As the iconic Route 66 celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2026, Reid Newspapers stands at the forefront of telling the story of America's most famous highway.
With the largest number of community newspapers located along the historic route, Reid Newspapers is uniting their resources to bring readers a special collection of stories about the Mother Road.
From its creation in the early 20th century to its rise as the top tourist attraction in the United States, Route 66 holds a special place in the heart of Americana. The road, often referred to as the "Main Street of America," has been a pathway for
Reid Newspapers is proud to be part of the legacy of Route 66, and as this monumental milestone is reached, the newspapers are dedicated to sharing the rich history and unforgettable experiences that have shaped this legendary road. Through the newspapers, readers will discover the significance of the road’s construction, the events that defined its path and the colorful characters who made Route 66 the cultural icon it is today.
Join us in celebrating the 100th anniversary of Route 66 in real Route 66 fashion. Staff hopes readers get a kick out of the stories, memories and adventures that are part of this historic highway.
Hop in and ride shotgun with Reid Newspapers on the ultimate road trip.
From Chicago to LA — The humble beginnings of Route 66
Sarah Cook
Reid Newspapers Digital Media Director
Part 1:
In 2026, Route 66 will be hitting the big 1-0-0! That’s right—the legendary highway is turning 100 years old, and it’s time to celebrate a century of road trip magic and iconic history. Back in the summer of 1926, the Bureau of Public Roads rolled out the country's very first highway system, and Route 66 was at the heart of it. But this wasn’t just another stretch of asphalt. Route 66 quickly became a symbol of freedom, adventure, and the great American road trip. Known by many names—the "Mother Road," "Old 66," and the "Main Street of America"—Route 66 stands out as one of the oldest and most famous highways in the United States. Winding its way from Chicago to Los Angeles, this nonlinear highway connected the heartland to the West Coast, paving the way for countless adventures. Why did Route 66 come to life in the first place? In the mid-1920s, cars were taking over as the preferred way to travel and move goods. Trains were still chugging along, but automobiles offered a quicker, more flexible option. Route 66 was designed to link small, rural Midwest communities to bustling cities and major distribution hubs like Chicago. Farmers used it to transport their produce and grain, turning the highway into a lifeline for the agricultural industry. By the 1930s, Route 66 was giving the railroads a run for their money, becoming a cornerstone of the trucking industry as it boomed. It wasn’t just a road; it was an economic powerhouse. Oklahoma, in particular, has deep ties to the history of Route 66. The state boasts the longest drivable stretch of the highway, and it’s home to towns like Miami and Weatherford, where the road runs right through the main streets. And we can’t talk about Route 66 without mentioning Cyrus Avery. This Tulsa native and Oklahoma’s first Highway Commissioner played a massive role in creating the U.S. Highway System. Dubbed the “Father of the Mother Road,” Avery not only helped select the iconic double sixes for the highway’s name but also pushed for its paving in the 1930s. To honor this milestone, Reid Newspapers, the largest collection of community newspapers along Route 66, is joining forces to bring readers an unforgettable journey through the highway’s storied past. Reid Newspapers is proud to be part of this legacy, sharing tales of Route 66’s construction, its role in shaping America, and the colorful characters who brought it to life.
Part 2:
Route 66: from post-war glory to decommissioning
Sarah Cook
Reid Newspapers Digital Media Director
The end of World War II sparked an exciting new chapter for Route 66, transforming it from a wartime lifeline into a symbol of freedom and adventure. Before the war, and even during its darkest days, Route 66 served as a vital artery for troop mobilization, military supplies, and civilian goods, with the Midwest's agricultural bounty flowing along its path. But when peace returned in 1945, so did the spirit of exploration. Americans took to the open road like never before, using Route 66 for leisurely road trips and unforgettable family vacations. By the 1950s, the journey along Route 66 often became the highlight of the trip, outshining even the destinations themselves. This golden age of travel brought a boom of diners, roadside lodges, motor courts, trading posts, and full-service gas stations, turning the highway into a vibrant ecosystem of American culture and hospitality. Route 66 wasn’t just a road—it was a destination in its own right. However, the mid-1950s marked the beginning of the Mother Road's decline. On June 29, 1956, President Eisenhower signed the legislation establishing the U.S. Interstate Highway System. While this revolutionary network of highways promised faster, more efficient travel, it spelled trouble for Route 66. New interstates paralleled or replaced much of the original road, leaving segments of Route 66 overshadowed or forgotten. By 1970, modern highways had bypassed nearly all of Route 66, and in October 1984, the last original section of the road—at Williams, Arizona—was replaced by Interstate 40. Less than a year later, on June 27, 1985, the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials officially decommissioned Route 66, bringing down its iconic highway markers. But this wasn’t the end for the Mother Road. Though it lost its status as a U.S. highway, Route 66 lives on as a legendary symbol of American history, freedom, and nostalgia, celebrated by travelers and enthusiasts who refuse to let its story fade. The road may no longer be official, but its spirit remains unstoppable. Towns like Weatherford, whose Main Street is Route 66, continue to contribute to the historical importance of the highway.
