Commemorate 100 years of America’s “Mother Road” with this enthralling trip through the past, present, and future of Route 66.
The most iconic road in American history is turning 100. Over the past century, Route 66 has far surpassed its original prosaic purpose as an automotive thoroughfare from Chicago to Los Angeles, becoming a pop culture icon embedded in literature, song, film, and (most significantly) our imagination. It remains so even decades after the Interstate system mostly bypassed it.
Route 66: 100 Years offers the ultimate road trip from veteran Route 66 author and historian Jim Hinckley and the expert panel of Mother Road historians assembled for the richly illustrated journey. The book features:
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Essays about the history of Route 66 in each of the eight states through which it passes (Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California), written by Route 66 experts from those states
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Period and contemporary photographs of legendary must-see attractions
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Images of memorabilia from throughout ten decades and maps
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Sidebar features, including appearances in popular culture, side trips, sites past and present, strange occurrences, and profiles of the people who continue to make 66 a popular destination for travelers from around the world
The National Register of Historic Places lists more than 250 stops along "America's Main Street." Let
Route 66: 100 Years ignite your wanderlust to join the millions of Americans in exploring the locations and embarking on road trips anchored in history and nostalgia. Local experts from each state guide you with boots-on-the-ground knowledge, insights, tips, and more.
Get your kicks on Route 66 like never before!
Here We Are . . . on Route 66 provides the fascinating histories of iconic landmarks and cultural touchstones associated with America’s most famous highway—and celebrates lesser-known gems just off the beaten path.Spanning nearly 2,500 miles and eight states—Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California—
America’s Main Street has given rise to a colorful assortment of
roadhouses,
motels,
greasy spoons,
roadside amusements, and
breathtaking natural scenery. Acclaimed Route 66 historian Jim Hinckley offers a carefully curated selection of these sites, ranging from the iconic to the revelatory.
Arranged by classic Route 66 topics, is a beautifully produced history rather than a guidebook. Each spread gives you a different 66 site or attraction, along with a concise and authoritative history illustrated with
colorful photography,
evocative historical imagery, and
collectibles like postcards, ads, and more. Topics include:
- Towns and Cities
- Natural Wonders
- Roadside Attractions
- Eateries
- Motels and Hotels
- Music, Film, and TV
Hinckley is perhaps the most
internationally recognized authority on the subject of America’s Main Street. This collection offers you
the stories behind Route 66 icons such as Baxter Springs and Tucumcari, Meramec Caverns, Arroyo Seco Byway, Berghoff’s and the Oatman Hotel, Munger Moss and Wigwam Motel—and dozens more. Hinckley also treats you to a fresh look at lesser known but deserving attractions.
At nearly a century old, Route 66 remains the embodiment of the classic American highway. Written by an acknowledged authority on the subject, wonderfully illustrated, and presented in a manner that allows you to dip in and out,
Here We Are . . . on Route 66 is
a must-have for your Route 66 bookshelf.
