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<strong>Route 66 Timeline</strong>
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<img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-38465" title="Santa Monica Pier, California, by Carol Highsmith." src="https://www.nativehistory.info/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Santa-Monica-PierSignCarolHighsmith2012.jpg" alt="Santa Monica Pier, California by Carol Highsmith." width="800" height="253" srcset="https://www.nativehistory.info/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Santa-Monica-PierSignCarolHighsmith2012.jpg 800w, https://www.nativehistory.info/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Santa-Monica-PierSignCarolHighsmith2012-300x95.jpg 300w, https://www.nativehistory.info/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Santa-Monica-PierSignCarolHighsmith2012-768x243.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px">
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<p id="caption-attachment-38465">Santa Monica Pier, California, by Carol Highsmith.</p>
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<p><strong>Early 1920s</strong></p>
<p>The genesis of what would become a legendary American roadway began in the early 1920s. Cyrus Avery, a prominent highway commissioner from Tulsa, Oklahoma, championed the ambitious idea of connecting the bustling metropolis of Chicago, Illinois, with the sun-kissed shores of Los Angeles, California. Avery envisioned a continuous route that would traverse the heartland of America, passing directly through his own city of Tulsa. This initial concept laid the foundation for the iconic </p>
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<img decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-38466" title="Cyrus Avery." src="https://www.nativehistory.info/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/CyrusAvery-195x300.jpg" alt="Cyrus Avery" width="195" height="300" srcset="https://www.nativehistory.info/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/CyrusAvery-195x300.jpg 195w, https://www.nativehistory.info/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/CyrusAvery.jpg 456w" sizes="(max-width: 195px) 100vw, 195px">
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<p id="caption-attachment-38466">Cyrus Avery.</p>
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<p><strong>1925</strong></p>
<p>The year 1925 was marked by meticulous planning and collaborative effort. Cyrus Avery dedicated the majority of his time to collaborating with a specially appointed committee. Their mission was to meticulously integrate hundreds of pre-existing roads into a cohesive and unified network. This painstaking process involved surveying existing infrastructure, identifying necessary improvements, and negotiating agreements with various local authorities. The goal was to create a seamless and efficient transportation corridor that would connect communities across the nation, the basis for what would become known as the </p>
<p><strong>1926</strong></p>
<p>November 11, 1926, marks a pivotal moment in American history: the official commissioning of Route 66. This ambitious project, stretching 2,448 miles from Chicago to Los Angeles, was immediately recognized as a major east-west transportation artery. However, the road's initial state was far from complete. By the end of 1926, only about 800 miles of Route 66 were actually paved, presenting significant challenges for early travelers. Despite these limitations, the designation of Route 66 ignited the imagination of the American public, foreshadowing its future role in commerce, tourism, and the national identity. This year marks a vital chapter in the </p>
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<img decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-16062" title="Soulsby's Station, Mt. Olive, Illinois, by Kathy Alexander." src="https://www.nativehistory.info/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/SoulsbyStation-400-300x225.jpg" alt="Soulsby's Station, Mt. Olive, Illinois by Kathy Alexander." width="300" height="225" srcset="https://www.nativehistory.info/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/SoulsbyStation-400-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.nativehistory.info/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/SoulsbyStation-400.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px">
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<p id="caption-attachment-16062">Soulsby’s Station, Mt. Olive, Illinois, by Kathy Alexander.</p>
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<p>Soulsby’s Station, a roadside haven, opens its doors in Mt. Olive, Illinois, offering travelers respite and services along the burgeoning highway.</p>
<p>The Old Log Cabin Restaurant, another early establishment catering to travelers, begins serving customers in Pontiac, Illinois, providing sustenance and a welcoming atmosphere.</p>
