Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker and the state's Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity on Thursday announced the creation of a $4 million grant program "for the development of tourism, education, preservation, and promotion of the 100th Anniversary of Route 66" in 2026. According to a news release from the state government: This funding opportunity supports … Continue reading Illinois announces $4 million grant program for Route 66
Tulsa’s Center of the Universe plaza to undergo renovations
The Center of the Universe, a spot on a bridge in downtown Tulsa that creates an audio anomaly to anyone who stands on it, soon will undergo repairs and is seeking public input on how to do it. Brian Kurtz, president and CEO of the Downtown Tulsa Partnership, has been working on a plan for … Continue reading Tulsa’s Center of the Universe plaza to undergo renovations
Cost-share grant season opens for Route 66 Corrodor Preservation Program
The Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program announced Wednesday the season for its annual cost-share grant program has opened. "Grants can assist with preservation planning, National Register nominations, preservation and rehabilitation work on eligible historic sites, and/or research and educational outreach initiatives," said program director Kaisa Barthuli. Last year, the program awarded about $103,000 worth of … Continue reading Cost-share grant season opens for Route 66 Corrodor Preservation Program
Amarillo group gives Braceros Downtown a $20,000 grant to restore neon sign
The Braceros Downtown restaurant in Amarillo recently received a $20,000 grant from Center City of Amarillo to help restore its big neon sign. The Amarillo Globe-News reported last week the nonprofit organization presented Jaime Santillá, owner of the restaurant, with the grant after he completed extensive interior and exterior work on the 1927 structure at … Continue reading Amarillo group gives Braceros Downtown a $20,000 grant to restore neon sign
BBC Travel features Bosnian community in Bevo Mill area of St. Louis
If you want a short but interesting side trip in St. Louis, you ought to consider the Bevo Mill area just off the Gravois Avenue alignment of Route 66. BBC Travel took a closer look at that area and its burgeoning Bosnian immigrant community. An estimated 70,000 Bosnian war refugees landed in that one-moribund area … Continue reading BBC Travel features Bosnian community in Bevo Mill area of St. Louis
Native-owned Southwest Trading Company opens on Route 66 in Tulsa
Southwest Trading Company opened a few weeks ago along the 11th Street alignment of Route 66 that not only sells Native American-made goods, but is owned by a father-and-daughter team with Native heritage. MVSKOKEMedia recently published a profile on owners David Bible and daughter Ashley, citizens of the Muscogee (Creek) tribe in Oklahoma and of … Continue reading Native-owned Southwest Trading Company opens on Route 66 in Tulsa
Federal legislation would designate Chisholm Trail a national historic trail
The 19th-century Chisholm Trail, which crosses Route 66 in western Oklahoma, is being considered by Congress for national historic trail designation, according to the state's lieutenant governor. Oklahoma Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell, who leads the state's tourism department, stated in a Facebook post a few days ago: No state can match Oklahoma’s heritage and history, … Continue reading Federal legislation would designate Chisholm Trail a national historic trail
Route 66 matchbook cover database is looking for more submissions
A group of Route 66 enthusiasts has amassed an online image collection of about 650 matchbox covers from businesses in Texas that existed along the Mother Road, and they now looking for submissions from the other seven states. Phil Gordon stated in an email that contributors who scanned and uploaded images of the matchcovers have … Continue reading Route 66 matchbook cover database is looking for more submissions
Man suffers serious injuries after falling from top of Marsh Arch Bridge near Baxter Springs
A 24-year-old man was in critical condition late Friday after falling from the top of the historic Marsh Arch Bridge, aka Rainbow Bridge, near Baxter Springs, Kansas, earlier that day. KOAM-TV reports the local sheriff said the man suffered traumatic injuries after he fell from the Route 66 bridge to the roadway. The accident occurred … Continue reading Man suffers serious injuries after falling from top of Marsh Arch Bridge near Baxter Springs
Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway awards $4,000 in grants for varying projects
The Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway this week announced it awarded a total of $4,000 in grants to four byway members, including one that has created the Largest Tire on Route 66. It is the second round of grant awards from the byway. According to a news release: Byway Project Funds are to support events, … Continue reading Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway awards $4,000 in grants for varying projects