66,000 signatures sought for Route 66 National Historic Trail petition

The Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership and the National Trust for Historic Preservation this week announced a goal of 66,000 signatures for a petition supporting the designation of Route 66 as a National Historic Trail.

The groups stated in a news released they want to meet that goal by Nov. 11, which is the widely acknowledged birthday of Route 66. On Nov. 11, 1926, the American Association of State Highway Officials formally adopted the 2,448-mile path from Chicago to Los Angeles and number of U.S. Highway 66.

The groups’ release stated:

Route 66 supporters and travel enthusiasts may sign the petition to designate Route 66 a National  Historic Trail at www.preserveroute66.org . While there, visitors can also brush up on the road trip itinerary, sneak a peek at some of the photos taken and stories written, and meet the National Trust road trip staff.
“Driving Route 66 is the quintessential American road trip,” said Amy Webb, senior field director of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. “It is the most iconic, culturally celebrated, and internationally recognized stretch of highway in America. By promoting this authentic experience, we can help preserve a beloved icon and at the same time, revive local economies in rural communities.”

The National Trust last week reported its one-month Preserve Route 66 tour collected more than 58,000 signatures. So meeting the goal isn’t far away.

The bill to name a Route 66 National Historic Trail passed unanimously in the U.S. House of Representatives several weeks ago and awaits action in the Senate. A companion bill, the Route 66 Centennial Commission Act, also recently advanced through the House.

(Image of Route 66 shield in California by Randy Heinitz via Flickr)

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