The City of Catoosa, Oklahoma, held a ribbon cutting on Thursday for a new Route 66 monument at Gazebo Park, celebrating the community’s history along the Mother Road.
Given to the City by the Oklahoma Route 66 Commission, the monument features artwork directed by the local community that highlights Catoosa’s Route 66 story. It is one of several monuments being installed in communities across Oklahoma as part of the Route 66 centennial celebration.
The Catoosa monument is at Gazebo Park between South Cherokee Street (Historic Route 66) and Highway 66, near Antry Drive.
“Route 66 is part of Catoosa’s identity and a story we are proud to share with visitors from across the country and around the world,” Catoosa Mayor Greg Williams said.
“This monument honors the generations who built our connection to the Mother Road while helping us carry that tradition forward. We are excited for Catoosa to be included in this statewide project and grateful for Oklahoma’s continued investment in our community.”
The monument builds upon Catoosa’s efforts to welcome more visitors and support increasing tourism throughout the community.
Over the past year, those efforts have included opening the new visitor center at the Blue Whale and expanding opportunities for travelers to learn about the landmark and spend more time in Catoosa.
Beyond the Blue Whale, visitors can explore an original stretch of historic Route 66 along Cherokee Street, restored automobiles and other collections at the D.W. Correll Museum, and the Port of Catoosa’s history at the Oklahoma Maritime Education Center.
“Catoosa represents exactly what makes Route 66 so special — the history of the road, the character of the community and the people working to preserve both for future generations,” said Kerry Barrick, Oklahoma Route 66 program director.
“By placing these monuments in communities across Oklahoma, we are helping travelers discover the distinct places and stories that make our stretch of Route 66 unlike any other.”
(Images courtesy of Garret Starr of Crossroads Communications)