<p><strong>1927</strong></p>
<p>The year 1927 witnessed the formal organization of the National Highway System, a move that underscored the growing importance of interconnected roadways. Simultaneously, individuals from eight states convened to establish the Route 66 Highway Association. This association was formed with the specific goal of accelerating the construction and improvement of the highway. Recognizing the need for a unifying identity, the association adopted the evocative theme name, "Main Street of America," a phrase that captured the spirit of the highway as a vital artery connecting communities across the nation. In a testament to the highway's burgeoning influence, Phillips 66 gasoline adopted the numeric designation and logo for its growing network of gas stations along the route.</p>
<p>Route 66 signs begin to appear along the Illinois portion of the highway, guiding travelers and solidifying the route's identity.</p>
<p>February 4, 1927, marks the official formation of the U.S. 66 Highway Association in Tulsa, Oklahoma. This organization played a crucial role in promoting and advocating for the highway, solidifying its identity as "The Main Street of America." The name resonated deeply with the public, capturing the highway's role as a vital connector of communities and a symbol of American progress.</p>
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<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-34901" title="Kimo Theatre, Albuquerque, New Mexico, by Kathy Alexander." src="https://www.nativehistory.info/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Abq-KimoTheatre-700-300x200.jpg" alt="Kimo Theatre, Albuquerque, New Mexico by Kathy Alexander." width="300" height="200" srcset="https://www.nativehistory.info/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Abq-KimoTheatre-700-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.nativehistory.info/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Abq-KimoTheatre-700.jpg 700w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px">
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<p id="caption-attachment-34901">Kimo Theatre, Albuquerque, New Mexico, by Kathy Alexander.</p>
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<p>September 19, 1927, saw the grand opening of the Kimo Theatre on Route 66 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. This architectural gem quickly became a cultural landmark, offering entertainment and a sense of community to travelers and locals alike. The Kimo Theatre exemplified the growing vibrancy and cultural significance of </p>
<p><strong>1928</strong></p>
<p>The Riviera Roadhouse, a popular establishment offering food, drink, and entertainment, was founded in Gardner, Illinois, further enhancing the traveler experience along Route 66.</p>
<p>Dixie’s Trucker’s Home, a welcome respite for long-haul drivers, was established in McLean, Illinois, providing essential services and a place to rest for those who kept the nation's goods moving.</p>
<p>The final section of Route 66 through Missouri, a particularly challenging stretch between Rolla and Lebanon, was finally completed, marking a significant milestone in the highway's construction. This accomplishment ensured a continuous and passable route through the Show-Me State.</p>
<p>March 4, 1928, witnessed the commencement of the "First Annual International Trans-Continental Foot Race," also known as the "Bunion Derby." This grueling competition saw participants race the entire length of Route 66 from Los Angeles to Chicago, before continuing on to Madison Square Garden in New York. Andy Payne, a 20-year-old from Claremore, Oklahoma, a Route 66 town and the hometown of Will Rogers, emerged victorious, claiming the $25,000 first prize. He covered the staggering 3,422.3 miles in 84 days, with an actual running time of 573 hours, 4 minutes, and 34 seconds. The "Bunion Derby" captured the public's imagination and further cemented Route 66's place in American folklore.</p>
<p><strong>1929</strong></p>
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<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-13146" title="On the road into Galena after entering Kansas, by Kathy Alexander." src="https://www.nativehistory.info/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/66-Entering-KS-500-225x300.jpg" alt="Entering Kansas on Route 66 from Missouri" width="225" height="300" srcset="https://www.nativehistory.info/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/66-Entering-KS-500-225x300.jpg 225w, https://www.nativehistory.info/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/66-Entering-KS-500.jpg 375w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px">
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<p id="caption-attachment-13146">On the road into Galena after entering Kansas, by Kathy Alexander.</p>
