In the heart of the United States, you can find Springfield, Missouri, the Birthplace of Historic Route 66, one of the most incredible highways of America. The Historic Route 66, which once linked Chicago, Illinois, to Los Angeles, California, is now a nostalgic drive that draws tourists to relive days gone by. Route 66 is also known as the Will Rogers Highway, the Main Street of America, and my favorite nickname, “The Mother Road.” With the influence of Route 66 being born, the “road trip” American families would load up in the car and get from point A to point B, with “getting there” is half the fun.
My fascination with Route 66, which was featured in a roundabout way in the 2006 Pixar movie Cars, came from my love of travel. I got my first kick of Route 66 in 2013 when I went to New Mexico and saw Route 66 in person for the first time. I was fascinated by the history of the road and how it was a grand adventure in its heyday.
Birthplace Of The Idea For Route 66
Springfield, Missouri, is recognized as the birthplace of the idea of Route 66. The goal was to create a highway that shortened the trip between Chicago, Illinois and Los Angeles, California, by over 200 miles. It became a tourist attraction within itself. Route 66 was a modern paved highway that replaced the common dirt roads. It became known as the “Mother Road,” and it changed how America traveled during its prime.
How Route 66 Changed America
Not only did Route 66 change the way America vacationed and traveled, but it also became the birthplace of many of today’s modern comforts. Things like the drive-thru at your local fast-food restaurant originated on Route 66. Red’s Giant Hamburg was the world’s first drive-thru located in Springfield, Missouri, on Route 66. Today you can visit Red’s Giant Hamburg in its new location in Springfield, Missouri, and step back in history with this classic hamburger joint. Be sure to read the origin story on the back of the menu.
With over 2,400 miles of highway, roadside motels were the place to stop over for the night to get a good night’s rest. Munger Moss Motel is one of the original roadside motels that are still in operation. Munger Moss Motel is on the original Route 66, just a short drive outside of Springfield. The owner, Mrs. Ramona, makes every guest that stops by feel like they are home.
Get Your Kicks On Route 66
Whether you drive for hundreds of miles or five miles down Route 66, you are sure to get your kicks on the historic highway. With the new way of travel came new and exciting ways to travel. The demand for transportation rose, and that brought a new era of cars. Many of those vehicles can be seen at the Route 66 Car Museum, preserved with care by automobile enthusiast Guy Mace.
Pop Century Icon
For almost 60 years, Route 66 was a well-known way to travel. The Route became even more famous when it was featured in movies, songs, and television series. Many businesses capitalized on the popularity of the name Route 66 by using it in the title of their business. Places such as gas stations, motels, diners, and more took on the identity of Route 66 in their name. Today the name Route 66 is still widely known because of branding. We stopped by for lunch at The Route 66 Diner in St. Roberts, Missouri. They are very proud of the history of Route 66.
Revival Of Route 66
This famous highway began to decline in 1956 when interstates began replacing state highways. In 1985 Route 66 was officially decommissioned. It is recognized today as “Historic Route 66” and is being preserved by historians and activists that want to keep this piece of history alive. The first “Historic Route 66” marker was placed in Springfield, Missouri, on Kearney Street at Glenstone Avenue. Today many landmarks are experiencing a revival as people seek to enjoy the nostalgia of Historic Route 66. In many ways, it has become its own attraction. It’s not just Americans that are fascinated with the historic and nostalgic. Every year the Historic Route 66 is visited by tourists from all over the world.
Route 66 has become a focal point for many small towns along the original Historic Route 66. Historic Route 66 has become a popular tourist attraction in small towns such as Waynesville, Missouri.
In Springfield, Missouri, you can find more about the history and origin of Route 66 in the Springfield Visitor Center and The History Museum On The Square. The history and tour of the highway have become popular among the younger generations longing for a trip down memory lane to a simpler time.
For more information on Springfield, Missouri, check out 10 Exciting Places To See In Springfield, Missouri.
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