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

Route 66 Interactive Map screenshot

1928 Bunion Derby

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Inside Scoop

Jewell Theatre, Springfield, Mo.
Route 66 Celebrated in Google Arts & Culture

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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map of Route 66 display in Albuquerque New Mexico
We’re Circling the Wagons in Albuquerque

SHSMO’s Route 66 coordinator Kathleen Seale, recently met with members of the Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership, the National Park Service, and the National Trust for Historic Preservation in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The two-day annual meeting focused on efforts across the country to preserve and

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Gray Summit along Route 66
Help Preserve Route 66 History

The State Historical Society of Missouri continues its Route 66 collecting initiative focused on preserving the road’s history within the state. Examples of items include photographs, postcards, film and home videos along the route, records of roadside businesses, oral histories of

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Memories from the Mother Road

Henry J. Childers showcasing some of his more elaborate baskets.
“Basketville” and the Legacy of the Childers Family
By Ashley Weaver  William Francis Childers weaved wooden baskets in the traditional Ozark style and taught others the craft, including his son, Henry J. Childers, owner of Artful Woodwork on Route 66. In addition to selling hand-made baskets, the family sold woven furniture, including baby Read more
“Stonydell Swimming Pool, Arlington, Mo. on 66” circa 1930, John Bradbury Postcard Collection, SHSMO.
Stony Dell Swimming Pool and Resort, Arlington, Mo.
By Ashley Weaver  Lenore Morris grew up in Jerome, Missouri, located just off the original two-lane Route 66 in western Phelps County. She was born in March 1927 to Martha Gladys Duncan and Floyd Edward Jones, who worked for the Frisco Railroad in nearby Arlington. That same year, Vernon Read more
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