Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (2024)

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CALIFORNIA

Santa Monica, CA

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (1)

The start point for Route 66 historical trip from West to East. From Santa Monica to Chicago. We are started on The Mother Road Trail to begin.

Rancho Cucamonga, CA

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (2)

Rancho Cucamonga, CA

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (3)
Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (4)

Rancho Cucamonga Gas & Service Center. Built in 1915, and was on service until 1972. The highway was a part of Route 66 in 1926.

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (5)

The bridge is a part of a small park that called Route 66 Trailhead in city of Rancho Cucamonga, California on the Mother Road of Route 66 Highway. Fits bicycle and pedestrian. Nice view from the brigde.

San Bernardino, CA

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (6)

This McDonalds is the oldest ever operated in San Bernardino. Now is a museum. You can find toys and other things including Richard & Maurice McDonalds Mural.

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (7)

One of three hotel that still operating across United States. Originally there are 6 of these hotel, however 3 of them closed and leave 3 left still operating across United States. Here is the one on the picture on city of San Bernardino. The uniqness of this hotel because is resemble the Native American tent called Tipis. It was built along the Mother Road of Route 66 in location state of Kentucky, Alabama, Florida, Arizona, Lousiana, and Chicago.

Victorville, CA

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (8)

Elmer Long’s Bottle Tree Ranch is an art work that started from bottle collections from his father. In order to get the art work done, Elmer himself has collected so many bottles to create this enermous Bottle Tree Ranch on city of Oro Grande, California part of Victorville.

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (9)

Emma Jean’s Holland Burger Cafe is built by Bob and Kate Holland from cinder blocks manufactured at the Old Tile Plant. Emma Jean worked at the cafe as a waitress, and her husband bought the cafe and named it after her. (Courtesy: route66roadtrip.com)

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (10)

Route 66 Museum in Victorville has a great history of Mother Road in both Route 66 Highway and Santa Fe Railroad including 1950s diner and VW Love Bus complete with hippie wigs and sunglasses for perfect photo. (Courtesy: route66roadtrip.com)

Barstow, CA

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (11)
Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (12)

Harvey’s House is a long story of Route 66 place that settle next to Santa Fe railroad track. It’s a humongous two story house perfect as both place for museum and railroad historic portrait. The largest building ever built along the Pacific Union Railroad Track, now is Santa Fe Railroad company.

Newberry Springs, CA

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (13)

Bagdad Cafe is built in 1950s and has great history in Hollywood movie title “Bagdad Cafe” and became the name for this restaurant in 1995.

Ludlow, CA

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (14)

Ludlow Cafe not only historical place in Route 66 Mother Road, but also has included the mining experience in this small town of Ludlow along Mojave Desert.

Amboy, CA

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (15)

Roy’s Motel and Cafe was a great stops on Route 66 among Mojave Deserts. It was 24 hours gas station, gift shop, and famous tourist stops.

Goffs,CA

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (16)
Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (17)

Goffs become part of Route 66 history of Mother Road because it is not because of as a replica railroad track history but also an oldschool house to serve growing population in Mojave Desert. (Courtesy: route66roadtrip.com)

Needles,CA

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (18)

El Garces was a hotel that built along the Santa Fe railroad track where tourists arrived from the train and settle for hospitality rest. It is also the largest hotel ever built along the railroad track.

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (19)

In Needles just right across from El Garces Hotel, you will see the Route 66 Museum with nice mural print. Above is what is showing.

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (20)

Needles is the last town of Route 66 before leaving to Arizona. It’s in the edge border state of California. Nice looking city, lots of historical artifacts to mention of the Mother Road Route 66 all over the places. There are more place to visit here such as the wagon, and historical parks.

ARIZONA

Oatman, AZ

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (21)

The mining town on Mother Road of Route 66 is not coincidence but it is obvious there and tales of history kept in there.

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (22)

This street sign standing there when entering the city of Oatman on the desert.

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (23)

Mobil gas station and gift shop stand on the top of the hill with beautiful sight surrounding it.

