Rediscover Route 66
For the last few months, I have had the pleasure of digging into the history of Route 66 to write a piece called “66 Stops on Route 66” for this special bonus edition of Missouri Life. As I researched and wrote, I kept coming back to the question: What makes Route 66 what it is, despite mom-and-pop shops going out of business, old buildings being demolished along the route as the years pass, and original owners passing away?
• Story and photo by Missouri Life’s copy editor, Tara Clarkson
As I uncovered Route 66’s history and the stories it holds within its paved miles, I realized that its fame connects back to the idea of the American dream.
The road brought adventure, culture, and excitement to the American people, and to this day, we still hold onto its magic. The highway and all its stops evoke striking memories and feelings that are connected to the endless possibilities of what traveling across our nation can be: a road trip, tourism, exploration, or simply a change. Today, traveling these miles makes connections to the past and allows us to experience the thrill of the American dream once again.
The origin of the highway of dreams began on April 30, 1926, when a telegram was sent from the Colonial Hotel in Springfield to Washington, DC, approving the number of the new route that was to cross America from Chicago to Santa Monica, California—Route 66.
The construction of Route 66 in the first half of the 20th century coincided with the rise of the automotive industry after World War II, a movement often referred to as a “love affair” between Americans and automobiles. The war was over, and possibilities were on the horizon. Americans had more spending money, new family cars, and extra time for vacations. As Route 66 grew, so did the number of road trips across the United States.
But the growth of the Mother Road was not without its challenges. As Route 66 was burgeoning, it was beginning to be paved, but stretches of it still led travelers onto dirt roads that were often muddy and dangerous. In just nine months in 1941, car accidents killed 54 people, including 19 soldiers, along the road.
The route’s infrastructure quickly evolved to better support travelers. Roadside courts, filling stations, and motels were built along the roadway, and entertainment and must-see attractions were advertised: drive-in theaters, swimming pools, and natural wonders, like Meramec Caverns. Neon signs became a staple of Route 66, illuminating the way for travelers and highlighting the attractions. Many remain an iconic part of the Route 66 experience today.
Route 66 was decommissioned in 1984, but the wonder and magic of the Mother Road never died. Some Route 66 attractions have closed since their heyday in the mid-1900s. Yet, other historic buildings are being restored, and new businesses are constantly being added. A new generation of travelers is now discovering Route 66’s historic stops and new attractions.
With this guide in hand, you may discover your own American dream while visiting 66 stops along Historic Route 66 and creating memories that will connect the past, present, and future of the road.
This column was orginally published in the February 2026 issue of Missouri Life.
