U.S. Route 66, often called the “Mother Road” or the “Main Street of America,” is one of the most iconic highways in the United States. Established in 1926, Route 66 originally ran from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California, covering a total of approximately 2,448 miles. It passed through eight states—Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California—linking countless small towns and major cities across the American heartland and Southwest.

More than just a road, Route 66 played a crucial role in American history, especially during the Dust Bowl migration of the 1930s and the post-war tourism boom. It symbolized freedom and opportunity, becoming a favorite path for families, adventurers, and dreamers heading west. Over the decades, countless diners, motels, gas stations, and roadside attractions sprung up along its path, many of which have become nostalgic landmarks preserved by enthusiasts and preservation societies.

Although Route 66 was officially decommissioned in 1985 and replaced by the modern Interstate Highway System, large portions of the route are still drivable today as “Historic Route 66.” It remains a bucket-list journey for road-trippers from around the globe, celebrated in pop culture, music, and literature. From the neon lights of Tucumcari to the deserts of Arizona and the piers of California, Route 66 continues to offer a timeless slice of Americana.