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<p>By 1929, Illinois boasted an impressive 7,500 miles of paved roads, including its portion of U.S. Highway 66. A Texaco road report from that year highlighted the varying levels of pavement along the route. Kansas was fully concreted, Missouri was 66% paved, and Oklahoma had improved 25% of its section. However, the 1,200-mile western stretch, excluding California's metropolitan areas, largely remained unpaved. Until the Great Depression, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and the desert communities of southeast California collectively had only 64.1 miles of surfaced highway along Route 66. This stark contrast in road conditions underscored the challenges faced by travelers along different sections of </p>
<p>Chicago, particularly the suburb of Cicero through which Route 66 passed, was becoming increasingly dangerous due to the presence of Al Capone, who established his headquarters in the area. This element of organized crime added a layer of intrigue and peril to the journey along Route 66.</p>
<p>Ted Drewes Frozen Custard, a beloved St. Louis institution, was established, offering a sweet and refreshing treat to travelers passing through the city.</p>
<p>The Old Mill Restaurant, initially known as the Blue Mill, opened its doors in Lincoln, Illinois, providing another welcoming stop for travelers seeking a meal and a break from the road.</p>
<p>The Ariston Café, a long-standing culinary landmark, relocated to its new location on Route 66 in Litchfield, Illinois, continuing its tradition of serving classic American fare to travelers.</p>
<p>July 29, 1929, marked the opening of the Chain of Rocks Bridge in St. Louis, Missouri. This engineering marvel, taking 2 ½ years to build at a cost of $2.5 million, provided a unique and iconic crossing over the Mississippi River. The bridge, however, was closed to traffic in 1968.</p>
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<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-38467" src="https://www.nativehistory.info/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/RosatiWineryMuseum-700-300x193.jpg" alt="Winery Museum in Rosati, Missouri by Kathy Alexander" width="300" height="193" srcset="https://www.nativehistory.info/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/RosatiWineryMuseum-700-300x193.jpg 300w, https://www.nativehistory.info/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/RosatiWineryMuseum-700.jpg 700w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px">
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<p id="caption-attachment-38467">Winery Museum in Rosati, Missouri, by Kathy Alexander.</p>
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<p><strong>1930s</strong></p>
<p>By the 1930s, the area around Rosati, Missouri, along Route 66, had become a thriving viticultural region, with over 250,000 vines producing grapes. This burgeoning wine industry added a unique element to the Route 66 experience, offering travelers a taste of local flavor and craftsmanship.</p>
<p><strong>1931</strong></p>
<p>January 5, 1931, marked a significant milestone: Missouri became the third state, following Illinois and Kansas, to pave its entire portion of Route 66. The final mile of the original route was paved in Phelps County, near Arlington. In celebration, the work crew tossed coins into the wet cement, a symbolic gesture marking the completion of this vital infrastructure project.</p>
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<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-13012" title="This 1932 Standard Oil Station now serves as a Route 66 Visitor's Center in Odell, Illinois, by Kathy Alexander." src="https://www.nativehistory.info/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/OdellStation-400-300x225.jpg" alt="This 1932 Standard Oil Station now serves as a Route 66 Visitor's Center in Odell, Illinois, by Kathy Alexander. " width="300" height="225" srcset="https://www.nativehistory.info/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/OdellStation-400-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.nativehistory.info/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/OdellStation-400.jpg 400w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px">
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<p id="caption-attachment-13012">This 1932 Standard Oil Station now serves as a Route 66 Visitor’s Center in Odell, Illinois, by Kathy Alexander.</p>
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<p><strong>1932</strong></p>
<p>The Odell Standard Oil Station was established in Odell, Illinois. This station, which closed in 1975, now serves as a museum, preserving a piece of Route 66 history and offering visitors a glimpse into the past.</p>
<p>The Carr Phillips 66 Service Station, another example of the ubiquitous gas stations that dotted the route, was established in Cuba, Missouri.</p>
<p><strong>1933</strong></p>
<p>The Totem Pole Trading Post, offering souvenirs and local crafts, was established in Rolla, Missouri, catering to the growing number of tourists traveling along Route 66.</p>
