Wendy Jack, a California-based artist, completed an elaborate diorama, map and other displays for a work titled "A Nostalgic Journey on Route 66" she hopes will interest museums, organizations or individuals. The work consists of an approximate 4 1/2-by-3 1/2-foot diorama of a gas station and souvenir shop, with a lot of detail, next to … Continue reading Artist offering Route 66-inspired diorama, map to museums or collectors
Category: Maps
This shows why black people aren’t nostalgic about Route 66
Interest in the history of Route 66 largely is fueled by the memories of people who traveled the Mother Road from 1946 to the mid-1960s. It's nostalgia. Black people don't share nostalgia as enthusiastically. I surmised it was because Jim Crow laws kept African-Americans at least uncomfortable or, at worst, fearful for their lives until the civil-rights … Continue reading This shows why black people aren’t nostalgic about Route 66
100 years of drive-in theaters in one map
The first of many drive-in theaters opened in New Mexico in 1914. More than 100 years later, someone has compiled an interactive map that shows more than 4,600 drive-in theaters built in the United States. Below is a screen capture of the map, but the direct link to it is here (the map may take several … Continue reading 100 years of drive-in theaters in one map
What is the length of Route 66?
The length of the original U.S. 66 is commonly cited as 2,448 miles (although Wikipedia lists it as 2,451 miles). Stefan Joppich's research indicates through bypasses and improvements, the length of Route 66 dropped in miles to 2,278 by 1947 -- much of it through the bypass of Santa Fe, which lopped off almost 120. How long … Continue reading What is the length of Route 66?
Kingman Route 66 Walk of Fame inductees announced
Four inductees for the Route 66 Walk of Fame in Kingman, Arizona, during the Best of the West on Route 66 Festival on Sept. 25-27 recently were announced. The inductees also will be recognized as King of the Road, an honorary position that includes being as grand marshal of the festival's parade. The inductees are: … Continue reading Kingman Route 66 Walk of Fame inductees announced
A closer look at the Bicycle Route 66 map set
I'm no cycling aficionado, but I'll confidently say the Bicycle Route 66 map series from the nonprofit Adventure Cycling Association will be absolutely indispensable for any cyclist considering travel on the Mother Road. The maps aren't just a bunch of GPS waypoints slapped on paper. They show two years of research and field work by … Continue reading A closer look at the Bicycle Route 66 map set
Bicycle Route 66 map set is now available
The long-awaited Bicycle Route 66 map set for cyclists who want to taste the Mother Road now is available from its creators, the Adventure Cycling Association. The association made the announcement Monday in a news release. A few nuggets I've gleaned from the set: It contains six maps that cover all eight states where Route 66 traverses. … Continue reading Bicycle Route 66 map set is now available
California to allow bicycles on Interstate 40
The California Department of Transportation granted the Adventure Cycling Association's request to allow parts of Interstate 40 to be used as part of its upcoming Bicycle Route 66 Map, according a blog post Thursday from the association. The association had asked CalTrans to used parts of Interstate 40 because old Route 66 through parts of … Continue reading California to allow bicycles on Interstate 40
New road would partly restore old section of Route 66
The Phelps County commissioners may apply for a grant to build a north outer road near Interstate 44 that would partially restore an old section of Route 66 near Rolla, Missouri, according to The Leader Journal newspaper in St. James, Missouri. The new section of road would run between U.S. 63 and Missouri Highway V. The board would … Continue reading New road would partly restore old section of Route 66
Google Maps Street View comes to the Grand Canyon
Route 66 fans often use Street View on Google Maps to vicariously travel the Mother Road, as this demonstration video from 2010 shows: https://youtu.be/PTeCqnBuDdU Now, Street View has arrived at one of the most popular side trips for Route 66 travelers -- Grand Canyon National Park. According to Google's official blog today, Google Maps now … Continue reading Google Maps Street View comes to the Grand Canyon