Imagine it’s 1926. You are in Chicago, Illinois. You want to get to Los Angeles, California. You’re in luck! A new highway was just created between the cities. It stretches 2,400 miles (3,862 km). It goes across eight states. Roll onto Route 66!
It’s the 1930s. Route 66 is bustling. It connects towns. Route 66 is flat with nice weather. This makes it easier to travel on than other highways. Business booms along the road. Restaurants, gas stations, and hotels pop up.
Route 66 becomes a part of history. Throughout the 1930s, the United States is in the Great Depression. Many Americans struggle to make money. A hits farms in the center of the nation. People call the area the Dust Bowl. Farmers and their families leave. Many head west on Route 66.
World War II starts in 1939. Most of the fighting is far from America. But the United States still needs to move soldiers and supplies. Route 66 is there.
It’s 1945. The war ends. Route 66 enters a golden age. Americans hit the road — for vacation! They pass beautiful lands and funky businesses. There are bridges, cafes, and theaters. The highway goes through Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona. It ends at California’s Santa Monica Beach!
Now, let’s blast back to 2023. Route 66 isn’t as busy as it used to be. America’s road system grew. Travelers found faster ways to get around. Still, Route 66 is famous. And soon, it will turn 100. Officials are planning how to celebrate. Some states are giving Route 66 a touchup.
Oklahoma has about 430 miles (692 km) of Route 66. That’s the most of any state. Oklahoma will add a turning lane and shoulders to part of Route 66. This will make the road safer.
Illinois has 300 miles (482 km) of Route 66. It is putting $6.6 million into the road and projects. It will fix up sites along the highway. It will also add new features. Those include charging stations for electric cars.
JB Pritzker is the governor of Illinois. He said these changes are about “honoring the history and looking to the future.”
Updated May 29, 2023, 5:01 P.M. (ET)
By Ashley Morgan
