# U.S. Route 66 > former U.S. Numbered Highway in the United States **Wikidata**: [Q79934](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q79934) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.S._Route_66) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/u-s-route-66 ## Summary U.S. Route 66 is a former U.S. Numbered Highway in the United States, officially established on November 11, 1926. It is commonly known as "the Mother Road" and spans approximately 2,448 miles from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California, passing through 12 states. The route is celebrated for its historical significance in American automotive culture, serving as a primary transportation corridor for travelers and a symbol of road trip adventures. ## Key Facts - **Official Name**: U.S. Route 66 - **Established**: November 11, 1926 - **Route Length**: Approximately 2,448 miles - **Route**: Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California - **States Traversed**: Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, California - **Nicknames**: "The Mother Road," "Will Rogers Highway," "Main Street of America" - **Designation**: U.S. Numbered Highway - **Decommissioned**: Officially decommissioned on November 15, 1985 - **Historical Significance**: Symbol of American road trip culture and automotive history - **Cultural Impact**: Featured in literature, film, and music, including the song "Route 66" by Nat King Cole - **Notable Landmarks**: Historic Route 66 attractions, including the Route 66 Museum in Santa Monica and the Route 66 National Scenic Byway - **Related Entities**: Associated with Will Rogers, a prominent American humorist and entertainer, and the Western genre of stories set primarily in the American Old West - **Geographic Context**: Part of the contiguous United States, traversing diverse landscapes from the Great Plains to the deserts of the Southwest - **Transportation Role**: Served as a major transportation route for travelers, businesses, and military personnel during its operational period - **Economic Impact**: Contributed to the growth of roadside attractions, motels, and businesses along its route - **Preservation Efforts**: Segments of the route have been preserved as historic byways and scenic routes, maintaining its legacy ## FAQs **What is the historical significance of U.S. Route 66?** U.S. Route 66 holds significant historical importance as a primary transportation corridor established on November 11, 1926. It served as a vital route for travelers, businesses, and military personnel, connecting Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California, and passing through 12 states. The route is celebrated for its role in American automotive culture and is often referred to as "the Mother Road." **How long was U.S. Route 66 and which states did it pass through?** U.S. Route 66 spanned approximately 2,448 miles, connecting Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California. It traversed through Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California, making it a significant cross-country route. **What are some notable landmarks and attractions along U.S. Route 66?** Notable landmarks and attractions along U.S. Route 66 include the Route 66 Museum in Santa Monica, the Route 66 National Scenic Byway, and various historic sites that have been preserved as part of the route's legacy. These attractions highlight the cultural and historical significance of the road. **How did U.S. Route 66 impact American culture and society?** U.S. Route 66 had a profound impact on American culture and society, serving as a symbol of road trip adventures and automotive history. It is featured in literature, film, and music, including the song "Route 66" by Nat King Cole, and has been preserved as a historic byway to maintain its legacy. **What is the significance of the nickname "The Mother Road" for U.S. Route 66?** The nickname "The Mother Road" for U.S. Route 66 reflects its status as a primary transportation route that connected the nation. It symbolizes the road's role in American travel and its cultural impact on the country. **How was U.S. Route 66 decommissioned and what is its current status?** U.S. Route 66 was officially decommissioned on November 15, 1985. However, segments of the route have been preserved as historic byways and scenic routes, maintaining its legacy and cultural significance. ## Why It Matters U.S. Route 66 is significant for its role in shaping American automotive culture and transportation history. Established on November 11, 1926, it served as a primary route connecting Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California, passing through 12 states. Known as "the Mother Road," it became a symbol of road trip adventures and a cultural icon. The route's historical importance lies in its contribution to the growth of roadside attractions, motels, and businesses along its path. Its decommissioning on November 15, 1985, marked the end of its official status as a U.S. Numbered Highway, but segments of the route have been preserved as historic byways to maintain its legacy. U.S. Route 66's impact extends beyond its physical presence, influencing literature, film, and music, including the song "Route 66" by Nat King Cole. Its cultural significance continues to be celebrated through various attractions and preservation efforts, ensuring that its legacy endures. ## Notable For - **Historical Significance**: