Route 66 covers a geographical and temporal continuum stretching halfway across the
country and from 1926 to the present. Since much of the road is still in use, the time
continuum endures.
One component of Route 66 is physical. It consists of historic and non historic
sections of road infrastructure as well as historic and non historic views of structures,
businesses, and natural landmarks. The physical element is substantial. Route 66 manifests
the two-lane American experience. The route also serves as an example of highway evolution
and construction in the United States from just after the turn of the century to the
present development of multilane super highways. Other highways also exhibit this
evolution, particularly the Lincoln Highway, which ran coast to coast and is now primarily
U.S. Highway 30; and the National Road, which ran from Maryland to Illinois, and is now
mostly represented by U.S. Highway 40 and Interstate 70.
There is also an abstract element. This is the perception of Route 66 and its history,
which underlie the spirit of Route 66. In many ways, it is this component that has
distinguished the road from other American two-lane highways. From the beginning Route 66
was promoted in the popular media as a kind of conceptual national main street. This has
continued through the present and is responsible to some degree for raising the highway in
the consciousness of America.
Route 66's time in American history and its strategic location support the media view
of the highway. The route served as a critical transportation corridor during the
migrations of the early 20th century, and during later war mobilizations.
Under NPS Management Policies, a natural, cultural, or recreational resource is
considered nationally significant if it meets all the following criteria;
- It is an outstanding example of a particular type of resource.
- It possesses exceptional value or quality in illustrating or interpreting the natural or
cultural themes of our nation's heritage.
- It offers superlative opportunities for recreation, public use, and enjoyment or for
scientific study.
- It retains a high degree of integrity as a true, accurate, and relatively unspoiled
example of a resource.
Route 66 meets all of the criteria. It is an outstanding example of a 20th century
highway. It possesses exceptional value in illustrating the evolution of road and bridge
construction, gas station and motel architecture, and the automobile travel industry. It
offers superlative opportunities for those interested in a traditional driving experience
before the advent of the interstate system.
Route 66 is known internationally for its variety of automobile- related recreational
opportunities, the enjoyment of which includes an appreciation for the variety of
landscapes, architectural styles, and cultures found along the road. The number and
complexity of resources associated with Route 66 could provide the basis for various
social studies, such as the development of the American transportation system, road
construction, and how the evolution in architectural forms reflect social changes.
Many segments of Route 66 retain a high degree of integrity. Although some have
deteriorated, they still provide travelers with the opportunity to experience what it was
like to travel in the United States before interstate highways.
The route is as much a conceptual and emotional idea to many Americans as a physical
reality. Most Americans have not driven Route 66 from end to end, yet that possibility
existed. Perhaps one had only to stand on the pavement to imagine the route stretching all
the way from Chicago to Los Angeles. The route made it conceivable to travel to places far
away. Whether a resident along the route had visions of long journeys or not, the route
did serve as the first reliable and fast connector between isolated rural settings and
urban centers. It was the path to commerce and adventure.
The concept that Route 66 provided the freedom to travel swiftly to adventure and
possible success at the end of the journey was no accident. It was promoted by the media
and booster groups from the highway's inception, entering the American consciousness more
fully through popular entertainment. These promotional ideas, many of which are still
being perpetuated, have distinguished Route 66 from other major two-lane highways. It is
this attention, coupled with Route 66's historic background, that has engendered a Route
66 mystique and given the highway a significance that is national in scope.
Like many other two-lane highways, Route 66 has not been discarded and forgotten so
much as merely relabeled. It has evolved into something else. This continuing evolution is
one of the hallmarks of the highway's existence.
The main experience associated with the route is one of linear movement and travel.
With the route disjointed, this experience is compromised. Still, long sections do exist,
and shorter segments can still be found. The integrity of the traveling experience can be
discovered intact on many of those parts.
Beyond its historic significance Route 66 has taken on special significance in the
hearts and minds of many people who have ties to the road and its history. Resources exist
that reflect the various eras important to the historic continuum of Route 66.
The route's dynamic nature over time is one of its important qualities. The traveler of
Route 66 is currently exposed to the flow of time along the route. This flow is apparent,
for example, in the abandoned businesses sharing the road with similarly aged, viable, and
modern businesses.
Five conceptual alternatives for the future of Route 66 are presented. Each alternative
must be evaluated carefully and critically. Congress may select components of different
alternatives, develop other proposals, or take no action.
Alternatives 1 and 5 might lend themselves to future legislation as national heritage
areas.
