U.S. Highway 66 Association facts for kids
The U.S. Highway 66 Association was a group created in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 1927. Its main goal was to make sure U.S. Highway 66 was fully paved from one end to the other. The association also worked hard to encourage people to travel and explore along the highway.
Contents
What Was the U.S. Highway 66 Association?
The U.S. Highway 66 Association was formed by people who believed in the future of road travel. They saw the potential of Route 66 to connect many parts of the country. This group was one of the first to focus on a single highway. Their efforts helped make Route 66 famous.
Why Was Route 66 So Important?
U.S. Highway 66, often called "Route 66" or "The Mother Road," was one of America's first major highways. It stretched over 2,400 miles from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California. It passed through eight states.
- It helped people move from the East to the West.
- It was a vital path during the Great Depression.
- It became a symbol of freedom and adventure.
Before the association, parts of Route 66 were just dirt roads. They could be very difficult to travel on.
How Did the Association Help Route 66?
The U.S. Highway 66 Association played a huge role in developing the highway. They wanted to make it safe and easy for everyone to use. Their work helped both travelers and the towns along the route.
Making the Road Better
One of the association's biggest jobs was to push for paving the entire highway. Paved roads were much smoother and safer than dirt roads. They also allowed cars to travel faster. The association worked with state and federal governments. They explained why a fully paved Route 66 was important for the country. Their efforts led to many improvements.
Inviting Travelers to Explore
The association also focused on promoting tourism. They wanted more people to drive on Route 66.
- They created maps and guidebooks.
- They put up signs to help drivers find their way.
- They encouraged businesses to open along the route.
These businesses included motels, diners, and gas stations. This helped local economies grow. The association's campaigns made Route 66 a popular vacation route. Families and adventurers loved to travel it.
The Legacy of the Association
The U.S. Highway 66 Association achieved many of its goals. By the late 1930s, most of Route 66 was paved. The highway became a legendary part of American culture. It inspired songs, movies, and TV shows. Even after the association stopped its main work, its impact lived on. Today, many people still enjoy driving parts of historic Route 66. They remember the golden age of road trips. The association helped create that legacy.