Part 3:
Route 66: The revival of an American icon after 1985
Sarah Cook
Reid Newspapers Digital Media Director
When Route 66 was officially decommissioned June 27, 1985, it didn’t fade into the rearview mirror. Almost immediately, passionate advocates — including federal and state agencies, local organizations, businesses and everyday road trip lovers — stepped up to preserve its legacy. Why? Because Route 66 isn’t just pavement and mile markers — it’s a highway packed with history. Lined with charming towns, quirky attractions and stories that span generations, this iconic road holds a special place in America’s heart. Thanks to these efforts, many of Route 66’s legendary stops earned spots on the National Register of Historic Places. In time, several states — including Oklahoma — designated parts of the highway as State or National Scenic Byways. Businesses and attractions along the route kept their neon signs glowing, welcoming travelers eager to experience the nostalgia of the open road. By 1990, even Congress recognized Route 66’s cultural significance. This led to Public Law 104-400 and a major study by the National Park Service, which confirmed what road trippers already knew — this wasn’t just any highway, it was a national treasure. The findings led to the creation of the National Park Service Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program, which continues to provide funding and support to preserve the highway’s history. In 2016, the Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership was formed, bringing together communities, businesses and enthusiasts to ensure Route 66 remains a thriving and celebrated destination for generations to come. As they put it: "The mission of the Road Ahead Partnership is to revitalize and sustain Route 66 as a national icon and international destination, for the benefit of all Route 66 communities, travelers and businesses/attractions, through collaborative partnerships focused on promotion, preservation, research and education, and economic development." And the love for Route 66 isn’t just limited to the United States. Massive fan clubs have sprung up in places like Japan, Germany and Norway, fueling international tourism along the historic route. Towns, particularly in Oklahoma, continue to embrace their Route 66 roots, developing infrastructure and celebrations that honor its past. Weatherford and Miami, for example, keep the history alive with both vibrant Main Streets — better known as Route 66 itself. To commemorate this legendary highway’s 100th anniversary, Reid Newspapers — the largest collection of community newspapers along Route 66 — is hitting the road with readers, bringing stories of the Mother Road’s past, its impact on America and the colorful personalities who made it unforgettable. Through these stories, readers will discover why Route 66 is more than just a road — it’s a living, breathing piece of American history. From roadside diners to landmarks, every mile has a tale to tell and every stop is an adventure waiting to happen. So, buckle up and join Reid Newspapers for the ultimate road trip as Reid Newspapers counts down to Route 66’s centennial in true road trip style.
