The Kansas Historic Route 66 Association on Saturday unveiled along Route 66 in Galena, Kansas, a replica of the Lightning McQueen character from the 2006 Disney-Pixar animated movie "Cars." Lightning is part of the Luigi's Pit Stop attraction on East Front Street (aka Route 66) in Galena, along with several other "Cars" characters. Much of … Continue reading Replica of Lightning McQueen from “Cars” unveiled along Route 66 in Galena
World’s Largest Covered Wagon marks its 20th year
The World's Largest Covered Wagon, complete with a figure of Abraham Lincoln riding it while reading a book, in Lincoln, Illinois, recently marked its 20th anniversary. The wagon is one of those attractions that seems older than it is. However, the Lincoln Courier newspaper reports it indeed was created in 2001 by Old Abe enthusiast … Continue reading World’s Largest Covered Wagon marks its 20th year
Amarillo city council approves putting Route 66 emblem on big water tower
The Amarillo City Council on Tuesday approved painting a modified Route 66 shield on a huge water tower on Southwest Sixth Avenue (aka Route 66) near South Independence Street. According to KFDA-TV in Amarillo: Assistant Planning Director Emily Koller said, neighborhood boosters Historic Sixth on Route 66 and the San Jacinto Neighborhood Association raised eighteen … Continue reading Amarillo city council approves putting Route 66 emblem on big water tower
U.S. House committee holds hearing on Route 66 National Historic Trail bill
U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood (R-Ill.) testified Wednesday before a U.S. House Natural Resources Committee hearing about his proposed Route 66 National Historic Trail Designation Act. LaHood was joined by Casey Claypool, executive director of the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway, who also testified in support of the bill, which is H.R. 3600. The bill, introduced in … Continue reading U.S. House committee holds hearing on Route 66 National Historic Trail bill
Thoughts on Route 66 on its 95th birthday
Today marks what is considered by many as the 95th anniversary of the creation of U.S. Highway 66, aka Route 66. As one who has run this website for 16 years and been involved on Route 66 for more than 20, I've got a few random thoughts from my time of reporting about this fabled … Continue reading Thoughts on Route 66 on its 95th birthday
Boots Court motel in Carthage changes owners, will reopen next spring
The historic Boots Court in Carthage, Missouri, quietly changed ownership a few months ago and will reopen in the spring after the rest of the Route 66 motel's rooms are restored. Debye Harvey, one of the motel's co-owners with her sister for the past decade, said in a telephone interview Tuesday that two couples from … Continue reading Boots Court motel in Carthage changes owners, will reopen next spring
National Preservation Awards honors restoration of Black Officers Club at Fort Leonard Wood
The National Trust for Historic Preservation last week gave one of its National Preservation Awards to Fort Leonard Wood in mid-Missouri for restoring Building 2101, better known as the Black Officers Club. The building was notable in it contains a mural by Staff Sgt. Samuel Countee, whose work was influenced by the Harlem Renaissance. The … Continue reading National Preservation Awards honors restoration of Black Officers Club at Fort Leonard Wood
“Guardian of Route 66” statue unveiled at Antares Point Visitors Center
Artist Gregg Arnold, known for his large Giganticus Headicus tiki sculpture at the Antares Point Visitors Center northeast of Kingman, Arizona, unveiled a new "Guardian of Route 66" statue Saturday at the center. Arnold took the cover off the 16-foot-tall statue shortly after noon with more than 100 people watching. Arnold announced the statue a … Continue reading “Guardian of Route 66” statue unveiled at Antares Point Visitors Center
Painted Desert Trading Post project featured in Preservation Magazine
The recently completed and multiyear quest by volunteers to stabilize and restore the long-closed Painted Desert Trading Post in northeast Arizona is featured in the current issue of Preservation Magazine, published by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The article provides a history of the old Route 66 property and a behind-the-scenes telling of how … Continue reading Painted Desert Trading Post project featured in Preservation Magazine
Illinois Route 66 Byway launching its second round of grants to members
The Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway this week began a launch of requests for the next round of funds to businesses and communities along Illinois Route 66 ranging from $500 to $1,000 to byway members. Funds are available only to byway members; one can join the byway at illinoisroute66.org/membership. Applications will be accepted through the … Continue reading Illinois Route 66 Byway launching its second round of grants to members