Kingman, AZ

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (24)

This street sign on Kingman is the sign for the 2nd Route 66 Museum a block away from the 1st one which is Mohave Museum around the corner of Beale St. There are a total of 3 Route 66 museums on the city of Kingman itself. Right across from this museum is a railroad park where you can find the locomotive artifacts on that park.

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (25)

Mohave Museum is not only the oldest Route 66 Museum but also contains the History of the Arts of Mojave Culture.

Hackberry, AZ

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (26)

Indeed is a little drive to this place but when you got here, you will find what the history of the Route 66 Mother Road and the local cultural all about. You can see the classic cars park outside and statues.

Seligman, CA

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (27)

Angel’s & Wilma’s Barber Shop in Seligman just on the side of the road highway 66. It’s become a hit on Route 66 traveler to stop for barber.The barber shop bougth by Angel Delgadillo in 1972 and the business there was taken on Route 66 traffic.

Ashfork, AZ

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (28)

This place has proclaim themselves as “The Flagstone Capital of the World”. Since the city of Ash Fork was the route of the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad in 1882, it was named of ash trees that growing along the sites of town. The Atlantic and Pacific Railroad later become Santa Fe Railroad. (Courtesy: route66railroad.com)

Williams, AZ

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (29)

The city of Williams founded in 1881 and was named as “Gateway To The Grand Canyon”. Because is just so close to the drive up to Grand Canyon National Park. This city also one of favorite place for traveler to arrived and visit the National Park for attraction.

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (30)

In Williams the old city of Mother Road of Route 66, there many attractions around such as zip line, museum, and dining. Because the location is so perfect thus, it is near other popular attraction such as Grand Canyon National Park and Monument Valley.

Flagstaff, AZ

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (31)

In Flagstaff, you can stop at the nice looking built property of visitor center that built next to the Sante Fe railroad. In this visitor center you can find nearby attractions such as Sedona, Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Wupatki National Monument, Walnut Canyon National Monument, Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, San Francisco Peak, and many more.

Winslow, AZ

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (32)

The Winslow corner is dedicated by Pop Band Eagles in their famous lyrics in “Take it Easy” song. The lyrics said: “When I am standin’ on the corner of Winslow, Arizona…”. There are 2 statues of the band personal, one on the left and the other on the right. To the right along the mural on the wall you can find the wings (see the next picture) which is the symbol of the band album of the song “Take It Easy” which is made up for these landmark of the song.

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (33)

On this wall of wings mural you can standing there to get nice picture of you with two wings with the song title “Take It Easy” above you.

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (34)

Holbrook, AZ

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (35)

One of the small park stand in Holbrook that gives history of the Mother Road. In this park you can find man on horse statue and Route 66 mural on the corner of the street.

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (36)

The courthouse is a museum that maintain Arizona Historical Society by The Navajo County Historical Society. It was passed the legislator in 1896 to provide the courthouse for the county and finally built in 1898 on the land that donated by Frank A. Zuck.

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (37)

This hotel is 1 of 3 operating hotel in United States. It was 6 hotels established between 1936 and 1950 by Chester E. Lewis. The architect was Frank Redford who interest in the Native American tent called Tipis. And it is resemble to it. Now 3 hotels still operating across United States. Price per-night staying in this hotel around hundred bucks.

NEW MEXICO

Gallup, NM

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (38)

When you arrive here at this city of Gallup, you will encounter the visitor center next to gift shop right across from the downtown. This city is also the first city of Route 66 route to come by. Gallup also known as the city of railroad where in 1940s and 1950s famous for the Hollywood Westerner such as John Wayne, Katherine Hepburn, Humprey Bogart, Ronald Reagan, and Kirk Douglas. (Courtesy: route66roadtrip.com)

Grants, NM

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (39)
Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (40)

One of famous attraction along Route 66 Highway is this Route 66 Drive-In Arch. Here in this city of Grants where famous local artist express their interest and share their art work along the Route 66. Below is one of the art work they call it “Native Basket Ashtray” you can find it along the highway on sidewalk.

