Over the weekend, the Chicago Tribune announced it is sending two reporters on Route 66 from west to east before the highway's centennial in 2026. In an initial story titled "One Century, One Road," Jonathan Bullington and E. Jason Wambsgans said they will depart from the West Coast and head east on the Mother Road. … Continue reading Chicago Tribune reporters will travel Route 66, want your thoughts on the highway
Tag: Route 66 centennial
Book review: “Route 66: The First 100 Years”
As Route 66's centennial next year approaches, the first book that takes a retrospective look at the highway and looks ahead at its next century has entered the market. That book is the sumptuously illustrated "Route 66: The First 100 Years" (Amazon affiliate link) by the husband-and-wife team of Jim Ross and Shellee Graham, both … Continue reading Book review: “Route 66: The First 100 Years”
Six satellite cities sought for Route 66 Centennial Kick-off in April
Cities along Route 66 are asked to submit proposals to participate in the official Route 66 Centennial Kick-Off on April 30, 2026. The Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership will choose six official satellite cities for the Route 66 Centennial Kick-Off, starting with a live, online media event combined with celebrations in Springfield, Missouri, which is the … Continue reading Six satellite cities sought for Route 66 Centennial Kick-off in April
Route 66 Association of Arizona plans kickoff event for highway’s centennial on Nov. 15
The Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona announced an event to kick off the highway's centennial just a few days after its 99th birthday. "A Night at the Route 66 Museum," a one-time, special event, will be from 6 to 10 p.m. on Nov. 15 at the Arizona Route 66 Museum (aka Powerhouse) in Kingman, Arizona. … Continue reading Route 66 Association of Arizona plans kickoff event for highway’s centennial on Nov. 15
U.S. Route 66 Centennial website launched
The launching of the U.S. Route 66 Centennial website was announced earlier this week. It aims to commemorate "the historic milestone of the 100th anniversary of Route 66 and honor the Mother Road by helping the millions who live, work, and travel along it," a news release from the Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership stated. … Continue reading U.S. Route 66 Centennial website launched
Third round of Oklahoma Route 66 grants announced
The Oklahoma Route 66 Association announced the third round of Oklahoma Route 66 Revitalization grants totaling more than $5.5 million from the Oklahoma Route 66 Commission. Several grant recipients were already reported here, including to the town of Canute and the Bristow Historic Society. This is a complete list. "With the centennial fast approaching, more … Continue reading Third round of Oklahoma Route 66 grants announced
Canute awarded nearly $700,000 grant, including to restore Cotton Boll Motel sign
The town of Canute, Oklahoma, has landed a $695,000 grant through the Oklahoma Route 66 Revitalization Grant Program, state officials confirmed last week to KECO radio in nearby Elk City. Among the projects for the grant is the restoration of the iconic Cotton Boll Motel neon sign and repainting of the Washita Motel sign. Funds … Continue reading Canute awarded nearly $700,000 grant, including to restore Cotton Boll Motel sign
Springfield, Missouri, will host kickoff of Route 66 centennial celebrations
Springfield, Missouri, has been chosen from a national search to be the host city for the kickoff of Route 66's centennial celebrations next year. According to the Springfield News-Leader, Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe announced Springfield had been selected by the U.S. National Route 66 Centennial Commission and the Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership. As the … Continue reading Springfield, Missouri, will host kickoff of Route 66 centennial celebrations
Fast TV Network’s “Legends of Route 66” lands “Official Route 66 Centennial Project” designation
The seventh season of Fast TV Network’s "Legends of Route 66" has been recommended as an "Official Route 66 Centennial Project." Commission member Bill Thomas stated in the letter to the network: “Congratulations, Fast TV Network's Legends of Route 66 Centennial Season Seven project has been recommended by the U.S. Route 66 Centennial Commission as … Continue reading Fast TV Network’s “Legends of Route 66” lands “Official Route 66 Centennial Project” designation
First sign goes up in Stroud for ambitious Route 66 neon project
The first of 45 new neon signs coming to Route 66 in Stroud, Oklahoma, was recently installed as part of the town's forthcoming Route 66 centennial celebration. Here's what the new sign looks like at night: Charles Palmer, one of the movers and shakers for the Stroud Route 66 neon project, told Route 66 News … Continue reading First sign goes up in Stroud for ambitious Route 66 neon project