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Hop in: We're taking a pop culture road trip on Route 66
NPR • • nation
Key Points:
- Route 66, celebrating its 100th anniversary, is an iconic American highway stretching over 2,000 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica, known for its diverse landscapes, roadside attractions, and cultural significance.
- Created in 1926, Route 66 became a key migration path during the Dust Bowl and Great Depression, famously chronicled by John Steinbeck in "The Grapes of Wrath," symbolizing hope and hardship for displaced families heading west.
- The highway inspired numerous songs, TV shows, and films, including the 1946 anthem "Get Your Kicks on Route 66," the 1960s TV series, and the 2006 Pixar movie "Cars," which helped revive interest in its history and culture.
- Although decommissioned as a federal highway in 1985, Route 66 remains a beloved symbol of freedom and adventure, supported by preservation efforts like the Route 66 Alliance and commemorated through various media and tourism initiatives.
- Author and Route 66 expert Michael Wallis highlights the road's enduring appeal as a connector of diverse communities, a source of Americana nostalgia, and a representation of the American dream and spirit of exploration.
