Historic Route 66

Street vendors on the Santa Fe Plaza keep cool under shaded tents while they sell their wares.

The culture of Native Americans is revered in these works of sculpture depicting Native Americans in action.

A sculpture of a moose decorates the streets of Santa Fe.

Even streetlights celebrate the fame of Historic Route 66.

One of the longest steel truss spans in the country, the 250-foot Rio Puerco Bridge was built in 1933.

One of the longest steel truss spans in the country, the 250-foot Rio Puerco Bridge was built in 1933.

Historic Route 66 passes through Santa Fe where visitors can see a sculpture of a Native American Brave on horseback.

A neon sign points weary travelers to the Aztec Motel on Historic Route 66.

The adobe walls and flat roofs characteristic of pueblo-style architecture dominate the University of New Mexico campus.

A church steeple rises behind adobe walls in Santa Fe.

The historic Kress Building still graces Central Avenue in Albuquerque.

There's plenty to do on 2nd Street in downtown Albuquerque. Look for great restaurants and hip clubs.

Colorful facades and street signs help to create a festive atmosphere in downtown Albuquerque.

White canopies of a festival flank a memorial in the middle of a Santa Fe plaza.

Cut-metal roadsigns on Albuquerque lampposts declare the historic path of Route 66. In this streetscene, sidewalk street furniture waits below an array of orange Route 66 lamppost signs.

A brown and white roadsign not only points the way to Route 66 in Santa Fe, but indicates which particular routing it is (pre-1937.)

Along Historic Road 66, adventurous visitors can take the chance to bunk down in a wigwam.

One of the world's most fabulous fountains serves as one of the first sites along the Illinois 66 byway corridor. The fountain, captured here in full force, sends a massive stream of water into the air during one of its spectular shows.

Cut-metal roadsigns on Albuquerque lampposts declare the historic path of Route 66.

Cut-metal roadsigns on Albuquerque lampposts declare the historic path of Route 66. This one is of a four-rayed American Indian symbol.

The traditional black-and-white Route 66 sign can be seen in downtown Albuquerque in many places.

Some streetlights on Central Ave in Albuquerque not only celebrate Route 66 with innovative signs, but flaunt colorful banners declaring city regions and neighbors.

Cut-metal roadsigns on Albuquerque lampposts declare the historic path of Route 66.

Cut-metal roadsigns on Albuquerque lampposts declare the historic path of Route 66.

A gazebo in the middle of the plaza provides shade from the sun at Old Town Albuquerque.

Gently sloping hills covered with natural vegetation surround Historic Route 66 in western Arizona.

Two street banners proclaim to all that two historic highways, Historic Route 66 and the Lincoln Highway, meet at this town in Illinois.

Neon and music is just another part of the classic charm of Route 66.

A sign for the legendary highway is pictured against the New Mexico sky.

A man points out the right direction for a construction worker in this detail from a group of life-size statues found in Albuquerque.

This startlingly human piece of rock art seems to look back from the past at visitors to Petroglyph National Monument.

A statue of a mother and father chat while holding their child in this detail from a cluster of life-size statues in Albuquerque.

A bird takes flight across a canvass of stone at Petroglyph National Monument.

A Native American woman smiles and holds her daughter's hand in this detail from a group of life-size statues in Albuquerque.

A businesswoman strides purposefully through the crowd in this detail from a cluster of life-size statues in Albuquerque.

Through gated entries, visitors can get a glimpse of Old Town's many hidden courtyards.

This ellliptical design is just one example of the rock art visitors can view at Petroglyph National Monument.

Visitors to Petroglyph National Monument can find respite from the sun at this convenient rest area.

Visitors can see a large variety of rock art around every corner at Petroglyph National Monument.

Bird-like petroglyphs are etched into black rocks at Petroglyph National Monument.

A photo of the strange "starman" petroglyphs at Petroglyph National Monument.