<p>Prior to 1933, the responsibility for improving existing highways rested primarily with individual states. States with greater financial resources and a more proactive approach were able to make significant progress. Initial road improvements cost state agencies approximately $22,000 per mile.</p>
<p>The U.S. Government implemented programs, such as the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), putting thousands of unemployed young men to work as laborers on road gangs. These crews played a vital role in paving the final stretches of Route 66, providing much-needed employment during the Great Depression.</p>
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<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2207" title="Route 66 Postcard Color Book, available at Legends General Store." src="https://www.nativehistory.info/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Route66Colorbook.jpg" alt="Route 66 Postcard Color Book" width="250" height="192">
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<p id="caption-attachment-2207">Route 66 Postcard Color Book, available at Legends General Store.</p>
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<p><strong>1934</strong></p>
<p>The Wagon Wheel Motel, a classic example of roadside lodging, was established in Cuba, Missouri, offering travelers a comfortable and convenient place to stay.</p>
<p>In February 1934, the first Steak n Shake Drive-In was established in Normal, Illinois, revolutionizing the fast-food industry and becoming a popular stop for hungry travelers.</p>
<p><strong>1935</strong></p>
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<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-13252" title="Meramec Caverns Entrance, Stanton, Missouri, by Kathy Alexander." src="https://www.nativehistory.info/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/meramec-caverns-entrance-500-225x300.jpg" alt="Meramec Caverns Entrance, Stanton, Missouri by Kathy Alexander." width="225" height="300" srcset="https://www.nativehistory.info/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/meramec-caverns-entrance-500-225x300.jpg 225w, https://www.nativehistory.info/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/meramec-caverns-entrance-500.jpg 375w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px">
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<p id="caption-attachment-13252">Meramec Caverns Entrance, Stanton, Missouri, by Kathy Alexander.</p>
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<p>Meramec Caverns, a natural wonder, opened for tourists near Stanton, Missouri. The caverns, along with other attractions, were heavily promoted, enticing visitors to explore the natural beauty and unique experiences along Route 66. Barns and billboards became increasingly common sights, advertising these attractions to passing motorists.</p>
<p>The Route 66 Cafe, originally called the Belvidere Cafe, was established in Litchfield, Illinois, solidifying the highway's name and identity.</p>
<p>June 17, 1935, saw Route 66 extended from downtown Los Angeles to its iconic termination point overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Santa Monica, California, marking the official end of the westward journey.</p>
<p>On the same day, Route 66 was rerouted over the Chain of Rocks Bridge in north St. Louis, Missouri, streamlining the route and improving traffic flow.</p>
<p><strong>1937</strong></p>
<p>The Mar Theatre, a local entertainment venue, opened in Wilmington, Illinois, providing entertainment and a sense of community to residents and travelers alike.</p>
<p>The Pig Hip Restaurant, a popular dining establishment, was established in Broadwell, Illinois. It closed in 1992 and was later reopened as a museum until it was destroyed by fire in March 2007, marking the loss of a significant Route 66 landmark.</p>
<p>The Normal Theater, another local cinema, opened in Normal, Illinois, further contributing to the cultural landscape along the route.</p>
<p>September 26, 1937, saw Route 66 undergo a significant rerouting in New Mexico. The original winding path of 506 miles was shortened to 399 miles, streamlining the route. The highway was officially rerouted directly west from Santa Rosa to Albuquerque, bypassing Santa Fe.</p>
<p><strong>1938</strong></p>
<p>By mid-year, the final unpaved section of Route 66, located in Oldham County, Texas, between Adrian and Glenrio, was paved. This accomplishment meant that the entire route from Chicago to Santa Monica was finally paved, making travel significantly easier and more accessible.</p>
