A Journey Along Historic Route 66: Capturing the Legacy

Route 66, though deprecated officially in 1985, remains a cultural emblem. Once called the “Mother Road,” it charted the course for both American migration and military logistics. The iconic route, first connected in 1926, extends through Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California.

Today, Historic Route 66 stands as a tribute to the past, safeguarded by local communities. Its faded charm draws tourists from all over. Photographer Matt McClain documented this journey, covering the full span of 2,448 miles over several weeks. His images reveal the atmosphere and character of the places along the way, a living memory of an era anchored in history.

Route 66 presents sweeping views, from Illinois’s green fields to the vibrant landscapes of New Mexico and Arizona. McClain noted the diversity encountered along the road, from landscapes to communities; each contributes to understanding America.

Chicago to Tulsa

Starting in Chicago, travelers witness the city skyline from Willis Tower. Nearby, the American Giants Museum in Atlanta, Illinois, showcases iconic oversized statues. In Springfield, Illinois, many visit Abraham Lincoln’s bronze bust near his tomb.

“I didn’t expect this old, regional brick route in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by cornfields. It felt timeless, like a real treasure that still exists.”

Missouri offers its charms, such as the serene fishing spots in Maramec Spring Park. In St. Louis, the Gateway Arch attracts many, and in Tulsa, the AAA Route 66 RoadFest draws crowds to see the Golden Driller statue.

Tulsa to Albuquerque

In Tulsa, the Meadow Gold District features a large “muffler man,” a relic from the 1960s. Nearby, the Tee Pee Drive-In Theater in Sapulpa continues to captivate visitors, having reopened in 2023 after renovations.

Texas’s attractions include the vibrant Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, where tourists leave their mark with paint on the buried cars. The Texas Route 66 Festival, with its rodeos and gatherings, celebrates this historic route.

Albuquerque to Seligman

The Petrified Forest National Park in Holbrook, Arizona, offers breathtaking natural vistas. In Oatman, donkeys roam freely, reminiscent of its days as a gold mining town. The surrounding areas feature unique attractions like giant dinosaur sculptures.

Seligman to Santa Monica

In California, Route 66 leads through the Mojave Desert, where the sun sets over artistic displays at Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch. The journey ultimately ends at the Santa Monica Pier, a place of eternal fascination and lively encounters.

“You never know what you’re gonna see on the pier, just like on Route 66. There’s a classic kitschiness that’s clearly endearing.”

The journey along Route 66 remains a testament to America’s cultural heritage, offering a mix of nostalgia and discovery at every turn.