Route 66: Exploring the Original American Dream
When I visited Montana and North Dakota last year, it struck me: the power of what people call the American Dream. The early American settlers came from around the world in search of it. Keen to explore the concept of the American Dream further, I decided to visit one of the most famous icons of that dream: Route 66. Route 66 is often romanticised as a symbol of that dream due to its historical significance and cultural impact. It became a pathway to opportunity, adventure, and freedom for millions of Americans during the early to mid-20th century.
The U.S. system of roads started out with Auto Trails. Auto Trails were the earliest form of transportation routes in North America. They were established by indigenous people and later adapted and expanded upon by European settlers and explorers. Auto Trails played a crucial role in facilitating migration, trade, and communication across the continent. These early Auto Trails were funded by toll roads or individual states.
The 1920s saw two significant pieces of legislation which played crucial roles in the development of transportation infrastructure in the United States.
The Federal Aid Highway Act of 1921 marked the first federal legislation to offer funding for highway construction nationwide. It introduced a federal funding mechanism whereby the government matched funds provided by states for highway projects. However, its main focus was on aiding states in improving existing roads rather than establishing a cohesive national highway system. Despite laying the groundwork for federal participation in highway development, it did not institute a standardised numbering system for highways like the later Federal Highway Act of 1926.
The Federal Highway Act of 1926 was a pivotal piece of legislation that greatly expanded federal involvement in highway development. It sanctioned the creation of a nationwide network of highways and introduced the innovative concept of numbered highways, standardising route identification. Moreover, this act allocated federal funding for the construction and upkeep of U.S. highways, signifying a heightened commitment from the federal government to bolster highway infrastructure. Notably, Route 66, spanning from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California, was among the original highways designated under this legislation, solidifying its status as an iconic thoroughfare in American transportation history.
The Dust Bowl and the Great Depression deeply affected Route 66, exacerbating economic challenges and reshaping communities along its path. The severe drought and dust storms of the 1930s devastated agriculture, while the economic downturn led to widespread unemployment and poverty. Businesses along the route struggled, and many families migrated westward in search of relief. Facing the loss of their farms and livelihoods, many “Okies” joined the exodus along Route 66, hoping to find work in California's agricultural fields or other western industries. The term "Okie," which was short for migrants from Oklahoma and surrounding states, became synonymous with the larger wave of migrants who travelled along Route 66 during this period, reflecting the resilience and determination of those who sought a new beginning amidst the hardships of the era. Route 66, serving as the main artery for this migration, became a symbol of hope and opportunity for Okies and others seeking relief from the challenges of the “Dust Bowl” and the Great Depression.
During World War II, Route 66 served as a vital artery for military transportation, facilitating the movement of troops, equipment, and supplies across the United States. However, the war brought changes to civilian travel along the route, with rationing and travel restrictions limiting civilian use. Despite these challenges, the war stimulated economic activity along Route 66, as defence industries created jobs in communities along the highway. Military installations and defence-related facilities along the route played important roles in the war effort. After the war, Route 66 underwent a period of transition as the nation shifted to peacetime priorities, but its significance as a transportation corridor remained, shaping post-war economic and social developments.
During World War II, General Dwight D. Eisenhower observed Germany's advanced autobahn network and recognised its strategic and logistical advantages for military transportation. Inspired by this observation, Eisenhower later championed the development of the Interstate Highway System in the United States when he became President.
The post-war economic boom of the 1950s brought increased prosperity to many Americans, leading to a rise in automobile ownership and travel. Route 66 benefited from this surge in tourism and leisure travel, as families embarked on road trips to explore the diverse landscapes and attractions along the vast highway.
Then came the Interstate Highway System that had been championed by Eisenhower. Authorised by the Federal Aid Highway Act of 1956, this ambitious infrastructure project aimed to create a nationwide network of high-speed, limited-access highways. While the Interstate system provided more efficient transportation routes, it also diverted traffic away from Route 66, leading to a decline in its importance as a primary thoroughfare. While Route 66 brought economic opportunities to many communities, others faced challenges as interstate highways completely bypassed their towns. Some small towns along Route 66 experienced economic decline as businesses struggled to compete with larger, more accessible cities served by the new interstates.
Despite the challenges posed by the Interstates, Route 66 continued to hold a special place in the American imagination during the 1950s. It remained a symbol of adventure, freedom, and the open road, immortalised in literature, music, film, and television. The iconic highway became synonymous with the spirit of Americana and nostalgia for a bygone era of road travel. Overall, the 1950s brought both prosperity and change to Route 66, as it adapted to the evolving transportation landscape while retaining its cultural significance as an enduring symbol of American identity and the romance of the open road and all of its possibilities.
During the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s, the highway continued to be a symbol of Americana and a magnet for enthusiasts, preservationists, and tourists eager to experience its historic landmarks, roadside attractions and iconic diners.
In 1985, Route 66 was officially removed from the United States Highway System, marking the end of its status as a primary route for cross-country travel. The completion of the Interstates and changing transportation trends had rendered Route 66 obsolete as a major thoroughfare. While its decommissioning signalled the end of an era for the iconic highway, it also sparked renewed interest in its history and preservation, leading to efforts to promote Route 66 as a historic and cultural landmark. This event marked a turning point in Route 66's legacy, transitioning it from a functional roadway to a symbol of American nostalgia and heritage.
Efforts to preserve and promote Route 66's legacy gained momentum, leading to its designation as a National Scenic Byway in 1990 and renewed interest in its preservation and revitalisation.
Throughout its almost century-long existence, Route 66 has experienced significant fluctuations, yet its enduring vitality stems from its iconic status in American culture. I had to visit, to photograph these places of true beauty along the route before much of it is lost forever. The American Dream still lives on along the route and I was determined to explore that further.