New Route 66 National Historic Trail bill introduced in Congress

U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood (R-Ill.) on Friday introduced the Route 66 National Historic Trail Designation Act in the U.S. House of Representatives, with U.S. Rep. Grace Napolitano (D-Calif.) as the co-sponsor. The bill is so new, it hadn’t yet been added to the database of the Congress’ bill-search website as of Friday evening. The Route … Continue reading New Route 66 National Historic Trail bill introduced in Congress

Century-old picnic table returned to Camp Cajon site

A 100-year-old concrete picnic table that once stood at Camp Cajon, a former Route 66 rest stop in Southern California, was returned to the site last month. According to an article in the San Bernardino County Sun, the table stood for 80 years at Lytle Creek Park in San Bernardino. It also had this history … Continue reading Century-old picnic table returned to Camp Cajon site

New signs on Old Route 66 near Arcadia commemorate National Register designation

Last month, Oklahoma County erected signs that marked a semi-obscure section of historic Route 66 roadbed near Arcadia, Oklahoma, and commemorated its designation to the National Register of Historic Places. Shellee Graham, who lives on the road with her husband, Route 66 researcher Jim Ross, posted a series of photos of the sign being installed: … Continue reading New signs on Old Route 66 near Arcadia commemorate National Register designation

Book review: “Here We Are … on Route 66”

Prolific author Jim Hinckey’s new book “Here We Are … on Route 66” (Amazon link) contains plenty of color photos of easily recognizable landmarks along the Mother Road. Don’t let the familiarity fool you. This volume is more of a deep dive into the obscure past of selected towns along the Mother Road. Noting that … Continue reading Book review: “Here We Are … on Route 66”

Camp Cajon team begins offering field trips of historical sites in Cajon Pass

The team behind the recently constructed Camp Cajon Monument in Southern California’s Cajon Pass recently offered tours of Camp Cajon and other sites along the famed mountain path. The monument itself sits at the south end of Wagon Train Road, near the intersection of Interstate 15 and Highway 138. The monument was dedicated in 2019 to … Continue reading Camp Cajon team begins offering field trips of historical sites in Cajon Pass

U.S. House approves Route 66 centennial bill, which awaits president’s signature

The U.S. House of Representatives approved the Senate version of the Route 66 Centennial Commission Act, advancing it to the office of President Donald Trump for his signature. Bill Thomas, chairman of the Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership that shepherded the bill, said in a news release Tuesday the House suspended its regular rules to … Continue reading U.S. House approves Route 66 centennial bill, which awaits president’s signature

Books review: “Yesterday’s Highways” and “America’s First Highways”

Prolific author Stephen H. Provost this spring released two books barely two months apart about the early history of American roads and the so-called golden age of U.S. highways. “America’s First Highways” delves into the pre-1926 era when the nation’s main roads — including a precursor to Route 66 — were named and not numbered. … Continue reading Books review: “Yesterday’s Highways” and “America’s First Highways”

Fire damages Iron Hog Restaurant and Saloon in Oro Grande

An early morning fire Friday gutted the kitchen of the Iron Hog Restaurant and Saloon, a favorite watering hole for motorcyclists and Route 66 travelers going through Oro Grande, California. According to the Victorville Daily Press: The blaze erupted at the shuttered saloon, located at 20848 National Trails Highway, at 5:39 a.m. Friday. It spread … Continue reading Fire damages Iron Hog Restaurant and Saloon in Oro Grande

Re-creation of monument marks Camp Cajon’s 100th anniversary

Several weeks ago, the dedication of a replica of Camp Cajons original monument marked the 100th anniversary of the camp along Cajon Pass in Southern California. The event was during the July 4 holiday, but a story didn’t appear in the San Bernardino County Sun until mid-August. History columnist Mark Landis provided a thumbnail history … Continue reading Re-creation of monument marks Camp Cajon’s 100th anniversary

Dedication of Camp Cajon monument planned for July 4

Several area historical societies plan to dedicate a new monument dedicated to Camp Cajon on July 4, which happens to be the centennial of the opening of the pre-Route 66 auto camp north of San Bernardino, California. The San Bernardino County Sun reports: Commuters in the Cajon Pass on the 15 Freeway may have recently … Continue reading Dedication of Camp Cajon monument planned for July 4