Everything Everywhere Daily: "Route 66 (Encore)" – Detailed Summary
Episode Information:
- Title: Route 66 (Encore)
- Release Date: February 6, 2025
- Host: Gary Arndt | Glassbox Media
- Description: Learn something new every day! Everything Everywhere Daily is a daily podcast for intellectually curious people, delving into fascinating stories from around the world and throughout history.
1. Introduction to Route 66
The episode opens with Gary Arndt introducing Route 66, emphasizing its significance as a central object in American popular culture. Established in 1926, Route 66 was envisioned to connect Chicago, Illinois, to Los Angeles, California, traversing the heartland of the United States.
2. The Birth of a National Highway
Establishment and Numbering:
- Federal Aid Road Act of 1916: Marked the first federal highway legislation in American history, laying the groundwork for a national highway system.
- 1925 Funding Bill: Enabled the creation of the Joint Board of Interstate Highways, which was pivotal in defining Route 66.
Key Decisions:
- Route Numbering Scheme: The board decided that east-west routes would be even-numbered, while north-south routes would be odd-numbered. This systematic approach was inspired by the practices of Wisconsin and Missouri.
Notable Figure – Cyrus Avery:
- Advocacy for Route 66: Cyrus Avery from Tulsa, Oklahoma, was instrumental in championing the Chicago to Los Angeles route, advocating for its designation as one of the nation's most important highways.
- Quote: "Cyrus Avery was an advocate for good roads in general and on the board. He was a strong proponent for a Route that connected Chicago with Los Angeles" (02:58).
Naming Conflict:
- Initial Proposal: The route was initially slated to be called Route 60.
- Kentucky's Opposition: The delegation from Kentucky opposed the designation, threatening to withdraw from the federal highway system unless a compromise was reached.
- Resolution: Kentucky agreed to the Chicago-LA route being named Route 62 in exchange for its own connecting road being numbered 60. Avery, preferring a more memorable number, chose 66, leading to the iconic Route 66 (02:25-03:54).
3. Route 66's Path and Construction
Route Specifications:
- Length: 2,448 miles (3,940 kilometers).
- Termini:
States Traversed:
- Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California.
Major Cities Along Route 66:
- In Illinois: Chicago
- Missouri: St. Louis, Springfield
- Oklahoma: Tulsa, Oklahoma City
- Texas: Amarillo
- New Mexico: Santa Fe, Albuquerque
- Arizona: Flagstaff
- California: Santa Monica
Construction Challenges:
- Initial Condition: The road was predominantly unpaved upon its creation and wasn’t fully paved until 1937.
- Historical Trails: Route 66 was built along existing trails and roads, some of which had been used for centuries. For instance, the segment from Rolla to Springfield, Missouri, was part of the Trail of Tears, used during the Cherokee Nation's forced relocation in 1838 (05:12).
4. Cultural and Economic Impact
Formation of the U.S. Highway 66 Association:
- Leadership: Cyrus Avery served as vice president, while John T. Woodruff of Springfield, Missouri, was the president.
- Objective: The association, comprising business owners along the highway, promoted Route 66 as a premier travel destination through national magazines, billboards, and brochures.
- Tagline: Dubbed as the "Main Street of America," the association pushed for the complete paving of the road (05:30-05:58).
The Great Depression and the Dust Bowl:
- Migration: Farmers displaced from states like Arkansas, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas traveled Route 66 to seek agricultural jobs in California.
- "Okies": Migrants from Oklahoma along this route were colloquially known as "Okies."
- Economic Boost: The influx of travelers bolstered small businesses along the road, including diners, gas stations, and motels.
Literary Significance – "The Grapes of Wrath":
- John Steinbeck's Contribution: Steinbeck's novel captured the plight of Oklahoma migrants, immortalizing Route 66 as the "Mother Road."
- Quotation from the Episode:
"66 is the path of a people in flight, refugees from dust and shrinking land... 66 is the mother road, the road of flight." (06:42-07:12).
5. Social Issues and Segregation
Racial Discrimination:
- Restrictions on Black Travelers: Many motels and businesses along Route 66, such as those in Albuquerque, New Mexico, imposed segregation, with less than 6% accommodating black customers.
- Quote: "Despite most of the road not traveling through states considered to be in the south, most of the towns along the road had restrictions on black tourists" (07:20).
