Discover Route 66's Epic Journey - Endless Adventure πŸ’‘

As an expert in the history and culture of Route 66, I am often asked: where does the current Route 66 begin and end? Today, I am here to provide you with an in-depth answer to this frequently asked question.

Route 66, often referred to as the Mother Road or the Main Street of America, officially begins in Chicago, Illinois and ends in Santa Monica, California. This iconic highway, stretching a total of 2,448 miles, was established in 1926 and served as a major path for those who migrated west during the Dust Bowl of the 1930s.

To illustrate this more clearly, let's take a look at the map below.

As you can see, Route 66 stretches across several states, starting in Chicago and ending in Santa Monica. However, it's important to note that...

However, the exact start and end points of Route 66 have shifted over the years due to changes in the highway system and the establishment of Interstates. The original eastern terminus was at the intersection of Jackson Boulevard and Michigan Avenue in Chicago. But in 1937, it was moved a few blocks east to the corner of Lake Shore Drive and Jackson Boulevard.

In Santa Monica, the western terminus was originally located at the intersection of Lincoln and Olympic Boulevards. However, many travelers and enthusiasts consider the Santa Monica Pier to be the symbolic end of the historic route, even though Route 66 never officially extended to the pier.

Today, while much of the original Route 66 has been decommissioned and replaced by the Interstate Highway System, significant portions remain accessible and are designated as a National Scenic Byway named "Historic Route 66".

To truly appreciate the journey along Route 66, it's best to experience it visually. Here's a comprehensive video that takes you on a 14-day road trip along the 'Main Street of America'.

As you can see from the video, the journey along Route 66 is filled with a rich tapestry of history and culture. From iconic roadside attractions to breathtaking landscapes, every mile tells a story.

As you travel along the remnants of Route 66, you'll find a rich tapestry of history and culture. From iconic roadside attractions to vintage motels, diners, and yes, antique shops, the Mother Road offers a unique journey through the heart of America.

One of the great joys of traveling Route 66 is the chance to discover unique finds and collect Route 66 memorabilia. From vintage postcards and license plates to antique furniture and Americana, the antique shops along Route 66 are treasure troves for collectors and history buffs.

So, whether you're planning a cross-country road trip, or simply curious about this piece of American history, I hope this guide helps you understand where Route 66 starts and ends. And remember, it's not just about the destination, but the journey and the unique finds you'll discover along the way.

Route 66: Journey Through History

Test your knowledge about the iconic Route 66!

Learn more about πŸš— Route 66: Journey Through History - Take Our Interactive Quiz! πŸš€ or discover other quizzes.

