The Rise and Fall of Route 66: How America’s Most Iconic Road Was Forgotten

The Rise and Fall of Route 66: How America’s Most Iconic Road Was Forgotten – Once hailed as the “Main Street of America,” Route 66 symbolized freedom, adventure, and the promise of the open road. Stretching from Chicago to Los Angeles, it carried travelers through small towns, roadside diners, and neon-lit motels, becoming a cultural icon immortalized in music, film, and literature. But as the interstate system expanded, this legendary highway was gradually abandoned, leaving ghost towns, crumbling gas stations, and faded signs as reminders of its former glory.

The road that once thrived with cross-country travelers became a shadow of itself, bypassed by modern highways designed for speed rather than the scenic journey. Many towns along Route 66 struggled to survive, with businesses closing and communities shrinking, yet some residents fought to preserve its history, turning sections into tourist attractions and heritage trails.

Despite its decline, Route 66 continues to captivate imaginations, inspiring nostalgia and a longing for a simpler time when the journey itself was as important as the destination. Its story is a bittersweet reminder of progress, change, and the enduring romance of the American road trip.

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