What happened to Route 66 in 1985?

What happened to Route 66 in 1985? After 59 years, the iconic Route 66 enters the realm of history on June 27, 1985, when the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials decertifies the road and votes to remove all its highway signs.

Is Interstate 66 the same as Route 66?

Much of the route parallels US 29 or State Route 55 (SR 55) in Virginia. I-66 has no physical or historical connection to the famous US 66, which was located in a different region of the United States.

When did Route 66 start to decline?

The road and the towns it snaked through began their downward trend in 1956, when President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the Interstate Highway Act. Route 66 was officially decommissioned as a highway in 1985. Bigger, faster roads were built to bypass the highway.

Is Route 66 making a comeback?

And it's a prime example of a rebirth of Route 66 that's occurring in various parts of the country. Town leaders here decided to use the history of the famous road to their advantage, 20 large murals, a museum of Route 66 collectibles, and much more, all bringing in tourists from around the world.

What is the most famous stop on Route 66?

Blue Whale of Catoosa (Catoosa, Oklahoma) Every Route 66 road trip needs a few stops at roadside oddities, and this giant blue whale in a small lake is one of the most famous. Enter the whale if you dare, or simply grab souvenirs at the gift shop after you've snapped your photo.

Is Route 66 still worth doing?

In some states Rt 66 is not well- marked and it was often difficult to find where it picks up when one section of it ends. But all in all it is worth the effort if you want to see some almost forgotten bits of Americana. Lots of worthwhile stops along the way, but they are scattered across 2,400 miles.

Are there any ghost towns on Route 66?

Jericho Gap, Texas This became so profitable that there were rumors that some residents watered down the road to increase the plight of Route 66 travelers. Eventually, Route 66 was rerouted to higher ground in the 1930s and the area dwindled into a ghost town.

What ruined Route 66?

Migration and tourism shaped towns along Route 66 even before the road was officially established in 1926. But the Interstate Highway System decimated many of these communities when it circumvented Route 66 in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Today, many sections of Route 66 are completely gone.

What are 5 facts about Route 66?

What highway replaced Route 66?

Five new interstates (I-55, I-44, I-40, I-15, and I-10) incrementally replaced U.S. 66 over the next three decades.