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, assigning a number to the proposed highway. Cyrus Avery, the Oklahoma highway commissioner and John T. Woodruff, a Springfield attorney, must have been elated seeing their efforts succeed for the creation of a new federal highway stretching 2,448 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica, California.
The nation would soon “get its kicks on Route 66.” Cemented in pop culture, it became one of the most famous roads in the country. Even today, Route 66 sparks warm memories of family road trips, fun shops, diners, motels, and scenic natural areas. Despite the route’s demise with the completion of the Interstate Highway System, the Mother Road continues to inspire new generations seeking adventures on the open road.
Today, there’s a sign in Park Central Square in Springfield, dedicated to the city by the Route 66 Association of Missouri. Portions of the old road can easily be driven from St. Louis to Joplin. In fact, you can still drive about 85 percent of “America’s Main Street” from Chicago to the Pacific Coast and feel its spirit in the lives of fellow travelers and the locals along the way.
Leading up to the centennial of Route 66 and throughout 2026, the State Historical Society of Missouri and other organizations are planning events to commemorate 100 years of the Mother Road. Check back to this page, as we will post happenings, lots of history, and how you can explore the places in Missouri that once were and see others not yet erased and still being visited by Route 66 fans from around the world.
Buckle your seat belt. It’s time to travel with us on Route 66!