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<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-38468" title="Route 66 Postcards" src="https://www.nativehistory.info/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/66PostcardBottomBanner-728.jpg" alt="Route 66 Postcards" width="728" height="250" srcset="https://www.nativehistory.info/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/66PostcardBottomBanner-728.jpg 728w, https://www.nativehistory.info/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/66PostcardBottomBanner-728-300x103.jpg 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 728px) 100vw, 728px">
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<p id="caption-attachment-38468">Route 66 Postcards</p>
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<p><strong>1939</strong></p>
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<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-38469" src="https://www.nativehistory.info/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/GrapesofWrath-194x300.jpg" alt="Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck" width="194" height="300" srcset="https://www.nativehistory.info/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/GrapesofWrath-194x300.jpg 194w, https://www.nativehistory.info/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/GrapesofWrath.jpg 259w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 194px) 100vw, 194px">
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<p id="caption-attachment-38469">Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck</p>
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<p>John Steinbeck's iconic novel, *The Grapes of Wrath*, was published, immortalizing Route 66 as "the Mother Road, the road of flight." This powerful depiction of the Dust Bowl migration and the search for a better life in California cemented Route 66's place in the American psyche. Steinbeck's words captured the essence of the highway as a symbol of hope, hardship, and the American dream.</p>
<p><strong>1940</strong></p>
<p>Steinbeck's *The Grapes of Wrath* was adapted into a film, further solidifying Route 66's place in American popular culture and immortalizing it in the collective consciousness.</p>
<p>A former coffee and donut shop for railroad crews was transformed into the Eat-Rite Diner in St. Louis, Missouri, becoming a local institution and a popular stop for travelers.</p>
<p><strong>1941</strong></p>
<p>The Coral Court Motel, a famous and architecturally distinctive motel, opened in Marlborough, Missouri, a suburb of St. Louis. It closed in 1993 and was sadly demolished in 1995, marking the loss of a unique and iconic Route 66 landmark.</p>
<p>December 8, 1941, marked the United States' entry into World War II, a pivotal moment that would significantly impact Route 66.</p>
<p><strong>1942</strong></p>
<p>World War II brought significant changes to Route 66. Automobile production ceased, gasoline rationing began, and tires became scarce, affecting travel along the highway. However, the war also spurred the creation of numerous war industry jobs, primarily in California, leading to another wave of migration along Route 66. The highway became crucial for military traffic, transporting troops, supplies, and equipment. The road, however, was inadequate for this increased traffic, and maintenance became increasingly challenging throughout the war years.</p>
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<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-38470" title="Gas Station attendant about 1943." src="https://www.nativehistory.info/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/ServiceStationAttendantabout1943-223x300.jpg" alt="Gas Station attendant about 1943." width="223" height="300" srcset="https://www.nativehistory.info/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/ServiceStationAttendantabout1943-223x300.jpg 223w, https://www.nativehistory.info/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/ServiceStationAttendantabout1943.jpg 521w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 223px) 100vw, 223px">
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<p id="caption-attachment-38470">Gas Station attendant about 1943.</p>
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<p><strong>1945</strong></p>
<p>The end of World War II ushered in a new era of leisure travel for Americans, a pastime previously uncommon. Route 66 became a popular destination, offering a unique and accessible road trip experience.</p>
<p>The Gardenway Motel, catering to the increasing number of tourists, was established in Villa Ridge, Missouri.</p>
<p><strong>1946</strong></p>
<p>Jack D. Rittenhouse self-published *A Guide Book to Highway 66* and sold it door-to-door at truck stops, motor courts, and cafes along the route. The book listed every community on the highway from Chicago to Los Angeles, along with attractions, lodgings, and services, providing a valuable resource for travelers.</p>
<p>Robert (Bobby) William Troup, Jr., a pianist and songwriter, penned a lyrical road map of Route 66, immortalizing the phrase, "Get your kicks on Route 66." This catchphrase captured the spirit of adventure and the allure of the open road, becoming synonymous with Route 66. The famous recording was released in 1946 by Nat King Cole, further propelling the song and the highway into popular culture.</p>