A theater patron admires the Kimo Theater lobby from the balcony.

Buffalo skulls and Indian medallions adorn the walls of the KiMo Theatre on Historic Route 66 in downtown Albuquerque.

Sandstone dwellings perched on the sides of cliffs stand testament to the passage of time.

This grand historic pavilion, designed by noted architect George H. Miller, serves as the centerpiece for one of the most interesting parks along Illinois 66. Designed in 1898, the building overlooks four distinctly designed areas within the park's parameters. In addition to historic monuments and bridges, the park features a wonderful zoo.

An old fashioned engine chugs into the Williams Depot.

Literally the only game in town, the Budville Trading post is as rich in colorful history as Route 66.

A visitor poses in front of the Roman Catholic church in Old Town, just off Historic Route 66.

An old, neon Indian sign and Route 66 roadsigns are seen on Historic Route 66 in downtown Albuquerque.

A visitor marvels at the Pueblo Deco style found in the KiMo Theatre.

The restored, historic Kimo Theater can be seen on Historic Route 66 in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Red signs bearing sage advice lined highways across America from the 1920s to 1961, and a set is preserved here for modern visitors.

Elvis, Marilyn Monroe, James Dean, and Betty Boop line up outside the Polk-A-Dot Drive In, a nostalgic restaurant along Route 66.

Along Route 66, several Googie-style signs have been preserved. The bold strokes and Polynesian theme of the Tropics sign set it apart.

The Delgado brothers were responsible for starting the movement for the revival of Route 66 in Arizona.

The cuddling hot dogs welcome Route 66 visitors to the Cozy Dog Drive In.

Murals such as this are located in communities all along Route 66.

Art murals such as this, which depict scenes that represent the rich history behind Route 66, can be found in many Route 66 communities.

A pair of motorcycles parked in front of the Route 66 Museum adds an ideal image to this building that's dedicated the free spirit represented all along the Mother Road.

Located in Elk City, the National Route 66 Museum and the nearby Old Town Museum Complex offer a great opportunity to brush up on Route 66 history and see some interesting memorabilia.

This aerial view reveals the astonishingly large Monks Mound, located at Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site.

A full-size, brightly painted old DeSoto automobile rests on top of the front of the DeSoto Barbershop building against a backdrop of clear blue sky in Ash Fork, Arizona.

A giant catsup (ketchup) bottle water tower perches above tall, green trees as a road winds around the landmark.

A California Condor soars on thermals above the deep gorges of the Grand Canyon.

The calm waters of Turtle Pond reflect surrounding green trees and cloudless, blue sky.

Fawns relax on a beautiful August day in Washita National Wildlife Refuge.

A curious Western Tanager sits on top of an Arizona rock.

A Rough-legged Hawk soars high among the clouds searching for the next meal.

A Northern Pintail, still wet from a dip in the pond, glides across pristine water.

A Scissor-tailed Flycatcher enjoys a quiet moment while perching on a branch.

Rich reds and blues stand out in the rocks of Grand Canyon National Park at dusk, as seen from the southern rim.

The Galaxy Diner is one of the famous local restaurants in Flagstaff, Arizona. Its red and chrome sign, pictured here, stands out brilliantly against a clear blue sky.

Oranges and reds jump out of the rock in contrast to the light blue skies at Grand Canyon National Park.

A white car with the cafe's slogan, "You Kill It...We Grill It" adds to the whimsical decor of the Roadkill Cafe in Seligman, Arizona.

Pieces of the past sacred to the Hopi Indians and the Anasazi can be seen here.

Rough limestone walls with myraid formations rest in the bowels of the earth at Chapel of the Ages in Arizona.

This historic, graceful Rt. 66 bridge was built in 1916 to carry vehicles across the Colorado River.

The Hackman General Store has a great little Rt. 66 museum.

Roosting with the birds gives visitors the best view of Meteor Crater.

This mulit-colored rock is just one of the many in the painted deserts at Canyon de Chelly.

