The American Society of Civil Engineers recently designated Route 66 as a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark. ASCE's board approved the designation on July 10 in recognition of the highway's centennial and its lasting contributions to American infrastructure and civil engineering. Initially established in 1926, Route 66 was the first paved, all-weather highway to connect the Midwest with … Continue reading Route 66 designated as a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark
Category: History
Storm-damaged Meramac Caverns barn near Chandler is restored
A small barn along Route 66 near Chandler, Oklahoma, that was damaged by a storm 2 1/2 years ago recently was restored. The Oklahoma Route 66 Association reported that the barn's roof and half of its mural were torn off during a windstorm in April 2023, putting it at risk of demolition. The Association sprang … Continue reading Storm-damaged Meramac Caverns barn near Chandler is restored
Google Arts & Culture Route 66 Storytelling Hub goes live
The Google Arts & Culture Route 66 Storytelling Hub was recently designated as an official Route 66 Centennial Project sanctioned by the Route 66 Centennial Commission. This new digital experience brings the history, culture and communities of America’s Mother Road to life through immersive storytelling, photographs and archival materials. Here's a video about the online project: https://youtu.be/XjCyd4RSWQA?si=FBSW8-bnMk5QbBOd Here … Continue reading Google Arts & Culture Route 66 Storytelling Hub goes live
Museum of Northern Arizona soon will open an exhibit on the history of Route 66 in state
The Museum of Northern Arizona in Flagstaff will open a Route 66 exhibit that runs from Nov. 16 to Oct. 26, 2026. The Arizona Daily Sun reported: Called “Wagon Road to Mother Road,” the exhibit looks at the way travel has affected landscapes and communities in northern Arizona, from the Beale Wagon Road to Route … Continue reading Museum of Northern Arizona soon will open an exhibit on the history of Route 66 in state
Sapulpa’s downtown parking plan threatens several historic buildings
A consultant for the city of Sapulpa, Oklahoma, has proposed tearing down five historic buildings in the downtown area to address parking concerns. The plan comes in the wake of a survey of residents by Planning Consultant Scott Bruce, which focused on a lack of parking on Dewey Avenue (aka Route 66) and easy access … Continue reading Sapulpa’s downtown parking plan threatens several historic buildings
National Cowboy Museum to open Route 66 exhibition in February
The National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City will open the "Route 66: From Trails to Truck Stops" exhibition starting in early February. The exhibition will run from Feb. 6 to May 4, during Route 66's centennial year. Cowgirl Magazine had more details: Visitors will see artifacts, maps, photographs and multimedia displays tracing … Continue reading National Cowboy Museum to open Route 66 exhibition in February
Timber Creek Bridge near Sayre is undergoing minor repairs
The historic and distinctive Timber Creek Bridge along old Route 66 near Sayre, Oklahoma, is getting some TLC from state transportation officials. The Oklahoma Route 66 Association reported this about the yellow truss bridge that's almost 100 years old: In recent days, work crews have been spotted out at the Timber Creek Bridge, and the … Continue reading Timber Creek Bridge near Sayre is undergoing minor repairs
New neon sign unveiled at Old Town Albuquerque along Route 66
The Old Town area of Albuquerque recently unveiled a new neon sign along Route 66. The Scene ABQ posted an image of the sign, which was paid for with a state tourism grant, on social media: For those unfamiliar, Old Town is the historic original town site of Albuquerque, established in 1706 by territorial Gov. … Continue reading New neon sign unveiled at Old Town Albuquerque along Route 66
Rancho Court motel in Springfield, Missouri, is torn down
The historic Rancho Court motel along Route 66 in Springfield, Missouri, abruptly met its end after the city declared it a nuisance and approved a demolition permit. KY3 in Springfield in its report on Thursday showed an image of rubble where the motel at 1544 E. Kearney Ave. (aka Route 66) stood. The station reported: … Continue reading Rancho Court motel in Springfield, Missouri, is torn down
Owners of Threatt Filling Station request zoning change for planned 160-acre complex
The ownership of the historic Threatt Filling Station in Luther, Oklahoma, has filed for a specific use permit from the city for a 160-acre complex. According to The Luther Register newspaper, Threatt Legacy LLC wants to rezone the tract on Route 66 and Pottawatomie Road for a mixed-use development that would include a museum, campground, … Continue reading Owners of Threatt Filling Station request zoning change for planned 160-acre complex