Route 66

Route 66

A diferent way to visit the United States.

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Index

A little background on Route 66

California

Where it started and ended

Climate and Geography

History of the origins of this road

Economy in present time

The reasons for its fame and popularity

Population

Important landmarks related to Route 66

Movies and songs

What is route 66 like?

New Mexico

California

Chicago

Oklahoma

Missouri

Los Angeles

Arizona

Texas

Kansas

Illinois

Why was route 66 created?

Cyrus Avery, considered the father of Route 66, was an Oklahoma businessman who advocated the need for a public highway linking Chicago to Los Angeles through Oklahoma to facilitate the transportation of goods across state lines.Originally, it had a length of 3,939 kilometres, although time has modified its extension, as well as its asphalting and signalling. After the crash of 1929, it became the means of escape for ruined farm families to the fertile lands of California. About 210.000 people emigrated. During World War II, it became a means of transporting troops and materials from bases located in the centre of the country to the fertile lands of California. In the 1950s, it became the way to the vacationing Californian coasts. Bringing with it the need to build stores and gas stations.

Reasons why route 66 is so famous

Route 66's fame can be attributed to its multifaceted appeal. Here we have some of those aspects:

1. Gastronomic appeal: Route 66 is renowned for its diverse and iconic American cuisine, offering a taste of classic diners, roadside eateries, and unique regional dishes.

2. Economic significance:Historically, Route 66 played a crucial role in connecting rural and urban areas, fostering economic development along its path , and contributing to the economic prosperity of the communities it passed through.

3. Scenic beauty:

• The highway stretches across diverse landscapes, from the urban scenery of Chicago to the picturesque landscapes of the American Southwest.

• Travelers are captivated by the beauty of natural wonders like the Grand Canyon and the deserts of Arizona, making it a visually stunning journey.

Reasons why route 66 is so famous

4. Social experience:Route 66 became a symbol of freedom and adventure, attracting people from different walks of life and creating a sense of camaraderie among travelers.

5. Cross-Cultural Appeal:

• The highway attracted people from different parts of the world, contributing to its international appeal.
• Its representation in popular media has made it a symbol of American culture, attracting visitors globally.

Music that mencioned the route 66

We see many songs in which Route 66 is mentioned. Smash mouth is a very famous band that, in one of their songs called “pacific coast”, talks in a verse about Interstate 1 in California and that is one of the highways that connects with Route 66 in Los Angeles. There is also music in Spanish that talks about Route 66 like Ricky Martin's “another night in Los Angeles” in which he talks about Melrose Avenue, connected to route 66 in Santa Monica where it ends.

Climate and Geography

Climate in the route 66 California

• The condition of the road is also damaged by high temperaturas, not just for the earthquakes.
• Most of Route 66 that runs through California has a lot of desert, it passes through a lot of desert and the heat there is very high.
• The best time to drive on Route 66 in California is winter, fall or part of spring.

Geography on california route 66

• California's geography is very diverse. California, in the United States, has alpine mountains, cloudy coasts, hot deserts, and a fertile central valley.
• Route 66 passes through many mountains in the California part but stands out for the valley The continuous earthquakes that occur in that part of the United States affect in some way the structure of the highway. It is normal to encounter difficult road conditions. And many have complained about the continuous damage that has been done to cars due to the poor functioning of the roads and their poor condition.

What is California's economy currently like?

California's economy is one of the largest and most diverse in the world. It has a gross domestic product (GDP) of $3.2 billion, making it the fifth largest economy in the world, ahead of countries such as the United Kingdom. It stands out mainly in:

• Technology: Silicon Valley (San Francisco) is known for being the global centre of technology, hosting international companies like Apple, Google or Meta.

• Entertainment: Hollywood (Los Angeles) is known for being the centre of the film and television industry.

• Agriculture: It is a leader in food production in the country.
• Tourism: Destinations such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego and natural parks attract thousands of visitors each year.

• Energy

Its economy is recovering from various challenges it has faced, such as the cost of housing, water management, COVID- 19 and natural disasters.

Population

• 39, 24 million inhabitants.
• Most populous city: Los Angeles.
• 25% are children.
• 16% are teenagers.
• 19% are ederly.
• 42% are adults.

Women 49%

Men 51%

Important landmarks related to Route 66

4. Calico Ghost Town (Yermo):While not directly on Route 66, Calico is a well-preserved ghost town that offers a glimpse into California's mining history.

2. California Route 66 Museum (Victorville):Located in the historic Harvey House, the museum showcases the history and artifacts of Route 66 in California.

5. The Wigwam Motel (Rialto):A classic Route 66 roadside attraction featuring teepee-shaped motel rooms, providing a nostalgic glimpse into the past.

3. Route 66 "End of the Trail" Sign (Needles):Located near the Colorado River, this sign marks the end of the trail for many Route 66 travelers coming from the east.

Photos

Thank you!

1. Santa Monica Pier (Los Angeles):

• The official western terminus of Route 66, where the highway begins (or ends) at the Pacific Ocean.
• The historic pier offers an amusement park, an aquarium, and great views of the coastline.

• Created in 1926 by Cyrus Avery.

• Call: The Mother Road (carretera madre).
• It starts in Chicago (Illinois) until it reaches Los Angeles (CAlifornia).