A sign is all that remains of a cowboy legend.

Visitors can pull into this classic gas station at the old General Store along the road in Hackberry, Arizona where you never have to leave your car.

A classic Harley Davidson motorcycle stands on display as snow covered peaks rise in the background.

The simple brick facade hides a mulitude of items that are a must see along Route 66.

The classic Snow Cap diner provides more than just food - it's a classic stop along this historic route.

Hanging above the Coronado forest provides visitors with an awe-inspiring view of the land spread out below.

Misty waters provide a refreshing spray for visitors who travel along the Colorado River.

In the sage brush lands of the Arizona desert, visitors can gaze upon this piece of the past.

The glowing towers of skyscrapers highlight downtown Chicago against the sunset.

This group of byway visitors laugh as they climb the stairs to Cahokia Mounds, the remains of the most sophisticated prehistoric native civilization north of Mexico.

A panoramic view of the Sandia Mountains after a heavy snow storm.

Still standing after over 100 years, the round barn's picturesque form compliments a blue sky filled with billowy white clouds.

This bridge, which was featured in the movie, "The Grapes of Wrath," is 3,944.33 feet long and contains 38 pony trusses.

Abandoned neon signs such as this are indicative of the 1950s-era that Route 66 embodies.

An abandoned motel on Route 66 stands today to represent an era of mobility and change.

Though abandoned years ago due to fire damage, historic buildings such as Whiting Brothers are fought for to be protected in their current conditions.

The ornate interior of the Coleman Theatre creates an scene of perfect symmetry and beauty.

Checkered countertops and red stools accentuate the 50s-era feel of Lucille's Roadhouse.

Framed by sun dappled leaves and shadows, the Lowell Observatory provides scenic beauty and scientific wonder.

Sitting in lawn chairs along a stretch of Arizona's Historic Route 66 All American Road with miles of blue skies and high desert scrub brush as the backdrop, are brothers Juan and Angel Delgadillo, who, with a few other Route 66 believers, are responsible for the rebirth of Route 66. Angel, now 81 years old (as of 2008 or so), proved that one man can change the world. After Route 66 was bypassed by Interstate 40, he watched his community struggle to survive, all the while believing that the way to bring back the economy of his town and others along the Route was to build it on the heritage of Route 66 itself. Thirty years later Juan, who always wore mismatched socks, and Angel sit casually beside the road with smiles from ear to ear and a twinkle in their eyes. Juan and Angel built successful businesses around the Route 66 theme, and are proud that the world believed in their vision.

Mountains provide a stunning backdrop as horses graze for food in the bright yellow flowers.

A few broken logs remain scattered along the edges of the Petrified Forest.

Twins arrows grace the roadway, seemingly shot from the sky.

Sloping cliffs and verdant green grass encloses the silty waters of the West Colorado River.

Vibrant purple flowers bloom at the trunk of an aspen tree.

No longer accessible by car, visitors can enjoy the view as they walk up to this important part of Route 66's history.

Visitors drive towards snowcapped mountains along the Route 66 in Arizona.

Antelope run freely in the spacious green fields.

Route 66 brings in travelers on all set of wheels.

In Winslow, visitors get the unique chance to become part of a song.

Wide open spaces are still common in this part of the West.

Burros wait to carry more visitors along the trails.

The rocky terrtain is all that remains of a six-million-year-old volcanic explosion.

Along the route, visitors can see a sign from earlier times at the Wigwam Motel.

Visitors can step into the past at the Hubbell Trading Post as they buy items that Indians once traded for centuries ago.

Mom and Pop stores still exist along Historic Route 66.

From the skies, you can see a perfect view of the route below.

This old wooden freight wagon welcomes visitors to the town of Needles, the eastern gateway to California Route 66

The Route 66 shield on the highway near the desert town of Amboy, California

The Harvey House complex in Barstow includes two museums as well as the beautifully-restore Casa del Desierto Harvey House.

