U.S. Route 66 was one of the original highways established in November 1926. The highway, became one of the most famous roads in the United States, originally running from Chicago in Illinois to Santa Monica in California and covering nearly 2,500 miles (4,000 km).

In the 1930s, Route 66 served as a major carrier for those migrating west, especially during what’s known as the Dust Bowl, which saw farming families from Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kansas and Texas, in search of agricultural jobs in California. The route passed through numerous small towns and with the growing traffic on the highway, helped create the rise of “mom and pop” businesses such as service stations and restaurants all readily accessible to passing motorists.

During World War II, more migration west took place because of war-related industries in California. Already popular, and fully paved, Route 66 was used for moving military equipment.

In the 1950s, it became the main highway for holiday-makers heading to Los Angeles. The road passed near tourist destinations such as the Grand Canyon and marked the birth of the fast-food industry: the first McDonald’s in San Bernardino, California.

Over its lifetime, the road underwent many improvements and was removed from the US Highway System in 1985 following the development of the new Interstate Highway System. Some sections of the road have now been designated a National Scenic Byway named Historic Route 66.

We are staying at the Route 66 RV Resort just outside Albuquerque in New Mexico. It is a new resort, having opened last year, and attached to Route 66 Casino and Hotel.