While not the oldest, Route 66 is likely the most enduring highway in American history. Often called "The Mother Road," it helped shape American identity amid the rise of the automobile, promising freedom, mobility, and a uniquely American adventure.

Officially commissioned in 1926, Route 66 wasn't entirely new. It connected existing roads and trails, some dating back to Native American paths and the forced removal by the U.S. Government of the Cherokee people on the Trail of Tears.

The number of registered vehicles in the U.S. skyrocketed from 450,000 in 1910 to 8 million by 1920. Entrepreneur Cyrus Avery of Oklahoma championed a route linking Chicago and Los Angeles, the shortest year-round path between the Midwest and the Pacific Coast.

As traffic boomed, brick and dirt roads were paved, transforming into a vital artery for the nation. During the Great Depression, the road saw a surge in use as migrants traveled west seeking opportunity. By 1938, it became one of the first entirely paved highways in America.

Route 66's popularity spawned a unique ecosystem. Mom-and-pop shops, roadside attractions, gas stations, motels, and theaters sprung up, catering to travelers and defining the Route's experience. These businesses connected disparate regions and created economic prosperity.

However, Route 66's story isn't all sunshine and Cadillacs. Black Americans faced discrimination with "Sundown Towns" barring them after dark. Native American lands were disrupted, and their culture was often inaccurately portrayed.

The rise of the interstate highway system eventually overshadowed Route 66, leading to its decommissioning in 1985. Many towns along the route suffered economically.

But Route 66's spirit endured. Business owners, passionate supporters, and government agencies recognized its value and began efforts to revitalize this piece of Americana.

As Route 66 nears its 100th anniversary in 2026, it continues to evolve. Today, efforts are underway to preserve the hidden legacies of Route 66, encompassing stories of the road's diverse communities.

Route 66 remains a vital reminder of the power of the open road and the enduring spirit of America. A story built by a determined community, harnessed by the engine of memory, and sustained by the possibility that comes from historic preservation.