File:US_66.svg · Wikimedia Commons · See Wikimedia Commons
U.S. Route 66
Sign in to saveAlso known as Route 66, the Mother Road, Will Rogers Highway, the Main Street of America, US 66, Rt. 66, US Route 66, US Highway 66
former U.S. Numbered Highway in the United States
U.S. Route 66 was a major highway that connected different parts of the United States before it was decommissioned. It became an iconic part of American history and culture, symbolizing cross-country travel and adventure during much of the 20th century.
AI-generated from the Wikipedia summary — may contain errors.
Wikidata facts
- Instance of
- road
- Named after
- Will Rogers
- Country
- United States
- Located in
- Illinois
- Image
- Route66 2004.jpg
- Length
- 2448
Show 9 more facts
- transport network
- United States Numbered Highway System
- Commons category
- U.S. Route 66
- topic's main category
- Category:U.S. Route 66
- hashtag
- Route66
- road number
- US 66
- inception
- 1926-11-11
- terminus location
- Chicago
- date of official closure
- 1985-06-27
- date of official opening
- 1926-11-11
via Wikidata · CC0
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Encyclopedic overview
U.S. Route 66 or U.S. Highway 66 (US 66 or Route 66) was one of the original highways in the United States Numbered Highway System. Established on November 11, 1926, with signage erected the following year, the highway ran from Chicago, Illinois, through Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona before terminating in Santa Monica, California, covering 2,448 miles (3,940 km).
US 66 became a major route for westward migration, particularly during the Dust Bowl of the 1930s, and contributed to the economic development of communities along its path. It later faced decline as traffic was diverted to the Interstate Highway System in the mid-20th century.
Excerpted from Wikipedia’s “U.S. Route 66” article, available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence.