Matt & Alicia's Route 66 Trip

Summer 2009

ROUTE 66 INFO

(Click on a Route 66 sign to go back to the main page)

• Route 66 was commissioned in 1926 but only included 800 miles. By 1937 the entire route was paved. 

• In its entirety Route 66 was about 2450 miles (4000 km)  long but went through many different alignments during its life. Due to one of the alignment changes you can actually stand on Route 66 where it crosses Route 66 (Central Ave. & 4th St.), in Albuquerque, NM.

• Route 66 passes through 8 states and 3 times zones.

• There is a 'correct' way to travel Route 66. Chicago, IL to Santa Monica, CA, heading west is considered the best way to go. While you can obviously travel in the opposite direction, you will see more attractions and sights if you head west.

• A piece of Route 66 pavement is in the Smithsonian museum.

• Route 66 is known by many names including, The Mother Road, Will Rogers Highway and The Main Street of America.

• Cyrus Stevens Avery from Tulsa Oklahoma can be called the father of Route 66. His route, following an old California Gold Rush route was chosen from many submitted. Avery lobbied hard for his route as it would bring traffic and prosperity to his home state of Oklahoma. 

• In 1985 Route 66 was officially decommissioned, but for daily use it was replaced far earlier by the Interstates.