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (41)

Albuquerque, NM

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (42)

When I arrived at Albuquerque, I get a bit trail onto this RV Trading Post. Nice and still operates along the 66 highway.

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (43)

To the right of the Enchanted RV Trading Post you will see this road side display. This display is not a part of Route 66 Historical items. However, it is giving some amusem*nt :).

Bernallilo, NM

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (44)

Famouse Blue Cadillac just next to the mortuary in Bernalillo.

Santa Fe, NM

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (45)
Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (46)
Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (47)

These statues are a part of Spanish Museum in Santa Fe.

Santa Rosa, NM

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (48)
Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (49)
Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (50)

This Blue Hole Park is a small lake and permitted to swim as the people having so much fun swimming and playing there.

Tucumcari, NM

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (51)
Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (52)

Tucumcari is small town and the last town before arrived at Texas. It is considered the border between New Mexico and Texas.

TEXAS

Adrian, TX

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (53)
Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (54)
Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (55)

Adrian is the city in Texas and the first city I come to visit in Texas for the Historical Route 66 trip. Adrian also the Mid-Point between East and West Mother Road Trip of Route 66. The historical landmark and places are just a few blocks from the exit ramp of I-40 Eastbound freeways.

Vega, TX

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (56)
Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (57)

A few blocks away from Adrian, there is near by city called Vega. Here stands the Milburn-Price Culture Museum and the unique statues around the front yard along with the museum sign. In this museum you can find all kind of artifacts about Route 66 and the local cultural history of the Oldham County.

Amarillo, TX

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (58)
Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (59)

The Cadillac Standing is one of interesting attraction here in Texas. It’s a huge land stands 7 Cadillac cars that you can print your name or do some marks using spray paint. Above is the example print of Vag-Li23 = vagabonlife23 on the last car.

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (60)

The 2nd Amandment statue of yellow shirt Cowboy stands in front of RV store on the corner of Hope Rd, Amarillo, Texas just couple blocks away from the Cadillac Ranch yard.

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (61)

If you are steak fan, you will like to stop at The Big Texan Restaurant & Bar. They served the biggest 72oz steak cut in town. No kidding, you should try it.

McLean, TX

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (62)
Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (63)

Interesting facts that this museum is showing good historical artifacts not only for the Route 66, but the “Devil’s Rope” which is the entanglement wire used in warfare. There are also the history of Dust Bowl, Evolution of the Cowboy, Branding, and Ranching history. (Courtesy: route66roadtrip.com)

Shamrock, TX

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (64)

This Conoco station is one of the oldest service station in Shamrock, Texas. It was open the door in 1936 to provide service for the travelers heading west on Mother Road. It was restored in 2004 and tribute as museum today.

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (65)

Beside the Conoco Service Center, a couple block down there is another service station on the corner between Madden St. and 2nd St. This Magnolia Gas Station is the earlier services provided in Shamrock, Texas. As you can see the sign in front of the station. The service station established and opened the door for service in May 18, 1929.

OKLAHOMA

Erick, OK

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (66)
Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (67)

Sandhills Curiosity Shop was located inside the Old City Market. Not to far from there is Roger Miller mural. Roger Dean Miller Sr. his full name is an American singer and song-writer, widely know for honky-tonk influences. His famous hits was “King of the Road”, “Dang Me, and “England Swings” in the 50s. See the mural on the picture below. (Courtesy: wikipedia.org)

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (68)

Erick is the city that comes first in the State of Oklahoma. Something important to know is the State of Oklahoma is the State that has the most attractions in local cultural history and the Mother Road of Route 66 history. You can find more of them while you are visiting the state. On my YouTube channel you can find the video here.

Elk City, OK

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (69)

If you look this small corner of an old city like with featuring the Route 66 historical museum, equipment, and the Santa Fe railroad, you will picture whatever happened in the past. This place built like a small town to show the history in the past in Elk City, Oklahoma.

