Springfield Birthplace of Route 66

How to Get There

Take Glenstone Avenue northbound, turn right onto Pythian Street, and the castle will be on your left just past the railroad tracks.

Overview

Springfield, Missouri is recognized as the Birthplace of Route 66 because it is the city where the iconic highway received its famous designation. Although Route 66 physically ran between Chicago and Los Angeles, the decision to use the number "66" was made during a meeting held in Springfield in 1926. That decision transformed a proposed transcontinental highway into what would later become America's most celebrated roadway and earn the nickname "The Mother Road."

Today, Springfield embraces its Route 66 heritage through museums, historic landmarks, public art, roadside attractions, annual festivals, and preserved sections of the original highway. Visitors can explore the city's rich transportation history while experiencing many classic examples of Route 66 Americana.

The Birth of Route 66

During the development of the United States numbered highway system in the 1920s, the proposed Chicago-to-Los Angeles route was originally expected to receive a different highway number. Highway advocates, including Cyrus Avery and Springfield businessman John T. Woodruff, favored a more memorable designation and ultimately selected the number 66 during a meeting held at Springfield's Colonial Hotel.

• Historic Meeting Location: Colonial Hotel in Springfield, Missouri.
• Key Advocates: Cyrus Avery and John T. Woodruff.
• Route Selection: Officials chose "66" over the previously proposed Route 62 designation.
• National Significance: The decision helped create one of the most recognizable highways in American history.

Why Springfield Matters

• Official Naming Site: The famous Route 66 designation originated in Springfield.
• Transportation Legacy: The city played a significant role in promoting and developing Route 66.
• Historic Preservation: Numerous Route 66 landmarks remain preserved throughout the community.
• Cultural Impact: Springfield continues to celebrate the road's influence on American travel and tourism.

Notable Route 66 Attractions

• Birthplace of Route 66 Park: Roadside park commemorating the city's role in Route 66 history.
• History Museum on the Square: Features exhibits highlighting the origins and development of Route 66.
• Route 66 Visitor Center: Provides maps, historical information, and visitor resources.
• Route 66 Car Museum: Showcases classic automobiles and transportation history.
• College Street Route 66 Murals: Public art celebrating Route 66 heritage.
• Rail Haven Motel: A historic Route 66 roadside motel that continues to welcome travelers.
• Red's Giant Hamburg Site: Commemorates one of Route 66's legendary roadside restaurants.
• Historic Route 66 Alignment: Preserved sections of the original roadway pass through the city.

Annual Celebrations

Springfield hosts events and festivals dedicated to preserving and celebrating Route 66 history. These gatherings attract automobile enthusiasts, historians, road trippers, and travelers from around the world who come to experience the birthplace of America's most famous highway.

• Birthplace of Route 66 Festival: Annual celebration of Route 66 history and culture.
• Classic Car Events: Showcases vintage automobiles associated with the golden age of road travel.
• Historical Exhibits: Programs exploring the development and impact of Route 66.

Visitor Experience

A visit to Springfield offers a chance to stand where one of America's most iconic highways received its name. From historic motels and museums to murals and preserved roadway segments, the city provides a unique opportunity to experience the origins of Route 66 while exploring a destination that helped shape the history of American road travel.

This article uses material from official Route 66, Springfield Missouri tourism, and historical museum resources describing Springfield's role as the Birthplace of Route 66, including information about the naming of the highway, Route 66 heritage sites, and related attractions. Sources include Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau, History Museum on the Square, and Route 66 historical resources documenting the April 1926 meeting that resulted in the selection of the Route 66 designation.