In 1926, the U.S. Bureau of Public Roads launched the nation’s first federal highway system, and Route 66 was part of this initiative. The highway’s path was formed from existing local, state, and national roads, and it was promoted by the U.S. 66 Highway Association as the shortest and most scenic route from Chicago to Los Angeles.
New Mexico Tourism has a fabulous round-up HERE of statewide Centennial activities!
Touring Route 66 in New Mexico – ” Take is Easy”
Do you want to see America? America is on the two-lane roads. The interstate highway system – no stoplights, no attractions, just miles and miles of miles and miles of miles and miles.
Consider these perspectives……
“The interstate highway system is a wonderful thing. It makes it possible to go from coast to coast without seeing anything or meeting anybody. If the United States interests you, stay off the interstates.”
Charles Kuralt, CBS TV host,, “On the Road.”
“These great roads (interstates) are wonderful for moving goods but not for inspection of a countryside…. When we get these thruways across the whole country, as we will and must, it will be possible to drive from New York to California without seeing a single thing.”
John Steinbeck, from the book “Travels with Charly.”
The band, the Eagles, advise you to “Take it easy, don’t let the sound of your own wheels drive you crazy.” So, slow down, take it easy on the backroads of America. Route 66 is the Mother Road of the back roads. Explore!
New Mexico’s Route 66 is a special place where diverse cultures converge: the wild west cowboy culture, the Hispanic culture, the Native American culture, railroad culture, mining culture and much more. The cultural blend is fascinating. How about a Navajo Taco?
Here in New Mexico, there are more than 400 miles of old Route 66 that you can drive and explore. The pre-1937 Route 66 travels to Santa Fe and down to Los Lunas and then bears northwest to Laguna Pueblo and directly west to Grants. The 1937 realignment bypasses Santa Fe and heads directly west to Albuquerque. Today, preserved sections of Route 66 parallel I-40. Look for the brown Historic Route 66 signs on I-40 that exit to historic 66.
Route 66 in New Mexico is honored to be named a National Scenic Byway. Hit the road and let the neon lights illuminate your trip.
Check Out These Special Centennial Events
And remember, “When you travel, make memories.”