As the United States of America celebrates its 250th anniversary, there is another celebration taking place this year: The 100th anniversary of the iconic Route 66. The iconic highway was constructed on November 11, 1926, as part of the country’s first highway system and stretches more than 2,400 miles from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California.
Route 66 became famous after World War II as families hit the open road, traveling to destinations that included the Grand Canyon and Disneyland and cementing the concept of the “Great American Road Trip.” It also caught the attention of a myriad of artists, including Bob Waldmire, who traveled the route extensively in a converted school bus and captured what he saw in detailed pen-and-ink drawings.
Gas, Food, Lodging, Dennis Ziemienski, oil, 36″ by 36″
Route 66 also inspired music, books, and movies, including John Steinbeck’s “The Grapes of Wrath.” Set during the Great Depression, he described the highway as the “Mother Road” and told the stories of farmers who migrated from the Midwest to California in the 1930s. It’s estimated that more than 200,000 farmers and their families traveled that road, looking for a better life. In 1946, jazz musician, Bobby Troup wrote the song, “Get Your Kicks on Route 66,” which was later performed by several musicians, including Nat King Cole and The Rolling Stones.
Described as the “Main Street of America,” Route 66 is hailed as a living museum. Over the years, it has become known for its quirky roadside attractions, neon motels, and diners. Some of the most famous stops include the Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari, New Mexico, and the Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas, which features 10 Cadillacs buried nose-first in the ground.
Celebrations along the legendary highway will continue throughout the year, but artists will continue to capture its uniqueness long into the future. One of those artists is Dennis Ziemienski, who is known for his road-trip nostalgia and is featured in the July/August issue of Art of the West.