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<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-38471" src="https://www.nativehistory.info/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Kicks66NatKingCole-300x300.jpg" alt="Get your kicks on Route 66 sang by Nat King Cole." width="300" height="300" srcset="https://www.nativehistory.info/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Kicks66NatKingCole-300x300.jpg 300w, https://www.nativehistory.info/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Kicks66NatKingCole-150x150.jpg 150w, https://www.nativehistory.info/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Kicks66NatKingCole-200x200.jpg 200w, https://www.nativehistory.info/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Kicks66NatKingCole.jpg 400w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px">
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<p id="caption-attachment-38471">Get your kicks on Route 66, sung by Nat King Cole.</p>
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<p>Ell Rhea’s Chicken Basket, initially known as Kolarik’s Nationally Famous Chicken Basket, was established in Willowbrook, Illinois. The name was changed in 1962.</p>
<p><strong>1950s</strong></p>
<p>The "Family Vacation" became a new American phenomenon in the 1950s, and Route 66 emerged as a prime destination. Promoted by the U.S. 66 Highway Association for its caverns, scenic mountains, canyons, and deserts, the route became the ultimate road trip. This surge in tourism spawned trading posts, alligator farms, full-service gas stations, grills with fried chicken, "blue plate specials," homemade pie, "mom and pop" motor courts, Native American festivals, and other tourist attractions.</p>
<p>The Tropics Restaurant opened in Lincoln, Illinois, offering a unique dining experience with its Polynesian theme.</p>
<p>The Cozy Dog Drive-In, home of the iconic corn dog on a stick, was established in Springfield, Illinois.</p>
<p>Henry’s Drive-In, another popular roadside eatery, was established in Cicero, Illinois.</p>
<p><strong>1951</strong></p>
<p>In the spring of 1951, the Skyview Drive-In opened in Litchfield, Illinois, providing a classic American entertainment experience.</p>
<p><strong>1953</strong></p>
<p>Oklahoma became the first state to deal a significant blow to Route 66. The Turner Turnpike (I-44) between Tulsa and Oklahoma City opened, bypassing 100 miles of the Mother Road. Other states followed suit, as the federal government's new four-lane interstate system began to replace sections of Route 66.</p>
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<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-11305" title="Route 66 T-Shirts." src="https://www.nativehistory.info/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/66TShirtsBannerAd.jpg" alt="Route 66 T-Shirts." width="728" height="90" srcset="https://www.nativehistory.info/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/66TShirtsBannerAd.jpg 728w, https://www.nativehistory.info/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/66TShirtsBannerAd-300x37.jpg 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 728px) 100vw, 728px">
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<p id="caption-attachment-11305">Route 66 T-Shirts.</p>
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<p><strong>1955</strong></p>
<p>The family-owned Circle Inn Malt Shop, a classic soda fountain, was established in Bourbon, Missouri.</p>
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<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-38472" src="https://www.nativehistory.info/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/BraidwoodPolkADotSign-225x300.jpg" alt="Polk-a-Dot Drive-in in Braidwood, Illinois by Kathy Alexander." width="225" height="300" srcset="https://www.nativehistory.info/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/BraidwoodPolkADotSign-225x300.jpg 225w, https://www.nativehistory.info/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/BraidwoodPolkADotSign.jpg 525w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px">
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<p id="caption-attachment-38472">Polk-a-Dot Drive-in in Braidwood, Illinois, by Kathy Alexander.</p>
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<p><strong>1956</strong></p>
<p>The Polk-A-Dot Drive-In, known for its whimsical decor and statues of iconic figures, was established in Braidwood, Illinois.</p>
<p><strong>1957</strong></p>
<p>President Eisenhower initiated the National Interstate Highway System, inspired by the German Autobahn system he had observed during the war. The Interstate System was initially slated for completion by 1972 but was not realized until 1982. This system, while improving travel efficiency, contributed to the decline of Route 66.</p
