Before Route 66 was formally constructed, much of the path that became the “Main Street of America” had been traveled for centuries by Indigenous peoples, settlers, and explorers. The history of US 66 is woven deeply into the fabric of the American culture. It is a tangible link to our past, and a portal to our future.

Even before the highway was designated in 1926, ancient trade routes and early wagon roads laid the foundation for what would become the most famous highway in the world. And then for nearly a century legendary Route 66 served as a stage for the unfolding American story in the 20th century.

And so in 2026 there will be Route 66 celebrations of epic proportions. But this is an event that has been more than 100 years in the making.

So, the official designation as a part of the U.S. highway system in 1926 is really the second chapter in the story of iconic Route 66. And that is why my next book, Route 66: 100 Years, an anthology co-authored by me and a stellar cast of Route 66 historians and advocates will be different. We start at the beginning.

This book will be unique in that it chronicles the legendary highway’s evolution from its prehistory through to its place in the hearts of international travelers today. This book, my 23rd, explores the path of Route 66 from its ancient origins to its centennial and beyond. For each of the authors involved this is a labor of love that highlights the road’s profound societal impact and enduring cultural significance.

The Evolution of Route 66: From Prehistory to Iconic Highway

Long before Europeans arrived on American soil in what would become Illinois, there was a trade route and game trails that cut through the forests and that connected the Mississippi River with Lake Michigan. Remnants of the ancient city of Cahokia near present day St. Louis, a world heritage site, is bisected by Route 66. In the southwest Route 66 follows the Beale Road, the first federally funded highway in the southwest. But that road followed a Native American trade route.

As the country expanded, railroad filled the need for reliable transportation networks. And their development is also a part of the Route 66 story.

Bicycle mania, and then the advent of the automobile and the rise of the Good Roads Movement in the late 19th century became the foundation for the creation of Route 66. First proposed as part of the U.S. highway system in 1925, Route 66 initially was a vital connection between Chicago and Santa Monica, California, and just one of many highways traversing the country. But with some visionary leadership, it quickly became more than a mere highway.

The Societal Impact of Route 66

Route 66 is more than just a road. It is a cultural phenomenon with an international fan club that has transcended its original purpose as a thoroughfare for vehicles. Over the decades, the road has played a wide array of roles in American history and societal evolution.

It figured prominently during the Great Depression, World War II, and the post-war economic boom. It was economic opportunity for black entrepreneurs in an era of segregation. And the plight of Dust Bowl refugees was immortalized in John Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath.

More than any other highway Route 66 became a symbol of the American Dream. Almost from its inception US 66 personified the freedom of the open road where individuals and families could explore and seek new opportunities. Then In the 21st century the old highway became a backbone for tourism related economic development in communities large and small.

Travelers from across the globe—Europe and Brazil, Japan and Australia, and beyond came to experience adventure, and to discover America. It is now an international attraction, with tens of thousands of visitors annually embarking on the “Great American Road Trip.”

In the post-World War II era, Route 66 became a media darling. It inspired songs, films, and TV shows. Its cultural significance was cemented by artists like Nat King Cole, who made the highway famous with his hit “Route 66,” and television programs like I Love Lucy and Route 66 that depicted the road as a symbol of freedom and adventure. Then there were movies like Easy Rider and Roadhouse 66.

The route’s global appeal has grown over the years, with numerous international organizations celebrating the highway’s legacy. The Historic Route 66 Facebook group, with over 342,000 members, is a testament to its far-reaching influence. European, Australian and New Zealand based companies now specialize in Route 66 tours. Associations in countries like the Netherlands, Canada, Japan, and the Czech Republic are dedicated to preserving and celebrating this historic road.

A Route 66 Celebration

I am quite proud to be a chronicler of this amazing story that highlights the rich cultural diversity that is the American experience. And as this unique anthology is a collective effort from some of the most passionate Route 66 advocates and historians, I am doubly honored.

When asked how long it takes to experience Route 66 and see its best attraction, ny answer is simple. I don’t know. That isn’t being flippant. I have traveled the old road since 1959 and have to learn all its secrets, and to discover all of the special places.

I have spent decades traveling the highway, chronicling its history, and sharing its stories. That association will be made manifest in this groundbreaking book. My passion for exploring the highway as a string of living time capsules where the Amereican story is preserved that led to the creation of Jim Hinckley’s America is also being puored into this book.

With this book it was an honor to be associated with such an august group of passionate writers and historians. As a bonus I count each of them among my treasured friends.

• Cheryl Eichar Jett, an author and historian, who has written extensively on the women’s history of the Mother Road.
• Dries Bessels, a Dutch travel guide and advocate, who has explored Route 66 more than fourteen times and is a founding member of the Dutch Route 66 Association.
• Rhys Martin, an Oklahoma Route 66 historian, and president of the Oklahoma Route 66 Association, dedicated to preserving the road’s legacy.
• Joe Sonderman, a St. Louis-based historian and expert on the alignments of Route 66.
• Gregory R.C. Hasman, a journalist and photographer, who writes about Route 66 and its culture, especially in the Southwest.

Each contributor has brought their expertise and passion to the book, ensuring that Route 66: 100 Years offers an in-depth exploration of this historic highway, its past, its future, and the people that have contributed to its transformation from highway to icon.

Lifelong Passion for Route 66

My passion for Route 66 has truly been a lifelong journey. In 1966, my family relocated to Arizona, and built a home along the pre-1952 alignment of Route 66 in the shadow of the Black Mountains near Kingman, Arizona. This early connection to the highway was a catalyst for my lifelong love of road trips and exploring the stories hidden along the road’s many twists and turns.

Through Jim Hinckley’s America, my wife, Judy, and I have created a community of like-minded adventurers and travelers. This multifaceted network includes the Coffee With Jim podcast, a Route 66 centennial certified program. And then there is our YouTube channel, and a Facebook page that brings together a growing audience of Route 66 enthusiasts.

As of today, the Jim Hinckley’s America Facebook page has reached a milestone of 8,600 followers, and I am eager to push past 10,000 by July 4, 2025. So, I invite everyone to join the community, invite their friends, and help grow the movement by subscribing to the podcast, following the YouTube channel, and connecting with us on Instagram and Facebook.

Celebrate the Centennial and Beyond

Route 66: 100 Years is now available for preorder, with an official release in the fall of 2025. This book is a celebration of Route 66’s originis, past, present, and future, and its profound impact on American culture and society. Whether you are a lifelong fan of the highway or new to its story, or are just fascinated by the Americanstory, this anthology offers something for everyone.

To learn more about Jim Hinckley’s America, the Coffee With Jim podcast, and to preorder Route 66: 100 Years, visit www.jimhinckleysamerica.com. Stay connected and help celebrate this milestone by joining the community on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram.

And please support the sponsors of Jim Hinckley’s America who help make these endeavors possible, including Two Lane America, Wagon Wheel Motel in Cuba, Missouri, Cactus Inn Motel in McLean, Texas, Enchanted Trails Trading Post & RV Park in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Roadrunner Lodge Motel in Tucumcari, New Mexico, RouteTrip USA, and Gilligan’s Route 66 Tours. These local businesses and tourism partners are integral to the continued legacy of Route 66 and the communities it passes through.

Let’s keep the spirit of Route 66 alive as we celebrate 100 years of this historic highway!