The Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership, along with the U.S. Route 66 Centennial Commission, a few days ago announced they are launching a Route 66 Black Experiences Grant Program as part of the highway's centennial celebrations culminating in 2026. According to a news release from the partnership: The Road Ahead was awarded a $250,000 grant … Continue reading Key organization launches Route 66 Black Experiences Grant Program
Jim Ross’ Deep Tracks Route 66 project is going entirely online on his new website
Route 66 historian Jim Ross put his sprawling, long-gestating Deep Tracks project that details all known Route 66 alignments onto his newly launched JimRoss66.com website. JimRoss66.com also serves as an overview of a career that includes the database from the Route 66 bridges project that was turned into the "Route 66 Crossings" book, Ozark Trail … Continue reading Jim Ross’ Deep Tracks Route 66 project is going entirely online on his new website
Tulsa receives four proposals for Route 66 development near Cyrus Avery Plaza
The City of Tulsa has received four Route 66 mixed-use development proposals for a piece of land near Cyrus Avery Centennial Plaza and the Arkansas River. A city committee now will evaluate the proposals, grading them on a points basis on how well each meets the city's goals for the land, the experience of the … Continue reading Tulsa receives four proposals for Route 66 development near Cyrus Avery Plaza
Part of Gasconade River Bridge may be moved to Boswell Park in Lebanon
The park board of Lebanon, Missouri, is considering a feasibility study of whether a portion of the closed Gasconade River Bridge near Hazelgreen can be moved to Boswell Park, though the future of the Route 66 span continues to remain unclear. The Laclede County Record reported in its latest edition (subscription required) that Lebanon parks … Continue reading Part of Gasconade River Bridge may be moved to Boswell Park in Lebanon
Desecration of petroglyphs probably means La Bajada access won’t be reopened anytime soon
Don't anticipate the primitive La Bajada Hill alignment of Route 66 southwest of Santa Fe, New Mexico, to be reopened to off-roaders or hikers anytime soon. A pueblo group recently accused the U.S. Bureau of Land Management of not doing enough to protect sacred sites in the Caja del Rio Plateau area (aka La Bajada) … Continue reading Desecration of petroglyphs probably means La Bajada access won’t be reopened anytime soon
Illinois announces $4 million grant program for Route 66
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