Flagstaff's Route 66 Heritage: The “Mother Road” Runs through Town
It was 1946 when Bobby Troup, and later that year Nat King Cole, recorded the popular song “(Get your kicks on) Route 66.” Troup conceived the idea for the song while driving along the 2,448-mile long route that stretched from Chicago, IL, to Los Angeles, CA. The lyrics were meant to celebrate America's newly found romance and freedom of post-World War II automotive travel.
Also know as "The Mother Road," "The Main Street of America" and "The Will Rogers Highway," Route 66 was commissioned in 1926 but not fully paved until 1937. Route 66 was decommissioned in 1985. There are over 200 miles of the original Route 66 remaining in Arizona today.
Current maps no longer include Route 66, and only sections of the route can be found by adventurous travelers. The old route continues to bisect Flagstaff today, and is still called Route 66 on street signs. But to view architecture historically accurate with the route, a walk (or cruise) down the short Phoenix Avenue in downtown Flagstaff is a must. The road is lined with hostels made from Coconino Sandstone, Flagstone and brick, dating from before 1937, when Route 66 moved across the tracks to its current location. Many of these buildings were used as motor inns by Route 66 travelers, and still hold their unique character. Flagstaff still boasts a variety of Route 66 heritage, including the world famous Museum Club and old motel row where many original buildings still stand and are in use today.
Just outside of Flagstaff are abandoned stretches of the route, most notably in Parks, just west of Flagstaff, and in Winnona to the east. Many Corvette and motorcycle groups find their way along these stretches each year, seeking adventure.
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