Understand

Route 66 is an iconic symbol of America, representing ideas of freedom, westward migration, and the vastness of the American heartland. This historic highway, first opened in 1926, captured the imagination of Americans and travelers from around the world. John Steinbeck's novel, Grapes of Wrath, vividly depicted the journey along Route 66 during the Great Depression, as thousands of farmers from Kansas and Oklahoma sought a brighter future in California. Steinbeck portrayed the road as both a challenging obstacle and a beacon of hope. In popular culture, Route 66 became even more celebrated. Bobby Troup's song, "Route 66," encouraged people to embrace the adventure and excitement of the highway. The 1960s TV show, also named "Route 66," followed the adventures of two young men as they explored America's highways. Although Jack Kerouac's novel, On the Road, only briefly mentions Route 66, it became synonymous with the spirit of Beatnik cross-country journeys. While the highway itself was decommissioned in the 1980s, the spirit of Route 66 lives on. Portions of the road, cherished for its nostalgia and sense of adventure, continue to draw enthusiasts who yearn for the experience of traveling from Chicago to Los Angeles. Festivals, such as Route 66 Days, and motor cruises, like the Route 66 Cruise, take place in towns along the route, ensuring that the history of this iconic highway remains alive and celebrated.