U.S. Route 66, extending 2,448 miles across 8 states and 3 time zones from Chicago, IL to Santa Monica, CA, the "Mother Road" was designated a national highway in 1926. It essentially consisted of connecting many existing roads with some construction of newer ones to complete a continuous route. The road was immortalized by Bobby Troupe's song "Get Your Kicks On Route 66", and musical versions by the late Nate King Cole and others, as well as the popular early 1960's TV show of the same name. The road assisted the western migration from the depression years through post World War II years.

Later the road was either bypassed or absorbed by modern highways, mainly 5 interstates, except for a few areas. With the revival of nostalgia and thoughts of bygone days, portions of the old road have been designated official Historic Route 66 recognition. Various local organizations and businesses have captured the allure with restored buildings, museums, restaurants, and neon signs.