Served as a primary transportation route connecting Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California, and passing through 12 states - **Cultural Impact**: Symbol of American road trip culture and automotive history, featured in literature, film, and music - **Preservation Efforts**: Segments of the route have been preserved as historic byways and scenic routes, maintaining its legacy - **Notable Landmarks**: Home to the Route 66 Museum in Santa Monica and the Route 66 National Scenic Byway - **Nicknames**: Known as "The Mother Road," "Will Rogers Highway," and "Main Street of America" - **Decommissioning**: Officially decommissioned on November 15, 1985, but its cultural significance continues to be celebrated - **Economic Impact**: Contributed to the growth of roadside attractions, motels, and businesses along its route - **Related Entities**: Associated with Will Rogers, a prominent American humorist and entertainer, and the Western genre of stories set primarily in the American Old West ## Body ### History U.S. Route 66 was established on November 11, 1926, as a primary transportation route connecting Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California. It spanned approximately 2,448 miles and passed through 12 states, including Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California. The route was officially decommissioned on November 15, 1985, but segments of the route have been preserved as historic byways and scenic routes to maintain its legacy. ### Geography and Route U.S. Route 66 traversed diverse landscapes, from the Great Plains to the deserts of the Southwest. It connected major cities and towns, serving as a vital transportation corridor for travelers, businesses, and military personnel. The route is known for its scenic beauty and historical significance, with notable landmarks and attractions along its path. ### Cultural Impact U.S. Route 66 has had a profound impact on American culture and society. It is celebrated for its role in shaping automotive culture and road trip adventures. The route is featured in literature, film, and music, including the song "Route 66" by Nat King Cole. Its cultural significance continues to be celebrated through various attractions and preservation efforts. ### Economic Impact U.S. Route 66 contributed to the growth of roadside attractions, motels, and businesses along its route. The route's economic impact extended beyond its physical presence, influencing the development of tourism and hospitality industries. ### Preservation Efforts Segments of U.S. Route 66 have been preserved as historic byways and scenic routes to maintain its legacy. The Route 66 Museum in Santa Monica and the Route 66 National Scenic Byway are notable examples of preservation efforts that highlight the route's cultural and historical significance. ### Related Entities U.S. Route 66 is associated with Will Rogers, a prominent American humorist and entertainer, and the Western genre of stories set primarily in the American Old West. These connections contribute to the route's cultural and historical significance. ### Notable Landmarks and Attractions Notable landmarks and attractions along U.S. Route 66 include the Route 66 Museum in Santa Monica, the Route 66 National Scenic Byway, and various historic sites that have been preserved as part of the route's legacy. These attractions highlight the cultural and historical significance of the road. ### Decommissioning and Legacy U.S. Route 66 was officially decommissioned on November 15, 1985, but its cultural significance continues to be celebrated. Segments of the route have been preserved as historic byways and scenic routes, maintaining its legacy and ensuring that its impact on American culture endures. ### Nicknames and Cultural Symbolism U.S. Route 66 is known by various nicknames, including "The Mother Road," "Will Rogers Highway," and "Main Street of America." These nicknames reflect its status as a primary transportation route and its cultural impact on the country. ### Impact on Literature, Film, and Music U.S. Route 66 has been featured in literature, film, and music, including the song "Route 66" by Nat King Cole. Its cultural significance continues to be celebrated through various artistic expressions that highlight the route's impact on American society. ### Preservation and Tourism The preservation of U.S. Route 66 as historic byways and scenic routes has contributed to the growth of tourism and hospitality industries. The route's cultural and historical significance continues to attract visitors and ensure that its legacy endures. ### Related Projects and Initiatives Various projects and initiatives have been undertaken to preserve and celebrate the legacy of U.S. Route 66. These efforts highlight the route's cultural and historical significance and ensure that its impact on American society continues to be recognized. ### Conclusion U.S. Route 66 is a significant historical and cultural landmark that has shaped American automotive culture and transportation history. Its legacy continues to be celebrated through various preservation efforts, attractions, and artistic expressions that highlight the route's impact on the country. ## References 1. Virtual International Authority File 2. Library of Congress 3. RAMEAU 4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 5. YSO-Wikidata mapping project 6. Quora 7. [Source](https://www.google.com/doodles/celebrating-route-66)