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (70)

According to history, this Parker Drilling Company built in 1960. The purpose of this drilling is for atominc bomb testing and one of the tallest rings in the world. (Courtesy: route66roadtrip.com)

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (71)
Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (72)

This National Route 66 & Transportation Museum is the first place to come first for the Eastbound trip of Route 66. You can see this small area of museum is like a small town filled with old building and artifacts of trains and the replica stations.

Clinton, OK

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (73)

In Clinton here one of Route 66 Museum that has their own history. It was offer to visitor of the spirit of Americana.

Hydro, OK

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (74)

Lucille’s Service Station also has her own history for the Route 66. Lucille Hamon is the original owner of this place. Purchased by Hamon family in 1941. The Hamon family ran the business with Lucille as the main assistant of the service center. Because of her friendly assistance to the customer, she has given a name of “Mother of the Mother Road”.

El Reno, OK

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (75)

El Reno founded in 1889 and located on two intersection historic highways: Route 66 and the Chriholm Trail Highway 81. They are the home of festival of many heritage celebrations. That’s how they call this town is the Crossroads of America.

Oklahoma City, OK

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (76)

In the center of city the Braoum’s Milk Bottle Grocery has served the traffic of Route 66 since 1930. The bottle added to the top of store in 1948.

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (77)

Oklahoma State Capitol Building is know as mix cultural building.

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (78)

The National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City is the most for their history of local people and the President of United States. Founded in 1955, the museum collects, preserves and exibits an internationally renowned collection of Western art and artifacts. (Courtesy: route66roadtrip.com)

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (79)

This mural is a part of Braum’s Milk Bottle Grocery.

Britton, OK

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (80)

This mural found in the city of Britton.

Warwick, OK

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (81)

Seaba Motorcycle Museum in Warwick is built in 1921 by John Alice Seaba. After his last name this historic on Mother Road of Route 66 collects many types of motorcycle and popular among the local and the travelers.

Chandler, OK

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (82)

In Chandler this was Phillips 66 Service Station on side street of Manvel Avenue. Built in 1930 and it was the #1423 station on Mother Road of Route 66.

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (83)

McJerry’s Route 66 Gallery in Chandler, Oklahoma is the gallery operated by Jerry McClahanan the award winning artist and Route 66 historian/writer of the popular EZ 66 Guide for Travelers. (Courtesy: route66roadtrip.com)

Davenport, OK

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (84)
Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (85)
Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (86)

Davenport is basically an old town and famous with their Route 66 Murals. One of the interesting place called “The New Era” was a newspaper publisher and it has contributed to Mother Road of Route 66 history.

Tulsa, OK

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (87)
Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (88)
Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (89)
Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (90)

Tulsa is considered the town for historic Mother Road or Route 66 and many attractions are found here. If you would like to know more, you can check out my YouTube channel here. I have video about Tulsa most attractive places to go here.

Catoosa, OK

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (91)
Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (92)

D.W. Correll Museum has many gems, rocks, fossils, and minerals collections. Indeed one of the many variety collection from around the world.

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (93)
Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (94)

Catoosa’s Historical Society Museum is housed in old train depot. Next to it is postal office that showing how the mail delivered in horseback dating back to 1897.

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (95)
Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (96)

The Blue Whale was built as an anniversary gift by Hugh Davis to his wife. This park also a swimming lake. Built in 1970 and closed in 1988. It was popular attraction for locals and travelers.(Courtesy: route66roadtrip.com)

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (97)

Rogers Point Park is a home for The Twin Bridges and Tom Kight Bridge. It was established in 1939.

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (98)

Above is showing the Twin Bridges at Rogers Point Park.

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (99)

Behind this Tom Kight Bridge there is steak restaurant called Molly’s Landing Restaurant. Molly’s restaurant opened in 1984 and gets award winning for their aged and cut steaks.

Claremore, OK

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (100)

Mansion in Claremore!. Yes, indeed. This is Belvidere Mansion built in 1907. This mansion is created for enterpreneurs, businessman, and financier John Melville Bayless for his wife, Mary Melissa and their children.

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (101)

Will Roger’s Memorial Museum built to memorize the great entertainer that have contributed to Route 66 and its history. In this museum contains many artifacts about Roger Miller life and his legacy. It was built in 1938 and still operating until this day in Claremore, Oklahoma.

