Ask anyone you come across – whether they’re Missourians or not – to name the most famous historic road in the United States. Chances are the majority are going to immediately respond with “Route 66.” However, how many know that the birthplace of Route 66 is right here in Missouri?
By the end of the first decade of the 20th century, Missourians began to see more and more cars on the road – around 16,000, in fact.
Flickr/Seattle Municipal Archives
The emergence of the automobile meant that many states, including Missouri, would need to create new roads to make transportation easier and safer. New highways would be approved across the country in 1925, with routes assigned numbers.
Wikimedia Commons/Public Domain
If a highway traveled from east to west, it earned an even number. Highways that went from north to south were assigned an odd number.
Flickr/Thomas Hawk
After much back and forth between officials in several states, including Missouri and Oklahoma, the highway that would travel from Illinois to California was crowned Route 66.
Flickr/Tony Hisgett The official acceptance of the name Route 66 was communicated, by telegraph, from Springfield’s Colonial Hotel.
The famous Route 66 passes through eight states. Its creation led to the founding of The U.S. Highway 66 Association, headed by a Springfield attorney.
Flickr/Tony Hisgett
Perhaps the most famous road in the United States, the section of Route 66 that ran through Missouri was entirely paved by 1931.
Flickr/Thomas Hawk
Over the years, the road’s popularity would increase and so would Springfield’s visibility. Springfield’s Giant Hamburg, in fact, is believed to have introduced the first drive-thru window.
Flickr/Reds Giant Hamburg
Today, although Route 66 has been bypassed by other interstate highways, The Missouri Route 66 Association has worked to preserve and to promote the historic road.
Flickr/stevehager
Next time you’ve got a free day – or a few – set off on Route 66, where you’ll find such popular attractions as Maramec Caverns in Sullivan, Route 66 Car Museum in Springfield, and Route 66 Mural Park in Joplin.
Facebook/Route 66 Car Museum
Did you know that Missouri is the birthplace of Route 66? What’s your favorite attraction on the famous road? Let us know in the comments! If you love learning about Missouri’s rich history, you’ll probably want to check out these 17 Historical Landmarks You Absolutely Must Visit in Missouri.
Flickr/Seattle Municipal Archives
Wikimedia Commons/Public Domain
Flickr/Thomas Hawk
Flickr/Tony Hisgett
The official acceptance of the name Route 66 was communicated, by telegraph, from Springfield’s Colonial Hotel.
Flickr/Reds Giant Hamburg
Flickr/stevehager
Facebook/Route 66 Car Museum
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Address: Rte 66, Springfield, MO, USA
