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"Route 66", the road that became a symbol of American culture

2026-06-03 19:44:55Histori SHKRUAR NGA REDAKSIA VOX
A century of history, music and travel along the legendary road that continues to symbolize freedom and adventure

“Behind me nothing, before me everything!” This sentence from Jack Kerouac's famous novel “On the Road” best summarizes the myth of Route 66, the most famous American road, otherwise known as the “Mother Road”.

For millions of travelers who have traveled it over the course of a century, it has symbolized freedom, rebirth, and adventure. Route 66 was created in the 1920s, when the US government decided to number major highways to make it easier for drivers to find their way.

Thus was born US Highway 66, connecting Chicago to Los Angeles. Two businessmen from Oklahoma and Missouri began promoting the route with maps, billboards, and advertising campaigns, inadvertently turning it into a national symbol of road travel.

"Route 66", the road that became a symbol of American culture

Its popularity grew during the Dust Bowl years of the 1930s, when thousands of impoverished farmers traveled to California in search of a better life. The route was later immortalized in John Steinbeck's novel The Grapes of Wrath and the famous song "(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66."

Even today, Route 66 remains a symbol of American culture and long road trips.

Along it are hundreds of motels, classic restaurants, neon signs, and towns that still live with the nostalgia of the golden age of motoring.

"Route 66", the road that became a symbol of American culture

One of the most popular stops is St. Louis, Missouri, where the route crosses the Mississippi River via the historic Old Chain of Rocks Bridge. The city is also home to Ted Drewes Frozen Custard, an iconic ice cream stand that has been in operation since 1941.

In Springfield, Missouri, considered the symbolic birthplace of Route 66, the History Museum on the Square is organizing activities for the 100th anniversary of the road, while visitors can see historic hotels and motels that welcomed the first travelers.

Another famous stop is Tulsa in Oklahoma, often called the “capital” of Route 66. The city has preserved its classic neon signs, souvenir shops, and 1950s atmosphere. This year, classic car parades and music festivals are being organized to celebrate a century of history.

In Albuquerque, New Mexico, Route 66 runs along Central Avenue, where Pueblo Deco buildings, vintage motels, and retro restaurants recall the golden age of American travel.

Further west, Winslow, Arizona, was made famous by the Eagles' song "Take It Easy." Tourists stop daily at the legendary spot mentioned in the song's lyrics, which is now home to statues, shops, and historic hotels.

"Route 66", the road that became a symbol of American culture

The final iconic stop is Amboy in California's Mojave Desert. Roy's Motel & Café, with its large neon sign, has become a symbol of Route 66 nostalgia and an era that seems to have never ended.

After nearly four thousand kilometers, the road ends at the Santa Monica Pier by the Pacific Ocean. For many people, arriving there is not just the end of a journey, but the realization of a dream.

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