U.S. Route 66, widely celebrated as 'The Mother Road,' is a cultural and historical icon, spanning over 2,400 miles from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California. It once served as the primary artery for westward migration, traversing diverse landscapes from the plains of Oklahoma to the arid deserts of New Mexico and Arizona. Although officially decommissioned in 1985, the highway's cultural and historical legacy remains prominent. Preserved sections of the route offer modern travelers a unique opportunity to explore a bygone era, experiencing the tangible heritage of American westward expansion and the era of America's great highway expansion.
Historic Eateries and Lodging
The historic diners and motels along Route 66 collectively define its unique character. The journey can begin at Lou Mitchell's Restaurant in Chicago, an iconic institution since 1923 and a historic starting point for countless travelers. In Oklahoma, the Rock Café in Stroud is a notable landmark, having inspired a fictional setting in the film Cars. Additionally, the Midpoint Café in Adrian, Texas, marks the geographic center of the route, serving as a pivotal stop for those completing the full journey.
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| The historic Wigwam Motel in Holbrook, Arizona. Photo by Carol Highsmith's America on Unsplash |
For overnight stays, the vintage motels offer a distinctive experience. The Wigwam Motels in Holbrook, Arizona, and San Bernardino, California, are celebrated examples of programmatic architecture, with guest units constructed in the shape of teepees, a design intended to attract motorists from the road. In New Mexico, the Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari is distinguished by its vibrant neon sign and meticulously restored 1940s-era rooms. The grand El Rancho Hotel in Gallup, New Mexico, is another historical gem, having hosted numerous Hollywood celebrities during the era of cinematic Westerns.
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| The Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari, New Mexico. Photo by Ethan Strunk |
Roadside Attractions and Public Art
Route 66 is renowned for its collection of unique roadside attractions, deliberately designed to capture the attention of motorists. Among the most famous is the Blue Whale of Catoosa in Oklahoma, a large-scale concrete sculpture built over a pond in the 1970s. Further west in Texas, the Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo stands as an interactive public art installation, consisting of ten classic automobiles buried nose-first in the ground. The site invites visitors to contribute to the artwork with spray paint, creating a continuously evolving display.
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| Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas. Photo by Brian Hackworth |
Other noteworthy sites include the Gemini Giant, a prominent "Muffler Man" statue in Wilmington, Illinois. In Shamrock, Texas, the U-Drop Inn is a striking Art Deco gas station that provided inspiration for a building in the film Cars. The Round Barn in Arcadia, Oklahoma, is a circular-shaped agricultural structure that has been preserved as a testament to local history and community dedication.
Enduring Legacy
The preservation of historic Route 66 allows it to function as a living museum, with its landmarks serving as tangible connections to the past. The highway's enduring appeal lies in its ability to transport individuals to a different time, reflecting the adventure, innovation, and perseverance that shaped the American landscape. From the glowing neon signs to the carefully maintained roadside diners, each location contributes to a rich tapestry of American heritage, a timeless symbol of the spirit of exploration.