The Green Book:
- Purpose: In response to widespread discrimination, the Green Book was created as a guide for African American travelers to identify accommodating businesses.
- Future Discussion: The episode hints at a future exploration of the Green Book's role and significance (07:48).
6. World War II Impact
Decrease in Road Usage:
- Wartime Restrictions: Gasoline and rubber shortages, along with discouragement of domestic travel, led to a significant decline in Route 66's use during the Second World War (08:00-08:02).
7. Post-War Boom and Cultural Iconography
"Get Your Kicks on Route 66" by Nat King Cole:
- Origins: Written by Bobby Troup, a former Marine, while traveling from Pennsylvania to California.
- First Recording: Nat King Cole Trio recorded the song in 1946.
- Legacy: The song became a quintessential anthem for Route 66 and was later covered by artists like Bing Crosby and the Rolling Stones (08:14-08:33).
Increased Popularity:
- Car Culture: The post-war economic boom led to more Americans owning cars and having the means to embark on road trips, marking Route 66's golden era.
8. Decline of Route 66
Rise of the Interstate Highway System:
- Design: The new system featured four-lane controlled-access highways designed for high-speed travel, overshadowing Route 66's two-lane roads.
- Impact on Route 66:
- Bypass of Small Communities: As Interstates provided more direct routes, many small towns along Route 66 were bypassed, leading to economic decline.
- Route Realignments: Sections of Route 66 were replaced or paralleled by Interstate highways, diminishing its prominence.
Gradual Decertification:
- Key Milestones:
9. Revival and Legacy
Cultural Revival:
- State Renumbering: Portions of the original Route 66 were re-designated as state highways (e.g., State Highways 266, 366, and 66 in Missouri).
- Tourism: Restoration of historic gas stations, motels, and other landmarks has transformed Route 66 segments into popular tourist attractions.
Iconic Town – Seligman, Arizona:
- Route 66 Nostalgia: Despite its small population of 446, Seligman thrives by embracing its Route 66 heritage.
- Pop Culture Reference: The town loosely inspired Radiator Springs in Pixar’s animated film Cars (11:09-11:19).
Comparisons with Other Highways:
- Highway 61 & Highway 41: While other American highways like Highway 61 (Ontario-Minnesota to New Orleans) and Highway 41 (Northern Michigan to Miami) hold historical significance, none have captured the popular imagination quite like Route 66 (11:28-11:40).
Enduring Legacy:
- Global Recognition: Even today, Route 66 remains the most recognizable American highway, symbolizing freedom, adventure, and the classic American road trip (11:38-11:40).
10. Conclusion
Gary Arndt wraps up the episode by reflecting on Route 66's enduring place in American culture and history. From its inception as a vital transportation link to its romanticization in literature and music, Route 66 continues to be a symbol of resilience, journey, and the spirit of exploration.
Final Quote:
- Charles Daniel, Executive Producer: "If you were to ask many people around the world to name an American highway, most would probably say Route 66, even though the road no longer officially exists." (11:38-11:40).
Key Takeaways:
- Route 66's Establishment: A product of early 20th-century infrastructure development, becoming a national icon.
- Cultural Significance: Played a crucial role during the Great Depression, immortalized in literature and music.
- Social Challenges: Faced racial segregation, leading to the creation of the Green Book.
- Decline and Revival: Superseded by the Interstate Highway System but remains a beloved symbol through preservation and tourism.
- Enduring Legacy: Continues to inspire and represent the quintessential American road trip experience.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps:
- Cyrus Avery's Advocacy: "Cyrus Avery was an advocate for good roads in general and on the board. He was a strong proponent for a Route that connected Chicago with Los Angeles." (02:58)
- John Steinbeck on Route 66: "66 is the path of a people in flight... 66 is the mother road, the road of flight." (06:48)
- Gary Arndt on Route 66's Legacy: "If you were to ask many people around the world to name an American highway, most would probably say Route 66, even though the road no longer officially exists." (11:38)
This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions, historical insights, and cultural reflections presented in the "Route 66 (Encore)" episode of Everything Everywhere Daily. Whether you're a history enthusiast or a travel aficionado, this episode offers a deep dive into one of America's most iconic highways.