Photo Courtesy of Guy Randall
Where Does Route 66 End
by Dan Harlow
Evidence that Route 66 extends from Lincoln to Ocean Avenue along Santa Monica
Boulevard lies firmly in the ground at Palisades Park. Here, in 1952, a plaque was placed
stating simply, "Will Rogers Highway, dedicated 1952 to Will Rogers, Humorist, World
Traveler, Good Neighbor. This Main Street of America, Highway 66 was the first road he
traveled in a career that led him straight to the hearts of his countrymen."
The plaque was placed that summer as a caravan of vehicles completed a tour of Route 66
sponsored by Warner Brothers, Ford and the Main Street of America Assoc. The tour began in
Chicago and was carried out as an honor to Will Rogers, promotion of the soon to be
released motion picture of his life story, and recognition of Route 66.
However unofficial this landmark may be, it clearly represents the spirit of Route 66
and its many contributions to American culture. For those who have stood before it and
gazed into the blue horizon of the Pacific Ocean, this marks the western terminus of Route
66.
Transportation officials and map makers will tell you otherwise. The official end of
Route 66 is where it junctioned with 101 highway some ten blocks east and south of Ocean
Avenue. Had we rested with views of officialdom there might be little reason to now raise
the question. When there were no other signs on Route 66, the plaque at Palisades Park
told of a very special highway.
If you want to see where Route 66 made its last juncture with another major road,
follow the maps and turn south on Lincoln. If you want to experience the spirit of 66,
follow your heart and keep driving west.
