Understanding the rich tapestry of history, culture, and adventure along America’s most iconic highway, Route 66, requires dedicated research and a wealth of reliable sources. At Legends of America, our commitment to providing authoritative and engaging content on the Mother Road is built upon extensive Route 66 credits, acknowledging the invaluable contributions of individuals, written materials, and digital platforms. This comprehensive approach ensures that every story, every historical detail, and every recommendation is grounded in verifiable fact and deep insight, offering readers a truly immersive experience into the legendary U.S. 66.
The meticulous assembly of these Route 66 credits is not merely an academic exercise; it is the backbone of our editorial integrity. From firsthand accounts and photographic evidence to scholarly texts and contemporary news updates, these resources collectively paint a vibrant picture of an enduring American icon. We believe that a transparent and detailed presentation of our research foundations allows our readers to fully appreciate the depth and accuracy of the information presented, fostering a deeper connection to the stories of the Main Street of America.
Acknowledging Key Contributors to Route 66 Lore
Collaborative Efforts in Documenting the Mother Road
The spirit of Route 66 is often found in the people who travel it, live near it, and dedicate themselves to preserving its memory. Our journey to document this historic highway has been greatly enriched by the generous contributions of individuals who share our passion. These collaborators provide unique perspectives, often offering visual elements and up-to-the-minute details that breathe life into our narratives.
Robert Garcia, a friend and fellow enthusiast of ghost towns in New Mexico and Arizona, has been an invaluable contributor. Robert’s keen eye for capturing the essence of forgotten places has supplied numerous photographs for our New Mexico ghost town articles. His exceptional night photographs of Route 66 through Albuquerque offer a distinct and atmospheric view of the Mother Road after dusk, enhancing our visual storytelling. Robert and his wife Therese are true custodians of New Mexico’s historical landscape, residing in Albuquerque.
Emily Priddy, an active and dedicated member of the Oklahoma Route 66 Association, has graciously allowed us to utilize several of her captivating photographs of the Mother Road. Her images capture the authentic charm and enduring spirit of Oklahoma’s segment of Route 66, providing readers with an intimate glimpse into its roadside attractions and scenic beauty. Emily’s involvement underscores the importance of local associations in preserving the highway’s heritage.
Ron Warnick, through his acclaimed platform Route 66 News, serves as an essential source for contemporary developments and updates concerning the Mother Road. Ron’s diligent reporting and keen insights keep us informed about current events, preservation efforts, and new discoveries along the highway. His contributions ensure that our historical narratives are complemented by a timely understanding of Route 66’s ongoing evolution, making his work an indispensable part of our research.
The Foundation of Knowledge: Essential Written Materials
Beyond individual contributions, a vast collection of written materials forms the bedrock of our understanding of Route 66. These published works range from academic studies and historical accounts to traveler’s guides and anecdotal collections, each offering a distinct window into the highway’s past and present.
Iconic Books and Historical Guides
- 100 Years of Progress, Mt. Olive Centennial Souvenir Book, 1965: This local centennial book provides invaluable historical context for one of the towns along Route 66, offering a snapshot of community life during a significant era.
- Clark, Marian; Route 66 Cookbook and The Main Street of America Cookbook; Council Oak Books: These unique cookbooks offer more than recipes; they provide a culinary journey through the diners and cafes that once lined the Mother Road, reflecting the tastes and culture of its heyday.
- Halicki, Diane and Robson, Ellen; Haunted Highway – The Spirits of Route 66; 1999; Golden West Publishers: A fascinating exploration into the supernatural folklore associated with the highway, adding a different dimension to its historical narrative.
- Hinkley, Jim, Route 66 Encyclopedia, Voyageur Press, 2012: An exhaustive reference that serves as an indispensable tool for researchers and enthusiasts, compiling a vast array of facts and details about every aspect of Route 66.
- Knowles, Drew; Route 66 Adventure Handbook; January 2004; Exit Here: A practical guide for contemporary travelers, offering routes, tips, and insights for navigating the historic path.
- McClanahan, Jerry, and Ross, Jim; The Route 66 Map Series; 2000; Ghost Town Press: Detailed maps are crucial for tracing the numerous alignments and forgotten sections of Route 66, making this series vital for accurate geographical understanding.
- Snyder, Tom; Route 66 Traveler’s Guide and Roadside Companion; 2000, St. Martin’s Press: Another comprehensive guide that helps travelers discover the hidden gems and iconic landmarks along the way.