Chelsea, OK

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (102)

The Totem park is dedicated and contributed by many local folks artist. Built in 1937 and the most popular name given to this place is refer to the tallest totem pole ever built. The name given to the property as “Fiddle House”.

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (103)

The Pryor Bridge is connected the Highway 66 as bypass. Built in 1926 and operate for Route 66 until 1932. The bypass was called “Modified Pratt Through Truss”.

Vinita, OK

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (104)
Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (105)
Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (106)

One of the most popular attraction here in Vinita, Oklahoma is the work of artist Anne Mitchell of Cherokee. You can see her art works and other famouse local artist with their quotes inside the Anne Mitchel’s Cultural Center.

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (107)

This Eastern Trail Museum in Vinita, Oklahoma has one kind of history more 150 years old in Green County. From Civil War Battles, Native American History, Relics and Artifacts Military items, railroad materials, and Route 66 history.

Miami, OK

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (108)
Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (109)

Coleman Theatre is built in 1929. It was built as Vaudevile Theatre and as movie palace. In the earlier time it was hosted by famous stars such as Will Rogers, Bob Hope, and Bing Crosby. Designed in Spanish Mission Revival style with original 1929 “Mighty Wurlitzer” pipe organ still integrated with it.

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (110)

The restaurant is aspire by yellow cuckoo bird and resembles a cuckoo clock and the cuckoo bird popping out the roof. They served good burgers and fries for local and travelers along the Mother Road of Route 66.

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (111)

Commerce, OK

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (112)
Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (113)

When it comes to dairy, this Route 66 Dairy King Marathon Service Center has anything you asking for it. It was built in 1920 and served the local and the travelers of Route 66 since then.

KANSAS

Baxter Springs, KS

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (114)
Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (115)

Baxter Springs Rainbow Bridge in Kansas such a magnificient look of brigde. When look at it in different angle you still see the curvy styling that was built in purpose of architecture. Indeed built as an Arch over the Brush Creek in 1923. It was once called Marsh Arch Bridge on Mother Road of Route 66.

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (116)

Galena, KS

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (117)

This Mining & Historical Museum in Galena, Kansas, display of mineral specimens, mining equipment and a model of the Grand Central Mine which is located just East of Galena in Central City, Missouri. (Courtesy: route66roadtrip.com)

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (118)
Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (119)

Gearhead Curious Texaco along side by side with Will Rogers Park has been served the travelers in Kansas since 1939. Where this place contains artwork for the Gearhead and a place to gather to share stories.

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (120)
Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (121)

Cars on the Route is what the movie by Pixars inspire by with character of “Tow Mater” that in the movie. Also the original “Tow Tater” car is restored in 1934 of Kan-O-Tex service station.

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (122)
Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (123)

When the sheriff car was taking up for service, there is The Sheriff in Galena.

MISSOURI

Joplin, MO

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (124)
Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (125)

Downtown Joplin and the mural is one of the Route 66 iconic landmark in the state of Missouri.

Webb City, MO

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (126)
Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (127)

When it comes to religious, Route 66 also includes this display of Praying Hands in Webb City, Missouri. This statue is built on April 1974. Sculpted by local artist J.E. Jack Dawson in size of 220,000 pound of weight steel and concrete, 32 feet high and placed on 40 feet high hill. This Praying Hands carved to hope for the World peace. It’s located in King Jack Park on Dawson Drive in Webb city, Missouri.

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (128)

This visitor center is also place of chamber of commerce for city Webb City in Missouri. Located in downtown Webb City.

Carthage, MO

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (129)

For Route 66, in the old days when it comes to attraction, this Drive-In Theatre is the most visited place by local and travelers.

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (130)

Jasper County Courthouse built in 1894 so famous for the most photographed place in Route 66. Designed by architect Max A. Orlopp Jr. with Richardsonian Romanesque style, constructed with Carthage marble and has medieval castle features that include turrets, towers, and arches. (Courtesy: wikipedia.org)

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (131)
Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (132)

Carthage city has bring some part of Mother Road of Route 66 history in the city. Nonetheless, it’s very nice place to visit on traveling trip of the historical places.