From a rocky knoll, the Colorado River gently flows downstream with the magnificent Trails Arch Bridge in the background. The River forms the natural boundary separating Arizona and California. Once on the
California side, Route 66 travelers could rest and prepare themselves for an incredible and dangerous journey. Looking forward a once-in-a-lifetime adventure on Route 66 across the desolate but beautiful Mojave Desert.
Looking back, the graceful, refreshing waters of the Colorado River.

The Trails Arch Bridge was built in 1916 and spans the Colorado River. The 800-foot bridge is painted white and features a graceful curved arch. The Trails Arch Bridge is considered a landmark of American civil engineering. At the time when it was built, it was the longest arched bridge in America. It features a pair of giant steel arches with a span of 600 feet, anchored on each bank of the River. The bridge is supported with suspension cables.

With the Colorado River and Trails Arch Bridge as a backdrop, the City of Needles welcomes west bound travelers to Route 66 in California with its iconic sign. The sign is almost six feet in height and fifteen feet wide. It
has a white stucco finish and a five-foot-high “Historic Route 66” shield. “Welcome! Turn Right Next Exit” is painted in big black letters. The billboard is supported on a river rock base with two rock-lined concrete towers on each end with Spanish-style red tiles.

The Ibis Divisional Camp Plaque is a cast bronze plate inset into a cement monument, which stands about five feet tall. The monument is located at the entrance to Camp Ibis. The plaque pays tribute to one of the most extraordinary achievements in U.S. military history, and honors the vision and leadership of General George Patton, and the tenacity of the more than one million soldiers who trained at Desert Training Center.

This Camp Ibis command star signifies camp headquarters. The command star has five points and is approximately ten feet in diameter. Each point is about two feet wide at the base and tapers to a point, which is about three to four feet long. Each point is outlined and filled with white quartz and desert rocks that have a red varnish color. One tip of the Star has a red cap stone. The center of the star is hollow – not filled with rocks - and is about three to four feet in diameter.

A 500,000-gallon reservoir at Camp Ibis is a solid concrete oval shaped basin
approximately the size of a football field. The walls slope to the bottom of the
reservoir. When full, the reservoir may have been 30-40 feet deep. The bottom
of the reservoir has an estimated three-foot wide by 15-foot-long trench that
housed pumps that siphoned water from the desert aquifer. It is not known how
deep the wells were drilled to reach the aquifer. A lone mesquite tree is seen at
the left of the photo

This photo shows the entry gate to the Goffs School house and property. Tall
wooden poles support a crossbar from which hang large metal cut out letters,
“Study the Past.” The entry gate is flanked by a wooden rail fence. Behind the
gate is a small restored building that once served as a communication shed for
the Santa Fe Railroad

The Goffs Schoolhouse is a popular attraction for Route 66 visitors. This photo
shows a tour group of 14 people looking at memorabilia on the walls of the
Schoolhouse. There are fourteen antique roadway directional signs with mileage
listed to other desert towns. Framed oil paintings feature the desert landscape.
A California Route 66 shield and area maps are also displayed.

The 50-foot tall Roy’s sign is prominent in the center of the photo. The name
“Roy’s” appears in large letters against a rectangular sign. Behind the sign a
large arrow shape points down. The words “vacancy”, “motel,” and “café” are
also featured. In the background is the lobby of the now-vacant motel. The
inverted V shaped roof is a signature of Googie architecture. Five cars are
parked outside the café located behind the sign. A long flat roof provides
shade for gas pumps.

The large Roy’s sign is seen against a clear sky with a few wispy clouds. The
Roy’s Café and motel lobby are featured to the right of the sign. A very tall
metal tower extends up beyond the photo. Two palm trees and a tall electric
pole are visible. Six identical small white cabins are lined up side by side from
the center to the right side of the photo. A large expanse of desert dirt and
some low bushes are in the bottom part of the photo.

