The Cultural Legacy of Route 66
Preservation of the structures and sites along Route 66 is, in modern times, the overwhelming focus of those who are striving to keep the road alive. At both the state and federal level, the deep historical and cultural significance of Route 66 has been recognized as something worth safeguarding to be enjoyed by future generations.
Below is another example of the unique roadside attractions of Route 66, a classic car museum to entertain travelers through Springfield, MO and preserve automotive history for generations to come.
An old fire truck outside the Route 66 Car Museum in Springfield, Missouri, through which a portion of the historic two-lane road still zig and zag.
States, like Illinois and Oklahoma, have used their own history with the road to generate tourism and revive some of the rural economies that sit along Route 66 and were once busy stops in its heyday.
West end of Route 66 leading into Flagstaff, Arizona; Saginaw Manistee Lumber Company at left, Arizona Lumber and Timber Company office building on right, Elden Mountain in background, 1950.
Perhaps most significantly, The National Trust for Historic Preservation has added Route 66 to the list of roads that they are seeking a federal National Historic Trail designation to protect and preserve the history of the road. This permanent designation, if granted, would place Route 66 in the company of incredible parts of American history such as the Lewis and Clark Trail, the Oregon Trail, and the road from Selma to Montgomery, AL.
Padre Canyon Bridge which carried the first alignment of Route 66 from 1926-32
Above is an image of Padre Canyon Bridge in northern Arizona. This piece of history carried one of the first segments of Route 66, and is just one of the many special and unique artifacts that still dot the highway.
Below is a painted mural from Needles, CA. Route 66 inspires artists with its amazing past and nostalgic ambiance even today.
Garage, Route 66 mural in Needles, California.