Paving of Route 66
On November 14, 1926, the paving of Route 66 between Springfield and Joplin was completed. For several years, getting between the two cities in southwest Missouri had been unusually complicated, as there was no direct route available. After the completion of this stretch of road, only 100 miles were left to be paved of the 270 miles between St. Louis and Joplin.
Based upon content from the book Missouri 365: This Day in Missouri History by John W. Brown, broadcaster and Missouri historian. Get your copy at Reedy Press.
Image from Unsplash
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Legendary Route 66, the Mother Road, lost the last of its iconic highway logo shields in Missouri on this date in 1985.
March 15, 1931
On this date in Missouri history, celebrations are held for the final section of Route 66 to be paved in Missouri. It was a big party in downtown Rolla, as an estimated 8,000 people turned out to commemorate the completion of Route 66 across Missouri.
