While the country celebrates its 250th anniversary this summer, a very special road turns 100. This year marks the 100th anniversary of Route 66, an extraordinary highway that stretches from Chicago to Los Angeles. It is often referred to as the “Mother Road” because of its key role in the Dust Bowl migration.
The road was first distinguished in 1926 by Cyrus Avery, a resident of Tulsa, OK, who sought a better way to transport things from coast to coast. It created a diagonal path across the country to provide farmers and ranchers with a more accessible way to transport goods. Compared to northern routes, Route 66 had a more manageable climate and had smoother travel conditions.
The number “66” was introduced due to its catchy nature and was proposed in Springfield, MO. It was later used in a catchy song by the same name, “(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66” by the Nat King Cole Trio.
Maggie Sokolik, Senior, performed the song with Parkway Central’s A Cappella group during her freshman year.
“The song Route 66 encourages people to experience the adventures of driving along it and have fun while traveling to different cities all the way from Chicago to L.A,” Sokolik said.
A century later, travelers still answer that call. While no recent Parkway Central staff have made the trip, Mike and Lucia Tremont from Syracuse, NY, recently traveled the entire route. Starting in Chicago, he and his wife crossed eight states, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California, before reaching the Pacific Ocean at the Santa Monica Pier.
Their favorite part of the trip was the memorabilia and historic sites along the route.
Similar structures exist along the route to draw travelers in.
“We drove about 4 hours each day and then did sightseeing, and we made a point to eat at local restaurants at each stop,” Mike said.
There is no shortage of good food to eat while traveling along Route 66. Mike and Lucia enjoyed a variety of cuisines along the highway. Settlers brought with them a variety of cuisines from Italian to Spanish.
“We ate corn dogs in Illinois, custard at Ted Drewes in St Louis, a steak dinner at Cattlemen Steakhouse in Oklahoma City, great Mexican food with red and green salsa in New Mexico,” Mike said.
Lucia’s favorite memory was staying at the El Tovar hotel in the Grand Canyon. The hotel sits at the edge of the Grand Canyon’s south rim and has a distinct 20th-century atmosphere.
“You need to make reservations 9 months to a year in advance,” Lucia said.
While the route was imperative for white settlers’ success, Native Americans experienced significant displacement due to its creation. Over half of the route runs directly through Native American land, forcing many out of their homes because of the Indian Relocation Act of 1956.
White settlers brought disease and pollution with them, much of which has greatly impacted the environment of the several national parks along Route 66. The Havasupai Tribe, which currently resides at the bottom of the Grand Canyon, is still facing the consequences of expansion. Uranium mining in the canyon is one of the biggest concerns as it grows closer to the tribe. Their main water source is the Havasu Creek, which is at risk of contamination from mining.
White settlers also capitalized on Native American Stereotypes in order to make a profit and appear more exotic. Shops along the route sell exaggerated memorabilia claiming to be Indian while simultaneously denying service from Native Americans. Motels and hotels built concrete teepees and other architecture, drawing white travelers to a romanticized idea of colonization.
Native Americans are currently working to undo these stereotypes. Several cultural centers have been erected along the route to educate travelers. They include past stereotypes alongside accurate history from the tribes themselves.
A prominent Catholic religious site lies on Route 66 in Santa Fe, NM. The Loretto Chapel features a spiral staircase built without nails or support and is rumored to be a miracle sent from God.
“A man came along, maybe St. Joseph, who was a carpenter, and built a beautiful wooden spiral staircase using no support pole, nails or glue. The legend is considered a miracle,” Lucia said.
Mike and Lucia recommend this trip to everyone. They met several Europeans traveling the route during their trip, as well as many motorcycle groups.
In honor of the 100th anniversary, Springfield, MO, is hosting a centennial kickoff event from April 30 to May 2. Several other towns are following suit with various celebrations in honor of the historic road.
Check out the Route 66 Centennial Festival in Forest Park from April 30 to May 3. There will be a classic car show, movie showings, and lots of famous St. Louis food to enjoy.
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