Springfield, MO

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (133)

Who wouldn’t like to come in to this humongous outdoor store? Indeed this Bass Pro Store is the biggest in the United States. This Bass Pro Shop was founded by Johnny Morris. He started selling fishing tackle in the back of his father store in 1972. Now there are more than 200 stores all over United States.

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (134)
Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (135)
Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (136)

Route 66 Car Museum in Springfield, Missouri is not only car museum but unique car museum in Route 66 history. This museum has been preserving the most quintessential and beautiful automobiles in history. It showing more than 70 classic cars in the collection. (Courtesy: route66roadtrip.com)

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (137)

Before you got to Old Fox Theatre, you will pass and see this 66 Hubcap Sculpture assemble and memoriable of the birth place or Route 66 in Springfield, Missouri.

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (138)

Oldest Fox Theatre in Springfield, Missouri built in 1916 as movie theatre. Now is a beautiful history tales and museum. Features of Marilyn Monroe statue at front in the old days of Route 66.

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (139)

This Springfield Route 66 visitor center has a unique feature with Classic 66 Red Convertible Corvette in front of it. In this place you can find enough information and get traveling ideas in Missouri.

Lebanon, MO

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (140)
Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (141)

The Library Museum in Lebanon, Missouri is one of Route 66 Museum that showing the large scales of Texaco gas station as well as vintage rooms and diners.

Cuba, MO

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (142)
Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (143)

Finning 66 Outpost General Store in Cuba, Missouri is famouse with giant chair in front of store called Rocker. On the side of the store also carved beautiful Amelia Earhart mural.

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (144)

Weir on 66 Restaurant in Cuba, Missouri, famous with their delicious food and mural.

Saint Louis, MO

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (145)

One stops of drive thru donut shop in the old days in Saint Louis, Missouri. Great place to stop for donuts since 1953.

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (146)

Saint Louis Car Museum in Saint Louis, Missouri was the largest collector of classic cars in Midwest. Since 1994 this place as automobile museum for Go-To destination where car enthusiasts from around the world can reminisce 100+ classic collector cars, vintage signage, rare pedals card memorabilia, all while listening to popular music. (Courtesy: route66roadtrip.com)

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (147)

The Gateway Arch in Saint Louis, Missouri is popular destination from to date for travelers not only locals but around the world. Built along side Mississippi River is the center piece of the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, “Gateway to the West” and registered as National Park by NPS officials. (Courtesy: route66roadtrip.com)

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (148)

The Old Chain of Rock Bridge in Saint Louis, Missouri is spanning bridge of Mississippi River to Chouteau Island on the North edge of St. Louis established in 1929.

ILLINOIS

Litchfield, IL

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (149)

Ariston cafe has been there since 1924 and still operating to serve delicous food to locals and international travelers. This place serving an American Food and one of the oldest restaurant in History of Mother Road of Route 66.

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (150)

The Route 66 Statue sign is what left to Litchfield Route 66 visitor center.

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (151)

This mural painted on hitch wagon store in Litchfield, Illinois.

Springfield, IL

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (152)

Just off of freeway ramp to the left this famous Motorheads Bar & Grill in Springfield, Illinois, served nice food and great environment. You can also see interesting Route 66 artifacts there including huge Tea Pot just below the sign seen from freeway.

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (153)

The statue and business has been there since 1978. The statue has been blown away from tornado and erected again later. Tire & Auto Service is what the giant standing there all about. The giant suppose to hold on a flag pole, but because there tornadoes it may not save to display there.

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (154)

Owned and operated by Ed Waldmire family since 1949. They are famous with Hot Dog on the stick. (Courtesy: route66roadtrip.com)

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (155)
Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (156)

The Ace sign is the home of over 85 historic signs of Route 66 from Springfield, Illinois.

