Route 66, known by several names throughout the years, including the “Mother Road,” “Main Street of America,” and the “Will Rogers Highway,” was an old highway that served travelers for more than 50 years before totally succumbing to the “new and improved” interstate system.

Established in 1926, road signs began to be erected the following year, but it would be several years before the 2,448-mile highway would be continuously paved from Chicago to Los Angeles.

Running through Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California, the highway became one of the most famous roads in America. For decades, this historic path served thousands migrating west, especially during the Dust Bowl of the 1930s.

Over the years, the road underwent many improvements and realignments, changing its path and overall length and moving its endpoint farther west to Santa Monica, California.

Route 66 was officially decommissioned in 1985, and the familiar highway markers came down.

But, it was not the end of this historic path. New generations wanted to travel this old road, signs began to go back up, and today, thousands enjoy these vintage peeks along the old highway. However, the original road is not indicated on most maps today, and this portion of Legends’ website provides descriptions of the many towns, sites, and icons of the Mother Road, as well as additional articles and the Route 66 Emporium for those looking for books & maps, postcards, souvenirs, and memorabilia.

Route 66 does not end along 6th Street in Amarillo, Texas, Kathy Alexander.

…and they come into 66 from the tributary side roads, the wagon tracks, and the rutted country roads. 66 is the mother road, the road of flight.

– John Steinbeck in The Grapes of Wrath

If you love Route 66, enjoy coloring, and like to share with others, this book is for you! The Route 66 Postcard Coloring Book contains 20 postcards of various places along America’s Mother Road, each ready for your artistic touch. It was made in Missouri, U.S.A. For more information, visit Legends’ General Store.

©Kathy Alexander/Legends of America, updated February 2025.