Moments in time 5
Audio recording
In 1987, the Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona was established, led by Angel Delgadillo, to preserve and promote the legacy of the iconic highway, followed by the formation of the Route 66 Association of Missouri in 1989 to further preservation efforts in the state.
read more
In 1991, the National Trust for Historic Preservation recognized Route 66 as one of the 11 most at-risk sites, emphasizing the need to protect its cultural and architectural significance. This led to Congress passing the Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program in 1999, providing funding through the National Park Service for restoration projects. In 2006, the historic Chain of Rocks Bridge in St. Louis was reopened as a pedestrian crossing, revitalizing a key part of the route’s history. By 2018, Missouri celebrated the enduring appeal of Route 66 with the installation of new Historic Route 66 signs, ensuring its legacy continues to inspire travelers and historians alike.