The Rockwood Motor Court in Springfield, Missouri, announced it has been inducted into Historic Hotels of America,, the official program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation for recognizing, celebrating and promoting the finest historic hotels in the United States.
Rockwood Motor Court is one of more than 300 hotels and resorts throughout the country recognized by Historic Hotels of America for preserving and maintaining its historic integrity, architecture, and ambiance.
“Historic Hotels of America is delighted to induct Rockwood Motor Court, a Route 66 rock masonry court built in 1929,” said Lawrence Horwitz, executive vice president of Historic Hotels of America and Historic Hotels Worldwide. “We commend Rockwood Motor Court, Phyllis Ferguson and her husband Tim Phillips, along with their leadership team for the careful historic preservation work, stewardship and vision that will allow future generations of travelers to experience this unique historic destination.”
The motel stated on its Facebook page that it was “honored” by the induction.
“To stand alongside some of the oldest and most revered hotels in the country feels a little overwhelming. Our heartfelt thanks to so many of you who have supported and worked with us to achieve this recognition.”
To be selected for membership in Historic Hotels of America, a hotel must be at least 50 years old; has been designated by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior as a National Historic Landmark or listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places; and recognized as having historic significance.
Rockwood Motor Court’s induction into Historic Hotels of America is also a celebration of the historic Route 66, which is preparing to celebrate its centennial anniversary in 2026.
Hailed by John Steinbeck as the “Mother Road,” Route 66 has represented a unique moment in history that continues to define the nation’s identity: the rise of the automobile and its implications of freedom, mobility, and a quintessential American story.
Despite Route 66’s fame, elements of the “Mother Road” are lost every year. Destinations such as the Rockwood Motor Court are among the few remaining sites along the road that continue to embody its cultural essence, serving to remind future generations about a time when the road trip dominated the national consciousness.
In recent years, the National Trust for Historic Preservation has made efforts to help revitalize Route 66, offering grants, advocacy and other assistance.
Built in 1929, Rockwood Motor Court is a splendid example of the early Route 66 tourist-court style with its cottages situated around a central courtyard area. In 1948, the wood lap siding on the bungalows was covered with giraffe-style masonry and sandstone façade. The name was then changed to “Rockwood Motor Court,” and it has operated under that name for over 75 years.
In 2019, an extensive restoration was undertaken by Ferguson and Phillips to provide authentic Route 66 lodging for tourists and travelers. Today, Rockwood Motor Court is recognized as the oldest operating motel on Route 66.
Historic Hotels of America is the official program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation for recognizing, celebrating, and promoting the finest historic hotels in the United States of America. The National Trust for Historic Preservation was chartered by U.S. Congress in 1949 and is a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Of the more than 300 historic hotels inducted into Historic Hotels of America from 44 states, the District of Columbia, U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, all historic hotels faithfully preserve their sense of authenticity, sense of place, and architectural integrity. For more information, visit HistoricHotels.org.
(Courtesy image of the Rockwood Motor Court in Springfield, Missouri)