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (157)
Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (158)
Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (159)

In order to visit Abraham Lincoln Home, you need to make reservation through nps.gov where you can also make reservation visiting National Parks and other good attraction.

Bloomington-Normal, IL

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (160)

This Bloomington Visitor Center is also called “Cruisin’ with Lincoln on 66 Visitor Center and Gift Shop”. The uniqness of this visitor center is combine two McLean County famous attractions: President Abraham Lincoln and The Mother Road Route 66. And this place stand between two cities, Bloomington and Normal.

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (161)
Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (162)

A little bit about David Davis Mansion House is known as Clover Lawn. Built in 1872 with combines architecture of Italinate and Second Empire Victorian styles. David Davis also known as the mentor President Abraham Lincoln and later he’s pointed as United States Supreme Court Justice in 1862.

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (163)
Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (164)

Towanda, IL

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (165)

Pontiac, IL

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (166)

Livingstone County Courthouse sitting in the middle of downtown Pontiac. This place is built in 1874 and completed in the very next year on 1875. The architecture style of Second Empire of Victorian. Now served the Livingstone County as Courthouse and County Clerk and Recorder. The downtown itself has great attraction and local delicious restaurants and bars along with historic murals of Route 66. When I arrived there, there is cars show going on the street in front of the Courthouse. You can check it the video here.

Odell, IL

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (167)

Patrick O’Donnell built this gas station in Odell, Illinois. And based on a 1916 Standard Oil of Ohio design that commonly known as a domestic style gas station. Not to far from there, about a block away you can find The Odell Pedestrian Tunnel. The tunnel was built to safely accomodate the church’s goers to cross to St. Paul Catholic Church.

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (168)

Dwight, IL

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (169)

This Texaco Station built in 1933 and stand on the corner between Route 17 and Old Route 66. The service operating until 1998 and gas station until 1999. Later it turns to be an auto repair and served until 2002. The owner of the place Phillip Backer, donated the place to the city of Dwight and makes this place a nickname of Ambler/Becker Station.

Braidwood, IL

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (170)

From the name of the restaurant, you will understood why this place is unique for Route 66 travelers. As this restaurant built with the influences of 1950s Hollywood movies. Singers and super heroes icon statues placed all over the front yard including the phone booth, makes it different than other restaurant along the Route 66 Mother Road Highway history. They are also offer juke boxes, and photos of favorites rock and rolls stars such as The Blues Brothers, Marilyn Monroe, and Elvis Presley.

Wilmington, IL

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (171)
Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (172)

Joliet, IL

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (173)
Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (174)

Rich & Creamy on Broadway Ice Cream Booth has brought history on Route 66 through The Blues Brother. It was a heyday when the two brothers, Jake and Elwood, The Blues Brother dance atop the tower wrapped in neon lights, that’s when this ice cream place recognized by the locals and travelers on the Mother Road of Route 66. Specifically on city of Joliet, Illinois. Not to far from there is Dick’s Towing Service (Picture shown above).

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (175)

Chicago, IL

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (176)

The only cafe on downtown Chicago with the history of Route 66 along with it.

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (177)

Downtown Chicago has enormous views from the other side of Lake Michigan. As you can see the skyline buildings are surrounding the downtown that make it so obvious in your mind that Chicago is a big city with all type of businesses that is not only bring opportunity, but thrive in many ways also create great memory behind. Moreover, it creates new experiences as it’s evolving and commencing throughout of time.

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (178)

This End Sign of Trail of Route 66 stand on the East side of the Start Sign of Trail. It is just a block away from it. It’s on the west side of this End sign to the left.

Conclusion: As a traveler and history learner, I have go through so many things to learn on this historical trip. I have encounter each of piece of puzzle to form the true history of what happened in the past. I was grateful for this opportunity given to me and the idea of Route 66 trip is just a fortunate that ever happen in my life. I feel each place that I visit show me the importance of memoriable past that need to be preserved for the generations to come. Route 66 Historical Trail of the Mother Road is great long trail and enormous places never seen before and the past history tales live forever.

Mother Road Route 66 Historic Places by City and State Chronologically (2024)
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