THe Main Street of America
The spirit of Route 66 is palpable when you drive the road, talk to fellow travelers, and visit with the waitress or cafe owner. Capturing that spirit and conveying the infectious enthusiasm that permeates the international Route 66 community was a goal of the Route 66 anthology.
In the fall of 2025, as the world prepares to celebrate the centennial of the most famous highway in America, Quarto Publishing Group is scheduled to release a very special book that was a century in the making. As with Route 66 itself, this anthology is a collaborative project.
My name may appear on the cover but with this book it has been my distinct honor to work alongside a group of talented, passionate and exceptional colleagues. Together, we set out to tell the story of Route 66 through the lens of its prehistory, its evolution, its culture, its role in American societal transition, and its global impact. This book isn’t just about asphalt, mile markers, dates, and dry facts. It’s about the people, places, and legacies that have turned a simple U.S. highway into a worldwide phenomenon.
But before I share more about the book, I’d like to introduce you to the remarkable individuals who have partnered with me on this endeavor — each one a dedicated steward of Route 66’s story.
Meet the Contributors
Cheryl Eichar Jett
A prolific author, historian, and tireless advocate for preserving Route 66’s history, Cheryl Eichar Jett is well-known for her deep knowledge of the highway’s Illinois corridor and its storied past. Her books and countless articles have brought life to the forgotten stories of roadside attractions, businesses, and personalities that shaped the Mother Road. Cheryl has also been a driving force in developing tourism initiatives and historic preservation projects along the Illinois stretch of Route 66, and is a founding member of the Route 66 Miles of Possibility, an annual conference that centers on the business of Route 66. Her unique perspective and deep-rooted passion make her an invaluable voice in this anthology.
Dries Bessels
If you’ve ever traveled Route 66 and encountered a group of enthusiastic tourists from the Netherlands, chances are Dries Bessels had a hand in their journey. As one of the founding members of the Dutch Route 66 Association, Dries has dedicated himself to promoting the highway’s story in Europe. His passion for the road has inspired thousands of international travelers to experience Route 66 firsthand. Dries wrote a guide to the highway in Dutch, and has played a role in organizing the 2014 International Route 66 Festival, and several European Route 66 festivals. He has contributed to preservation projects, and served as a tour guide. For this book he provided a unique perspective on Route 66 in the era of renaissance.
Rhys Martin
A modern-day road warrior, author, photographer, and preservationist, Rhys Martin has established himself as a leading voice for Route 66 in Oklahoma and beyond. As president of the Oklahoma Route 66 Association, Rhys works tirelessly to protect and promote the cultural and historical landmarks along the highway. His photography, writing, and advocacy efforts have helped spark renewed interest in Route 66’s role in Oklahoma’s past and present. His involvement in this anthology adds a crucial perspective from a region where the Mother Road’s heartbeat remains strong.
Greg Hasman
With a journalist’s pen and a historian’s heart, Greg Hasman has dedicated much of his career to telling the stories of the American West. His work has appeared in a variety of publications, and his storytelling and photography captures the raw beauty of Route 66 and the communities it passes through. Greg’s contribution to this anthology is a celebration of the untold and often overlooked stories — the people behind the counter, the neon restorers, and the dreamers who give the highway its heartbeat.
Joe Sonderman
Joe Sonderman is a household name in the Route 66 community. As an author, historian, and archivist, Joe has amassed one of the largest collections of Route 66 postcards, photographs, and memorabilia in existence. His books serve as time capsules, transporting readers back to the golden age of travel on Route 66. Joe’s knowledge of the road’s visual history has been instrumental in shaping the visual narrative of the anthology. And his work with the Missouri Route 66 Association has helped transform the Show Me State into a destination for legions of Route 66 enthusiasts.
The Global Road
One of the most remarkable things about Route 66 — and a recurring theme in this centennial anthology — is how it has transcended its American roots to become a global icon. Today, Route 66 tourism is a worldwide phenomenon. There are companies in New Zealand, Australia, and Europe that specialize exclusively in Route 66 tours. Route 66 associations in Japan, Germany, Canada, the Netherlands, and the Czech Republic promote the road’s preservation and organize events that draw international crowds.
The 2018 European Route 66 Festival in Zlin, Czechia, is a perfect example of this global passion. Thousands of people from across Europe, Brazil, and the United States gathered to celebrate the magic of Route 66 — proof that the highway’s mystique knows no borders.
The rise of social media has further fueled this global fascination. The Historic Route 66 Facebook group now boasts over 200,000 members from all over the world. Enthusiast’s share their travel experiences, offer trip-planning advice, and keep each other updated about the latest road conditions, restorations, events, and new businesses popping up along the route.
Even the technology that helps travelers navigate Route 66 has international roots. The Route 66 Navigation app — which has revolutionized the road trip experience — was developed by a company based in Bratislava, Slovakia.
All of this underscores one simple fact: Route 66 is no longer just America’s highway — it’s a destination.
Why This Highway?
But why Route 66? Why not U.S. 50, 12, or 6? After all, Route 66 was officially decertified in 1985 when the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials voted to remove all of its highway signage. It hasn’t officially existed as a U.S. highway for 40 years.
And yet, here we are — preparing to celebrate its 100th birthday with festivals, events, books, and tours. Plans are already being made to ensure that the storied highway is celebrated at its bicentennial. Why?
The answer lies in the story itself. From the moment Route 66 was certified in 1926, it had something other highways didn’t: great publicity. Cyrus Avery, known as the Father of Route 66, understood the power of marketing and storytelling. He was instrumental in establishment of the US Highwway 66 Association that borrowed promotion from the pioneering National Old Trails Road and branded Route 66 as THe Main Street of America.
The highway gained international fame in 1928 when it served as the route for the epic transcontinental footrace from Los Angeles to New York, known as the “Bunion Derby.” In the 1930s, John Steinbeck immortalized the road in The Grapes of Wrath, branding it as the “Mother Road” for Dust Bowl refugees. During World War II, Route 66 became a vital military artery, and in the post-war boom, it was America’s vacation highway — celebrated in song, TV shows, and film.
Route 66 wasn’t just a road. It was, and is, a stage where the American story unfolded. And now, as we approach its centennial, it’s our responsibility to ensure that story continues to inspire future generations.
Acknowledgements
No book comes to life without the dedication and hard work of many people, and this anthology is no exception. For me personally, first and foremost, I must acknowledge my wife, Judy. For more than 40 years, she has been my steadfast partner and is the heart of Jim Hinckley’s America. Without her support, contributions, and insight, neither this book nor my reputation as America’s storyteller would exist.
My colleagues in this anthology — Cheryl Eichar Jett, Dries Bessels, Rhys Martin, Greg Hasman, and Joe Sonderman — have not only helped make this book possible but have also been instrumental in keeping Route 66’s legacy alive through their own work. They are more than collaborators; they are true champions of the road. And they are friends that have contributed to many of my projects over the years.
Special thanks also go to the team at Quarto Publishing, who have guided this project from concept to reality.
But most of all, my gratitude extends to the small business owners, tourism directors, preservationists, and travelers who keep Route 66 alive every single day. You are the heartbeat of the highway, and this book is for you.
In the fall of 2025, when this centennial anthology finally hits the shelves, it will stand as a testament to the power of a highway that refused to fade away. Route 66 has always been more than just a road. It’s a bridge between generations, a global community, and a living, breathing piece of American history.
And for as long as there are dreamers, adventurers, and keepers of the flame, Route 66 will never truly die.
So, here’s to the next 100 years — and to the people who make the road worth traveling.
Thank you. Shared adventures are the best adventures.