Part 4:
Route 66: The untamed history of Weatherford
Sarah Cook
Reid Newspapers Digital Media Director
As the furthest west newspaper in the Reid Newspapers family, The Weatherford Daily News is kicking off a journey through the rich history of America’s most iconic highway — Route 66. The road trip begins in Weatherford, the breezy western gateway of Oklahoma, where the spirit of the Mother Road still runs strong. Weatherford, much like other small towns west of the Mississippi River, was born from the westward expansion driven by the railroads. After the land run of 1892 opened Cheyenne and Arapaho lands to white settlement, the town took root as a key stop along the rail lines, shaping its history and future. But it wasn’t just the railroads that put Weatherford on the map — it also was its prime location along the legendary Route 66. Before modern technology, the chronicles of Weatherford’s past were carefully recorded in local newspapers such as the Weatherford Democrat, Custer County Republican and the Arapaho Bee. The Weatherford Daily News maintains archives of these papers, while both the SWOSU library and the Weatherford Public Library are working to digitize these invaluable historical records. Weatherford’s first stroke of luck came in 1898 when Arapaho refused to pay the bonus for the railroad, leading the company to choose an area known as Jordan Flats — now Weatherford — as the rail terminus. The town quickly grew into a bustling hub of commerce and industry, with a rugged Main Street lined with self-sufficient businesses, saloons, gaming dens and general stores. Like many “Wild West” towns, it was a place of opportunity and lawlessness, drawing in notorious figures, including August “Augie” Busch of the Anheuser-Busch family, who was lured to Weatherford to establish a bar in what was considered one of the rowdiest towns in western Oklahoma. At its peak, Weatherford boasted 14 saloons, including the only bar ever owned by the Busch family. The town, however, was not without its tragedies. In the early 20th century, Weatherfordians faced harsh living conditions, with disease, farming accidents and crime claiming many lives. Without modern medical advancements, mortality rates were high, especially among children. Local newspapers of the time painted stark and unfiltered portraits of these grim realities, detailing causes of death that ranged from tuberculosis and typhoid to more shocking incidents like poisoning, lightning strikes and even being gored by bulls. One of the most infamous stories of early Weatherford is the mystery of Dead Woman’s Crossing, tied to the 1905 murder of Kate James. Last seen with a woman named Fanny Norton, James’ body later was discovered near a bridge, her life cut short by gunfire. The case remains shrouded in mystery, as Norton, the prime suspect, committed suicide before providing any answers, leaving many to suspect James’ husband orchestrated the crime. The unanswered questions continue to fascinate generations of historians and true crime enthusiasts alike. Another gripping chapter in Weatherford’s history unfolded along Route 66 in 1941 with the murder of Chief of Police Bruce Rainey. Known for his corrupt dealings, Rainey vanished while working on the famous highway. Days later, his bullet-ridden body was discovered stuffed into a gypsum crevice. Though John Butler Calvert was convicted of the crime, many believed he did not act alone, and the town still whispers about who else might have been involved. The mystery surrounding Rainey’s death adds a layer of intrigue to Weatherford’s connection to Route 66, a highway rich with both history and legend. Route 66 itself played a pivotal role in shaping Weatherford’s identity. Incorporated into the highway’s alignment in 1926, Main Street saw an influx of travelers and businesses eager to serve those venturing along America’s most iconic road. Though the Great Depression took its toll on the town’s farming economy, Weatherford rebounded, evolving into a thriving industrial center. Even after Route 66 was decommissioned in 1971, Weatherford continued to celebrate its deep ties to the Mother Road. Today, visitors can explore historic landmarks that echo the golden age of cross-country travel. Just an hour west of Oklahoma City along Interstate 40, Weatherford boasts an impressive stretch of preserved Route 66 history, alongside Southwestern Oklahoma State University and the renowned Stafford Air and Space Museum, which honors astronaut and Weatherford native Lt. Gen. Thomas P. Stafford. Weatherford’s story is one of resilience, transformation and a deep-rooted connection to Route 66. From its Wild West origins to its role in America’s most famous highway, this small Oklahoma town continues to captivate those who travel its storied roads. To honor this milestone, Reid Newspapers, the largest collection of community newspapers along Route 66, is joining forces to bring readers an unforgettable journey through the highway’s storied past. Reid Newspapers is proud to be part of this legacy, sharing tales of Route 66’s construction, its role in shaping America and the colorful characters who brought it to life. Through these stories, readers will uncover why Route 66 became more than just a highway. It’s a cultural icon, a road where every mile tells a story and every stop adds a chapter to the adventure. From roadside diners to quirky landmarks, this highway holds memories that have spanned generations. So buckle up and join Reid Newspapers in celebrating the 100th anniversary of Route 66 in true road trip style. Get ready for a treasure trove of stories, memories and adventures that’ll make readers fall in love with the Mother Road again and again throughout the year. Hop in, ride shotgun and cruise along with us at Route66Papers.com. The ultimate road trip as Reid Newspapers counts down the days until the centennial is just getting started.
Stay connected with Reid Newspapers! Discover new Route 66-themed stories every Wednesday leading up to the 100 year anniversary in 2026!