What's so special about Route 66?
Route 66 represents a signficant era in the history of the United States: post-WW1 twentieth century and the conversion of US culture from a collection of disjointed regional societies into a national identity. Travel across America was tedious and troublesome prior to the rise of the automobile and the US Highway System, and the importance of that system's cohesiveness is often under appreciated. Starting in the early 30's American families for the first time could travel across the country on their own without relying on the rails and small towns saw their residents open up local businesses that provided a better way of life for the average citizen. While many roads criss-crossed the country and covered more miles than US Highway 66, the Mother Road was one of the first finished and best promoted and over the years took on a life of its own and fame far beyond any other road. A hit song and a TV series were inspired by the highway and long after traffic shifted to the new faceless Interstate Highway System the name "Route 66" still resonated through the American mindset. After its decertification as a road interest in the historic highway rose and preservation efforts began, raising the stature of the road from a lonely, deserted relic to an exhibit celebrating American culture. While other US highways survived into the Interstate age and currently follow bland alignments far from their original pavement Route 66 has been allowed to prosper as an example of the past, a holotype of Americana and a reminder of the glory days of family vacations and local mom and pop shops.

Isn't Route 66 only fun to travel in the Southwest? What's so special about Illinois and Missouri?
Each of the eight states along Route 66 - even Kansas with only thirteen miles of pavement - have their own highlights and treats for the eager explorer. While the Mother Road is primarily known as a lonely, southwestern road, the higher frequency of communities and widely varying terrain of the Midwest states gives them as many fun sights as any of their counterparts further west. Numerous landmarks dot the roadside - classic signs, retro motels, wacky statues and delicious diners - all coupled with a legitimate Midwest hospitality from people who truly care about the tourists that help keep Route 66 alive. America's Main Street is quite different on the eastern end, but it's equally as fun and interesting as the Southwest states and a treat that should not be ignored.

With gas prices skyrocketing, doesn't the future of Route 66 look grim?
Hardly. Route 66 tourism has increased each year, and the release of Pixar's "Cars" in 2006 only gave the road increased visibility worldwide. It's true that the roadtrip is a more expensive proposition than in years past, but when the road is the destination Americans can save money by not spending tons on theme parks and other attractions. Also, much of the tourism is foreign in nature; Europeans love traveling the Mother Road and since much of the reason gas is more expensive is because of the falling dollar that means that for foreigners to take the trip down 66 actually costs them less than in years past. This has helped tourism keep steady along the highway even in a down economy.

How do I find Route 66 in Illinois?
The Illinois Department of Transportation has signed the old highway with directional and reassurance signs throughtout the state to make it easy for travelers of the Land of Lincoln to find and follow the state's most famous road. I-55 drivers will see off-ramp signs both south and north of Springfield as well as near I-294 in the south Chicago suburbs, and I-270 directs traffic onto the Mother Road near Illinois 3 by the Missouri border.

You can pick up a Route 66 in Illinois map published by IDOT at many rest areas throughout the state (along those icky interstates) or you can view them online through the Illinois Route 66 Heritage Project.. Historic66.com also has an excellent walk-through (drive-thru?) of the highway in each state that will help you find the Mother Road wherever you desire.

Why haven't you covered (insert your town) yet?
Digital Route 66 is a work in progress and as time allows I photograph more and more sites throughtout Illinois. At the site's inception in 2002 there were only two or three cities covered and since then I've endeavored to expand the offerings in order to cover as much of the road in Illinois as possible. Getting to each town with time (and good weather) to take a lot of photographs (fifty to one-hundred in many cities) is a slow process and one that will continue indefinitely.

Why didn't you mention (this business or landmark)?
No Route 66 website is perfect, not even this one. My knowledge of the road increases over time, and while the site contains a good amount of Route 66 history there is always more to discover. Suggestions are always welcome concerning what is covered on the website, as are additions and/or corrections.