Route 66

The "Mother Road" had its beginnings in the summer of 1926 when legislation to create a national highway was enacted. At the time, most small towns had no access to a national road system. Route 66 would connect roads and paths from rural and urban communities across eight states, from Chicago to Los Angeles. The Interstate Highway System began to take over in the late 1950s. In 1984, the route was de-certified as a US highway. Many businesses along the highway closed their doors, but its historical significance lived on. Today, people travel the highway for the nostalgia of the past, but it is not always an easy route to follow. The route winds off in many directions when going through smaller towns. I found pre-1932 routes, pre-1937 options, post-1954 paths, pre-1958 routes, etc. Dirt paths remain in areas and some are not always passable. In deciding which paths to travel and where to stop, I relied on two travel guides: (i) "EZ66 Guide for Travelers", 3rd edition, by Jerry McClanahan; and (ii) "Road Trip USA Route 66", by Jamie Jensen. During my journey, I learned quite a bit about the route and its history. The most eye-opening piece of information came to me while visiting a Missouri History Museum exhibit: "Route 66: Main Street Through St. Louis", June 25, 2016 - July 16, 2017, where I realized that Route 66 is primarily celebrated by white America. Black Americans were largely shunned at the vast majority of motels, dining establishments, gas stations and other businesses along the route. Route 66 could be dangerous, or even fatal, for black travelers stopping at the wrong establishment. A New Yorker from Harlem, Victor H. Green, recognized this danger and created a guide book called "The Negro Motorist Green Book". The book was used widely between the years of 1936-1964, providing black travelers with a list of safe business establishments that would welcome them. Whether viewed as nostalgic or dangerous, Route 66 holds a significant place in U.S. history and the movement of its people westward.