The Ludlow Historic Route 66 Café is an A-frame restaurant approximately 30-
feet tall. The front wall/entry is solid glass that bathes the interior of the café in
light. In front of the entrance to the café are three vintage rusty mineral ore
carts. A five-foot tall concrete monument with a bronze plaque titled “Project
Carryall” commemorates an Atomic Energy Commission project to use nuclear
explosives to cut an alignment of I-40 and a new rail line. This proposal was
abandoned

The Tonopah and Tidewater Railroad Shops plaque is placed on a concrete
monument about five-feet tall located outside of the Ludlow Café. The plaque
details the history of the railroad that began construction of track in Ludlow in
1905, to transport ore from mines in Nevada. The terminus in Beatty, Nevada
was reached in 1907. The shops and headquarters of the railroad were located
here in Ludlow and serviced the locomotives for 18 years.

A brass plaque on a concrete base approximately five-feet tall commemorates
Project Plowshare, a proposal of the Atomic Energy Commission. Under Project
Plowshare, a feasibility study was conducted for Project Carryall in 1963. The
plan was to detonate 22 nuclear explosions totaling 1.8 megatons to excavate a
cut for construction of Interstate 40 and a new rail line. The project was dropped
in 1968.

The Bagdad Café is a single-story building with an A-frame entry way and a
wood-shingled roof. A prominent sign jutting out from the A-frame includes
the name of the café and the hours of operation. The windows are covered
with hundreds of decals placed by visitors from all over the world.

A large “Route 66 Roadside Attraction” sign is featured in front of the
Bagdad Café. This sign includes a large Route 66 shield. The sign was
placed by Hampton Hotels as part of their Save-A-Landmark program. The
sign attests to the world-wide notoriety of the Bagdad Café.

The Bagdad Café attracts visitors from around the world. This photo shows
the inside of the café. The walls are covered with mementos left by Route 66
travelers. Included are foreign currency, medals, souvenir pins, small flags,
decals and more. The ceiling is covered with t-shirts, banners, and flags
from many different countries. Two stools face the narrow lunch counter. A
portion of a booth is also in the photo.

The historic El Rancho Motor Motel is built in the classic U shape that
was common in motels of the era when it was built. This photo shows
one wing of rooms with overhanging tile roofs and wooden upright
supports. In the front of the photo is an inverted U shape sign with Route
66 shields from each of the eight Route 66 states and directional arrows
with mileage to 38 towns in the United States and across the globe. In
the background is the 100-foot tall iconic El Rancho Barstow sign.

The El Rancho Motor Court neon sign is approximately 100 feet tall with
the words “El Rancho” on the top line and “Barstow” on the bottom line.
Smaller versions of the sign are placed perpendicular to the right and left
of the main sign. The signs are supported by tall metal upright supports
with horizontal and diagonal bracing.

This vintage postcard is rectangular in shape and served as an
advertisement for the El Rancho Motor Motel. The name and address
are featured on the far-right edge of the postcard. The “AAA Approved”
seal is included. Seven automobiles from the 1950s are parked in front of
some of the rooms. A small group of women relax under an umbrella on
the lawn. Another group of guests are seated at the far end of the
swimming pool, which is located in the center of the parking lot.

The entry to the Mother Road Route 66 Museum is featured in
this photo. The museum is located on the back side of the Casa
del Desierto Harvey House. The museum is located on the first
floor of the two-story building. Three flags outside the museum
are blowing in the wind: the American flag, a Route 66 flag with a
map and car, and a flag indicating that the museum is open.
There is a sign identifying the museum and a Route 66 Roadside
Attraction sign.

A close-up shot of Santa Fe railroad car #1460 fills this photo.
The car is brightly painted blue with the large words “Santa Fe” in
yellow across almost the entire car. The setting for the photo is
the exterior area of the Western America Railroad Museum
located in the Casa del Desierto Harvey House. A cloud-filled sky
is in the background and a leafless tree is in front of the rail car.

