Route 66 was the dream of two enterpreneurs, namely Cyrus Avery of Tulsa, Oklahoma and John Woodruff of Springfield, Missouri, who thought of having an interregional link between Chicago and Los Angeles. In 1925 Congress enacted with a comprehensive version and the government executed it's plan for national highway construction. Officially, the numerical designation 66 was assigned to Chicago-to-Los Angeles route in 1926.
During the great depression years, Route 66 helped around 210,000 people to migrate to California venturing a new life. Thus it was symbolized as the "Road to Oppotrunity.
During World War II, the War Department signed out the west as ideal for miltary training bases because of its geographic isolation and consistent dry weather which was most suitable for air and field maneuvers. Route 66 helped facilitate the enormous mobilization of manpower during this period.
After the war, this road became a favorite past time for travelers. Lots of hotels, motels, gas stations, amusement facilities, malls, restaurants sprung up at various locations along the road to make sure the travelers enjoyed every single minute of their trip on Route 66, thus employing hundreds of thousands of Americans.
Route 66 symbolizes the renewed spirit of optimism that pervaded the country after the depression years and glogal war. Often called "The Main Street of America" it linked remote and underdeveloped regions with two vital metropolitan cities.
