An award-winning architect recently unveiled plans for the federally funded Route 66 Research Center at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque. The center, part of UNM's library system and its Center for Southwest Research, will be housed in a former Cadillac dealership. Architect Mark Baker is behind the plans. Among his numerous award-winning projects … Continue reading Plans unveiled for Route 66 Research Center at UNM in Albuquerque
Category: History
Vacant Millennium Hotel in downtown St. Louis to be razed for new development
The long-vacant Millennium Hotel in downtown St. Louis will be torn down to make way for a new development by the same folks who developed Ballpark Village near Busch Stadium, home to the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team. The Gateway Arch Park Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving the nearby national park, chose The Cordish Cos. … Continue reading Vacant Millennium Hotel in downtown St. Louis to be razed for new development
Netflix to release feature documentary film about 2011 Joplin tornado
Next month, Netflix will release a full-length documentary film about the 2011 tornado that ravaged the Route 66 town of Joplin, Missouri. Deadline, which first reported the news, said the film is titled "The Twister: Caught in the Storm." Here is the trailer: https://youtu.be/2o0eLtapwr0?si=Jir4ba96u4AhSF3Z More from Deadline: The coming-of-age feature-length documentary is told from the … Continue reading Netflix to release feature documentary film about 2011 Joplin tornado
National Trust announces latest round of Preserve Route 66 grant recipients
The National Trust for Historic Preservation announced its latest grants from its Preserve Route 66 program totaling $135,835. Among the grants awarded are preservation work on an Albuquerque building where Microsoft started, funds to pursue a National Register of Historic Places listing for the Gasconade River Bridge near Hazelgreen, Missouri, and an educational program about … Continue reading National Trust announces latest round of Preserve Route 66 grant recipients
Gemini Giant will remain in Wilmington for the next 20 years
The mayor of Wilmington, Illinois, announced the landmark Gemini Giant will remain in the city for at least the next 20 years. Mayor Ben Dietz stated in a Facebook post that the loan of the Gemini Giant from the Joliet Area Historical Museum has been extended through 2045. The city council approved the loan pact … Continue reading Gemini Giant will remain in Wilmington for the next 20 years
Cattlemen’s Steakhouse in Oklahoma City sold to out-of-state buyer
The iconic Cattlemen's Steakhouse, Oklahoma City's oldest restaurant, was recently sold to an out-of-state entity. The Oklahoman newspaper reports the previous owner, Dick Stubbs, wanted to retire. The restaurant's longtime operating partner, Dick Egan, told the newspaper the new owner won't make big changes. The transaction with the out-of-state buyer came with a very specific … Continue reading Cattlemen’s Steakhouse in Oklahoma City sold to out-of-state buyer
West End Service Station in Edwardsville hosting a display on local Black history
The West End Service Station on Route 66 in Edwardsville, Illinois, is hosting a display on local Black history -- including a bit of the city's own -- through the end of this month. The former gas station at 620 St. Louis St. (aka Route 66), converted into a visitor's center in 2023, presents Black … Continue reading West End Service Station in Edwardsville hosting a display on local Black history
Ole Mule Axes n’ Fun moves into Mule Trading Post building in Rolla
A new business, Ole Mule Axes n’ Fun, is occupying the formerly closed Mule Trading Post building east of Rolla, Missouri. The business offers a dozen axe-throwing games, a full-size NASCAR simulator, a restaurant, a bar, farm-fresh food and plenty of Route 66 souvenirs, reported the Phelps County Focus. “We are trying to tie into … Continue reading Ole Mule Axes n’ Fun moves into Mule Trading Post building in Rolla
Texas Route 66 Festival in Amarillo to remain an annual event after 2026
The City of Amarillo's tourism department recently announced the Texas Route 66 Festival, which began last summer, will continue to be an annual event after the highway's centennial in 2026. The decision from Visit Amarillo came after the 2024 event proved to be a success and had a good effect on local businesses, reported KVII-TV … Continue reading Texas Route 66 Festival in Amarillo to remain an annual event after 2026
Illinois lawmaker files resolution to celebrate a century of Route 66 next year
A state lawmaker in Illinois has filed a resolution that would celebrate Route 66's centennial next year. State Sen. Chris Balkema (R-Channahon) filed the resolution that would officially designate 2026 as the Illinois Route 66 Centennial Year, reported WCIA-TV. Route 66 goes through Balkema's 53rd Senate District, including the towns of Dwight, Odell, Pontiac and Chenoa. Balkema touted the … Continue reading Illinois lawmaker files resolution to celebrate a century of Route 66 next year