100 Years of Route 66

Missouri played an important role in the development of Route 66 as the birthplace of the famous highway. Springfield, Mo. is where Route 66’s name became official via a telegram on April 30, 1926. Cyrus Avery, the Oklahoma highway commissioner and John T. Woodruff, a Springfield attorney, were elated seeing their efforts succeed for the creation of a new federal highway stretching 2,448 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica, California. Throughout 2026, the State Historical Society of Missouri joins organizations along "America's Main Street" to commemorate the 100th anniversary. Public events, stories, and historic images will be updated here, so you can explore the places in Missouri that have inspired the adventure, fun, and freedom of the open road.

We'll continue to update this page, so come along for the ride on Route 66!

Interactive map of Route 66

1928 Bunion Derby

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Inside Scoop

New Route 66 Exhibition Opens at State Historical Society of Missouri in Columbia

February 5, 2026

A new exhibition, Through the Windshield: Missouri's Route 66, opened today with a reception at the State Historical Society of Missouri's headquarters in Columbia. The exhibition takes you on a drive through the counties of Route 66 in Missouri. See the landmarks and meet the people

Centennial Speaker Series: Route 66 at 100 - An American Story

January 7, 2026

We invite you to experience the rich history and enduring legacy of Route 66 by registering for this important online series. Notable authors, historians, and passionate advocates will come together to share their unique stories

Route 66 Celebrated in Google Arts & Culture

October 29, 2025

The State Historical Society of Missouri is partnering with Google Arts and Culture to highlight Route 66! You’ll find online exhibits, images, maps, architectural drawings, stories, and other

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Memories from the Mother Road

Big Chief Roadhouse only tangible link to Pierce’s vision

February 16, 2026

Part of the series, "100 Years on Route 66 in 52 Weeks," published by the Missouri Press Association and distributed for reprint by its membership newspapers. Reprinted here with permission by MPA.

Along Route 66: Henry Shaw Gardenway and Shaw Arboretum

February 1, 2026

Part of the series, "100 Years on Route 66 in 52 Weeks," published by the Missouri Press Association and distributed for reprint by its membership newspapers. Reprinted here with permission by MPA.

By Cheryl Eichar Jett

The signs that got us to Route 66

January 23, 2026

Part of the series, "100 Years on Route 66 in 52 Weeks," published by the Missouri Press Association and distributed for reprint by its membership newspapers. Reprinted here with permission by MPA.

By Kip Welborn

Ike got his kicks in helping design Route 66

January 9, 2026

Part of the series, "100 Years on Route 66 in 52 Weeks," published by the Missouri Press Association and distributed for reprint by its membership newspapers. Reprinted here with permission by MPA.

By Bob Ford
For mankind to advance, we have to be able to move. From a

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Route 66 Gallery

"Basketville" and the Childers Legacy

"Basketville" and the Childers Legacy of Ozark style basket weaving

William F. Childers showing his grandchildren how to weave a basket outside their cabin.

Stony Dell Resort

Route 66 Gallery - Stony Dell Resort

“Stonydell Swimming Pool, Arlington, Mo. on 66” circa 1930, John Bradbury Postcard Collection, SHSMO.

Restaurants

Route 66 Gallery - Restaurants

Sweeney’s Steak House was located in Bourbon, Missouri and was a self-proclaimed “adventure in eating.” The restaurant’s specialties were their fried chicken and steaks made to order. Originally called Flossie’s Café and then LeClaire’s Café, Ronald and Eula Sweeney bought the restaurant in 1959 and operated the business until at least 1970. (John F. Bradbury, Jr. Postcard Collection, R1551)