Standing on the banks of the Mississippi river approximately one-half mile from Route 66, the Gateway Arch is a 630-foot tall monument in Saint Louis, Missouri. Symbolizing the gateway to the American West, the Gateway Arch is the world's tallest arch and the tallest man-made monument in the Western Hemisphere.

Looking west across the Mississippi River at night, the lights of the Saint Louis skyline reflect off the water and the stainless steel of the Gateway Arch, the “Gateway to the West”.

Looking out a window from the top of the 630-foot tall Gateway Arch reveals the Arch grounds, the Historic Courthouse, and the city to the west.

From a bird’s eye perspective view of the old Chain of Rocks Bridge crossing the Mississippi river, both historic water intake structures are seen.

Walking on the 91-year-old bridge structure the unique 22-degree bend is evident.

Visitors to Ted Drewes Frozen Custard wait in line to get a taste of this Historic Route 66 Missouri favorite.

The restored original Ted Drewes Frozen Custard neon sign points the way to the ‘Best Ice Cream in the World’.

Looking down Historic Route 66 to the west from a bird’s eye perspective, Jensen’s Point Overlook seems to float at the top of the trees that are changing color in early fall.

The ad for Meramec Caverns painted on this typical Missouri barn silo is both quirky and practical.

The contrast of the natural wonder of a million-year-old Cavern with a neon sign identifying the infamous Jesse James hideout is one reason why so many people visit Meramec Caverns

The mural depicting a beloved mayor who governed for 20 years, is shown in front of his tractor sales business on Historic Route 66.

Utility boxes are the canvas for mini murals that depict scenes from historic Cuba.

John’s Modern Cabins slowly give way to the elements of time while the original sign outhouse look on.

A statue of Larry Baggett at the entrance to the Trail of Tears welcomes Historic Route 66 travelers to pay tribute to the Cherokee Trail of Tears.

The four-lane, sloped curb section of Historic Route 66 travels through the dramatic 90-foot deep Hooker Cut.

The Christmas lights on the Devil’s Elbow bridge highlight the historic structure and welcome travelers to the holidays.

The old railroad bridge that crosses the Big Piney River can be seen from a scenic overlook located just west of the town.

The vintage car parked in front of the Munger Moss Motel in Lebanon, Missouri is waiting to continue to travel down Historic Route 66.

The refurbished neon sign of the Munger Moss Motel lights up the night in Lebanon, Missouri where it is celebrating 70 years on Historic Route 66 in Missouri.

The central gathering space for the Springfield Route 66 Birthplace Festival, Park Central Square has food and craft exhibits among the historic cars at the car show.

People from around the world gather at the Springfield Birthplace Festival on Historic Route 66 in Springfield, MO

The original telegram composed at a meeting of highway officials and sent from Springfield, Missouri on April 30, 1926 naming the highway U.S. 66 is on display at the History Museum located on Park Central Square.

A vintage truck sits in front of the Gillioz Theater under the marque on Historic Route 66 just east of the Park Central Square.

A traveler enjoys a pre-concert meal on Park Central Square before attending a concert at the Gillioz Theater.

The bright “pop art” of Gay Parita, the re-created 1930’s Sinclair Station in Paris Springs, MO, entices travelers to stop in for a visit and a photo opportunity.

The late Gary Turner entertains and informs these international travelers of Historic Route 66.

The 66 Drive-In is a landmark that is easily seen from Historic Route 66 in Carthage, Missouri.

The refurbished neon sign of the 66 Drive-In glows against the sky at dusk in Carthage, Missouri on Historic Route 66.

Main Street in Joplin is the “Main Street of America”, Historic Route 66, where crowds gather at the Joplin Route 66 Festival every third Thursday March through October.

This international bicycle group is enjoying their stop at the Route 66 Mural Park in Joplin on Main Street, Historic Route 66.