Route 66 and the quest to connect America

Route 66 transformed from a series of disconnected, muddy paths into the "Main Street of America" through the persistent advocacy of Cyrus Avery. As a central figure in the Good Roads movement, Avery leveraged political influence and marketing savvy to secure a national highway designation connecting Chicago to Los Angeles. The highway’s fame was further solidified by the 1928 Bunion Derby, a grueling transcontinental foot race that served as a high-profile promotional stunt. Author Susan Croce Kelly highlights how this route became a personal, cultural landmark for millions, representing the American "can-do" spirit and the birth of the modern road trip. Although the interstate system eventually rendered the original highway largely defunct, it remains a powerful symbol of American identity, inviting travelers to experience the country beyond major urban centers.