In celebration of the approaching centennial of the Mother Road, “Rediscovering Route 66 – One Miniature Mile at a Time,” by teen photographer Anthony Schmidt, has been designated an official Route 66 Centennial Project.
The designation recognizes the project’s commitment to celebrating, preserving and reimagining the legacy of Route 66 as it enters its second century.
The “Rediscovering Route 66 – One Miniature Mile at a Time” project will photographically recreate the look and feel of a real segment of Route 66 using miniature die-cast cars with real life backdrops — including landmarks, signage, roadside architecture, road surface, and surrounding context — to help younger generations, heritage tourists and communities reconnect with the road’s cultural, historic and economic significance.
The “Rediscover Route 66-One Miniature Mile at a Time” project takes off from Chicago on April 2, 2026. It will go the distance of Route 66 to Santa Monica Pier in California in 16 to 18 days.
This video shows Schmidt and his methods:
Schmidt, 17, who hails from Georgia, is redefining the narrative around autism through his talent in photography. From an early age, his passion for cars sparked a love of miniature model vehicles, leading him to create and curate a collection.
“Route 66 isn’t simply a line on a map. It’s a living story — of movement, of community, of change,” said Bill Thomas, chairman of the Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership and commissioner of the Centennial Commission. “Through Anthony Schmidt’s miniature miles project, we are giving people an entirely new way to experience the road: one foot-long section at a time, but with the spirit of the full thousand-plus-mile journey behind it. I’m thrilled to see this distinctive effort join our slate of officially centennial-designated initiatives.”
The designation means Schmidt’s project will be featured on the Route 66 centennial website, included in national promotional efforts and eligible to display the official centennial mark.
It also provides a platform for coordination with state Route 66 associations, tourism partners, educational institutions and civic organizations along the Route 66 corridor.
“The heart and soul of America are woven into the fabric of Route 66,” Schmidt said. “By sharing these moments, I hope to inspire others to take their own journeys, experiencing the magic of this legendary road — one miniature mile at a time.”
The designation comes as part of a broader effort by the Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership and the U.S. Route 66 Centennial Commission to identify proper activities and programs in honor of the road’s 100th anniversary in 2026.
For more information about “Rediscovering Route 66 – One Miniature Mile at a Time,” or how to participate, please visit the Route 66 Centennial website.
(Screen-capture image from video of Anthony Schmidt setting up a photograph)