.A. Through most of the Western states, Route 66 follows Interstate 40, which eventually replaced much of the Mother Road. In some areas, the remnants of 66 parallel the interstate as a frontage road.

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If you to travel the most famous routes, you will need a sedan or city SUV. If you want to use the oldest routes, definitely choose a SUV 4×4 with a high chassis. Don't forget about the passengers – if there are more of you, choose the car size that provides enough comfort to everyone.

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In Arizona remains the longest stretch of the original Route 66 in the U.S., where you'll find a wigwam-shaped motel, a petrified forest, kitschy shops, a street corner dedicated to an Eagles song, and so much more.

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