Albuquerque, county to move to revitalize an original stretch of Route 66

The City of Albuquerque and Bernalillo County each approved resolutions to improve an original stretch of Route 66 running south of the city before the highway’s centennial in 2026. The Albuquerque Journal reported the efforts will involve Sunset Road and Isleta Boulevard, from Central Avenue to the Pueblo of Isleta. The two roads started as … Continue reading Albuquerque, county to move to revitalize an original stretch of Route 66

What’s the importance of Route 66 Historic Trail legislation?

Hemmings Motor News published a valuable story with the headline “What’s behind the push to designate Route 66 a National Historic Trail?” that provides a lot of background behind the initiative. It appears the story was prompted by Mobil 1’s current “Keep Route 66 Kickin'” tour, which includes an online petition to support a national-trail … Continue reading What’s the importance of Route 66 Historic Trail legislation?

New kiosk added to Camp Cajon monument site in southern California

A new informational kiosk recently was added to the Camp Cajon monument site near Phelan, California, that describes the major highways and roads that passed by the long-defunct rest area. Here’s a look at the kiosk from the camp’s Facebook account: Camp Cajon’s champions about a year ago installed a century-old, concrete picnic table at … Continue reading New kiosk added to Camp Cajon monument site in southern California

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

U.S. House passes Route 66 National Historic Trail bill

The U.S. House of Representatives on Tuesday evening approved by a voice vote the Route 66 National Historic Trail Act. The bill advances to the U.S. Senate for consideration. According to reports by the U.S. House clerk, lawmakers quickly suspended rules for debate and proceeded to vote on the bill, called HR 801, without objection. … Continue reading U.S. House passes Route 66 National Historic Trail bill

Mural of Cherokee Nation artisan dedicated in Vinita

Cherokee Nation and city officials on Tuesday dedicated a mural commemorating artisan Anna Belle Sixkiller Mitchell, known as a Cherokee National Treasure, in downtown Vinita, Oklahoma, along Route 66. Mitchell, who lived in Vinita, was designated as a Cherokee National Treasure in 1988 for reviving traditional pottery methods and sharing her skill with others, according to a news … Continue reading Mural of Cherokee Nation artisan dedicated in Vinita

“Cultural Heritage Tourism: Why People Travel Route 66”

A marketing professor revealed a little-known word — anemoia — he’d discovered only in the past year that probably explains why many people explore Route 66. Nick Gerlich, a professor at West Texas A&M and an avid explorer of old Route 66, explained during his presentation Oct. 31 at the Miles of Possibility Conference in Edwardsville, Illinois, that anemoia … Continue reading “Cultural Heritage Tourism: Why People Travel Route 66”

Madonna of the Trail

Larry Harnisch, who writes a history blog, The Daily Mirror, for the Los Angeles Times, has an interesting post about the Madonna of the Trail monument that was erected in 1929 on Foothill Boulevard, aka Route 66, in Upland, Calif. Harnisch writes: These monumental statues were meant to venerate the pioneer spirit, but today, some … Continue reading Madonna of the Trail

Historical icon returning to Miami

There was a time that an Ozark Trail obelisk once graced the Route 66 town of Miami, Okla. It’s been gone for many years. But, according to the Miami News-Record, it will return: On Monday, councilmembers accepted the recommendation that a 21-foot obelisk be placed on the corner of Central Avenue and Main Street – … Continue reading Historical icon returning to Miami

Notes from the road

The National Trust for Historic Preservation has nominated the Route 66 city of St. Louis as one of its Dozen Distinctive Destinations, it was announced this week. Such destinations “offer cultural and recreational experiences different from those found at the typical vacation destination. From dynamic downtowns and stunning architecture to cultural diversity and a commitment … Continue reading Notes from the road