Route 66 and the History behind “The Mother Road”

Over the years it has become America’s favorite pastime to go on a road trip across to different cities and towns.

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Route 66 stretches for at least 1,000 miles from California to the Carolinas so it covers quite a bit of territory, when this route known as “The Mother Road” was built the people behind knew that America loved to go on road trips and during the first stages of development local businesses and gas stations started sending in contracts for construction of new buildings along the road’s route. These businesses ranged from convenience stores for travelers to stop in for a quick snack to take on the road or fuel if they have been on the road for more than 5 hours, as time went on we began to see even more expansion on things like attractions and historical sites. I remember going to Russell’s truck stop on my way to Albuquerque New Mexico, they had all kinds of history relating to back when I-40 was just getting started in 1926, until 1937 it’s route went through Los Lunas and U.S 84.

By the time the mid 1950s came around you had a good share of companies along Route 66 of just about everything you could imagine, grocery stores and museums became hotspots for drivers coming through to see the beauty of America from as the song says ”Chicago to LA”. This route ceased to exist in 1985 but you can still find some good things along what is now I-40, feel free to check out the sites, I highly recommend it.

So next time you get your kicks on 66 know that it is a popular icon in American History. I plan to take a road trip of my own soon. Happy and safe travels!!