Dalip Celbeqiri
Route 66 is undoubtedly one of the world’s most famous and beautiful routes. Stretching over 4000 kilometers, it starts from Chicago and “ends” in Santa Monica, California, embracing the vastness of the largest ocean on the planet.
Here are some facts about Route 66:
1. Known as “the mother road,” Route 66 received its iconic nickname from renowned American novelist John Steinbeck.
2. A pioneering achievement, it became the first fully paved national highway in 1938.
3. The famous TV show “Route 66” named after the street gained popularity in the early 1960s, chronicling the exciting journey of two adventurers in a Corvette across 116 episodes.
4. It owes its fame to Bobby Troup, a former marine who penned the iconic song. Nat King Cole’s rendition of “(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66” in 1946 sealed its success.
5. Discover which states boast the longest and shortest stretches along this legendary highway:
Illinois – 301
Missouri – 317
Kansas – 13
Oklahoma – 432
Texas – 186
New Mexico – 487
Arizona – 401
California – 314
TOTAL – 2,448
6. Route 66 spans three time zones, adding to its unique charm and diversity.
7. San Bernardino witnessed the birth of the first-ever McDonald’s on it during the 1940s, marking a significant milestone in fast food history.
8. In Hydro, Oklahoma, Lucille Hamons ran Lucille’s Place, a service station on Route 66. Her kindness to those in need earned her the title “Mother of the Mother Road.”
9. During its commissioning, the United States boasted around 20 million cars, representing a staggering 80% of all registered vehicles worldwide at that time.
10. According to the U.S. National Historical Heritage Foundation, it faces extinction due to natural disasters and human neglect.
Did you know these facts? What else would you add to the list? Let us know in the comments below.