Recommended Products

Desperate Enterprises US Route 66 States Corrugated Aluminum Sign - Nostalgic Vintage Metal Wall Decor - Made in USA Our Recommendation
Desperate Enterprises US Route 66 States Corrugated Aluminum Sign - Nostalgic Vintage Metal Wall Decor - Made in USA
$39.99 Prime Eligible
HANTAJANSS Route 66 Road Signs Vintage Room Decor Metal Sign Retro Road Sign Tin Decor Sign for Home, Room & Garage Wall Decoration 12Γ— 12 Inches Our Recommendation
HANTAJANSS Route 66 Road Signs Vintage Room Decor Metal Sign Retro Road Sign Tin Decor Sign for Home, Room & Garage Wall Decoration 12Γ— 12 Inches
$9.87 Prime Eligible
Saraheve Mels Diner Drive in Route 66 Vintage Look 50039;s Hot Rod Retro Wall Decor Metal Tin Sign 8x12in Our Recommendation
Saraheve Mels Diner Drive in Route 66 Vintage Look 50039;s Hot Rod Retro Wall Decor Metal Tin Sign 8x12in
$12.50 Prime Eligible
American Art Decor Vintage LED Marquee Wall Decor - Battery Operated Metal Wall Art With LED Light Bulbs - Retro Sign for Bar, Man Cave, Garage, Game Room & More (Historic Route 66, 30" x 9"x 4") Our Recommendation
American Art Decor Vintage LED Marquee Wall Decor - Battery Operated Metal Wall Art With LED Light Bulbs - Retro Sign for Bar, Man Cave, Garage, Game Room & More (Historic Route 66, 30" x 9"x 4")
$79.99
AOYEGO Pin Up Girl Tin Sign,Route 66 Garage Service Repairs Women Sit On The Green Car Vintage Metal Tin Signs for Cafes Bars Pubs Shop Wall Decorative Funny Retro Signs for Men Women 8x12 Inch Our Recommendation
AOYEGO Pin Up Girl Tin Sign,Route 66 Garage Service Repairs Women Sit On The Green Car Vintage Metal Tin Signs for Cafes Bars Pubs Shop Wall Decorative Funny Retro Signs for Men Women 8x12 Inch
$9.49 Prime Eligible
VANLAXY Route 66 Desk Table Decor Gas Station Model Miniature Storage Box Decoration Vintage Gas Pump Motorcycle Model Organizer Drawers Jewelry Box Ring Trinket Case Cabinet Retro Home Decor 9''L x 6'' W x 8.6''H Our Recommendation
VANLAXY Route 66 Desk Table Decor Gas Station Model Miniature Storage Box Decoration Vintage Gas Pump Motorcycle Model Organizer Drawers Jewelry Box Ring Trinket Case Cabinet Retro Home Decor 9''L x 6'' W x 8.6''H
$44.90 Prime Eligible
Route 66 Signs Vintage Road Signs Room Decor High Way Metal Tin Sign for Home Garage Wall Decorations 12Γ— 12 Inches Our Recommendation
Route 66 Signs Vintage Road Signs Room Decor High Way Metal Tin Sign for Home Garage Wall Decorations 12Γ— 12 Inches
$9.92 Prime Eligible
Licensed Route 66 America's Highway Gas Pump Plaque Wall Decor - 60.5" x 14.75" Our Recommendation
Licensed Route 66 America's Highway Gas Pump Plaque Wall Decor - 60.5" x 14.75"
$129.99
6x12 Inches Vintage Feel Metal Tin Sign Plaque for Home Decor (ILLINOIS ROUTE 66) Our Recommendation
6x12 Inches Vintage Feel Metal Tin Sign Plaque for Home Decor (ILLINOIS ROUTE 66)
$5.75 Prime Eligible
Map of Route 66 from Los Angeles to Chicago, Vintage Advertisement Birch Wood Wall Sign (10x15 Rustic Home Decor, Ready to Hang Art) Our Recommendation
Map of Route 66 from Los Angeles to Chicago, Vintage Advertisement Birch Wood Wall Sign (10x15 Rustic Home Decor, Ready to Hang Art)
$19.99
Route 66 Vintage Inspired Double-Sided Marquee LED Sign Retro Wall Decor for the Home, Game Room, Bar, Man Cave, Garage, or Bedroom (30" x 9" x 4") Our Recommendation
Route 66 Vintage Inspired Double-Sided Marquee LED Sign Retro Wall Decor for the Home, Game Room, Bar, Man Cave, Garage, or Bedroom (30" x 9" x 4")
$74.50
LEIZENTIN Vintage Tin Sign Historic Old Route 66 Home Bar Poster Wall Decor Retro Metal Sign 8x12inch Our Recommendation
LEIZENTIN Vintage Tin Sign Historic Old Route 66 Home Bar Poster Wall Decor Retro Metal Sign 8x12inch
$13.42 Prime Eligible
Desperate Enterprises Historic Old Route 66 - Weathered Tin Sign - Nostalgic Vintage Metal Wall DΓ©cor - Made in USA Our Recommendation
Desperate Enterprises Historic Old Route 66 - Weathered Tin Sign - Nostalgic Vintage Metal Wall DΓ©cor - Made in USA
$12.00 Prime Eligible
Art Canvas Prints Antique Car Canvas Wall Decor for Bedroom Canvas Wall Art for Home Decor Old Classic Car Theme American Vintage Route 66 Framed Canvas Wall Art for Living Room 12x12inch Our Recommendation
Art Canvas Prints Antique Car Canvas Wall Decor for Bedroom Canvas Wall Art for Home Decor Old Classic Car Theme American Vintage Route 66 Framed Canvas Wall Art for Living Room 12x12inch
$19.99
Walter Nichols
Auctioneering, Antiques, Economics, History

Walter Nichols is an experienced auctioneer who has spent decades in the world of antiques. His writings offer a unique perspective on the value and rarity of different antique pieces.