- Wallis, Michael; Route 66 – The Mother Road; 2001; St Martin’s Press: Considered by many to be a definitive work, Wallis’s book beautifully captures the essence, history, and enduring spirit of the Mother Road.
- Work Projects Administration (WPA); Route 66; republished by the University Press of Kansas, 1986: Historic documents like this provide primary source material, offering insights from the era when Route 66 was actively being developed and utilized.
Association Newsletters and Periodicals
- McComb, Susie, “Famous Cool Clines Corners worth stopping for!”; Route 66 Association Newsletter, Summer, 1999: Articles from association newsletters provide local perspectives and often highlight lesser-known stories or specific attractions, crucial for building a nuanced understanding.
- Oklahoma Route 66 Association Trip Guide, 2004-2005: State association guides are rich with practical information, local history, and recommended stops, often updated regularly by those who know the road best.
- Prairie Fire, Western Oklahoma Historical Society: Periodicals from historical societies offer scholarly articles and meticulously researched local histories that deepen our understanding of regions traversed by Route 66.
- Vasko, Nancy; “Time Was”; Free Press Advocate; Fall, 2001; Wilmington, Illinois: Local newspaper articles and historical features provide firsthand accounts and community-specific narratives that are invaluable to researchers.
Government and Archival Documents
- Oklahoma Travel Guide, 2004, Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department: Official state travel guides offer insights into how the route was promoted and perceived at various times, often including historical maps and points of interest.
- Texas State Travel Guide – 2004; Texas Department of Transportation: Similar to Oklahoma’s guide, this provides state-level context and highlights unique Texan features of Route 66.
Digital Highways: Online Resources for Route 66 Enthusiasts
In the digital age, the preservation and sharing of Route 66 history have expanded to numerous online platforms. These websites offer immediate access to vast amounts of information, from community histories to detailed travel logs, providing both historical depth and contemporary perspectives.
City and Tourism Websites
Local government and tourism websites serve as crucial repositories of current information and historical records for towns along Route 66. Sites such as Amarillo Globe, City of Elk City, Oklahoma, City of Holbrook, Arizona, City of Litchfield, Illinois, City of Union, Missouri, City of Clinton, Oklahoma, El Reno, Oklahoma, Kingman Tourism, Lebanon Missouri Tourism, Miami, Oklahoma Visitors Bureau, Rolla, Missouri Chamber of Commerce, Santa Rosa, New Mexico, St Louis Heritage, Tulsa Historical Society, Tulsa Preservation Commission, Vinita Oklahoma Chamber of Commerce, Visit Amarillo, Texas, Visit Pulaski County, Missouri, Visit Springfield, Illinois, and Williams Chamber of Commerce provide detailed local histories, event schedules, and attractions that are essential for understanding the local impact and evolution of the Mother Road.
Dedicated Route 66 Hubs and Historical Societies
Specialized websites are indispensable for in-depth research. Historic Route 66, Kansas State Historical Society, Kick’s on Arizona’s Route 66, Mohave Museum of History & Arts, New Mexico Route 66 Association, Oklahoma Route 66 Association, Oldham County Chamber of Commerce, Powers Museum, Carthage, Missouri, The Road Wanderer, Road Trip USA, Santa Fe Site, and Texas Route 66 Association are examples of platforms dedicated solely to the history, preservation, and exploration of Route 66. These sites often host archives, photo galleries, and expert articles, providing a consolidated wealth of information for researchers and enthusiasts alike.
Expanding the Digital Footprint
Broader historical and travel sites further enrich our understanding. Desert USA offers context on the natural landscapes traversed by the route, while the Handbook of Texas On-Line provides detailed historical entries relevant to the Texas portion of Route 66. The National Park Service’s articles on Route 66 offer authoritative historical summaries and preservation insights, highlighting the highway’s national significance. Even sites like Grand Canyon Caverns, though specific to an attraction, offer historical tidbits about roadside stops. These diverse digital platforms collectively ensure that the story of Route 66 remains accessible and ever-evolving for a global audience.
Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of Route 66 Through Shared Knowledge
The journey along Route 66 is more than a drive; it is an immersion into American history, innovation, and perseverance. The extensive Route 66 credits compiled here represent the collective effort to preserve and share the stories of this iconic highway. From the dedicated individuals who contribute their personal insights and photographic talents, to the countless authors who have chronicled its past, and the digital platforms that keep its legacy alive, each source plays a vital role. By valuing and acknowledging these diverse contributions, we ensure that the narrative of the Mother Road remains vibrant, accurate, and accessible for generations to come. It is through this collaborative spirit and rigorous commitment to historical truth that the legend of Route 66 truly endures.
