The very essence of Americana, Route 66 is an iconic highway which is this year celebrating its 100th birthday.
First established in November 1926, the highway ran from Chicago, and went though Missouri, Kansas, Oklahama, Texas, New Mexico and Arizona before finishing in California. The total distance was 2,448 miles. It was officially removed from the Highway System in the mid 80s, with some sections designated as a National Scenic Byway with the name Historic Route 66.
Along the notorious route, there’s diners, motels and gas stations that define a whole nation. It’s a route that road trips centre around, and of course is the subject of many films, books and famous songs.
This collection of images pays tribute to this most well-known of roads with brightness and boldness and an in-your-faceness that fans of classic American fare will surely lap up.
If you’ve got an interest in transport, American history, road trips and nostalgia this is a great book to look through, and may even inspire your own trip one day.
100 Years of Route 66: A Celebration of an American Icon by Mark Williamson is published by Amberley and is available to buy now. ISBN: 9781398128798
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