Route 66

Route 66 is the 2400 mile "Mother Road" that ran from Chicago to Los Angeles and was one of the original US highways.  Established in 1926, it was the major road west and supported the numerous tourist communities along its path.  It ran through Holbrook as well what is now the Petrified Forest National Park.  Here was a favorite spot in Holbrook for weary travellers and which is still in business today:

Yes, you CAN rent a wigwam for the night in downtown Holbrook.  Notice the antique vehicles parked on the site for added curb appeal.

Route 66 was replaced in the 1950s and 1960s by the interstate system (I-40 in Arizona and New Mexico).  The interstate bypassed many of the old towns which had catered to the needs of the many travelers.  In  1985 Route 66 was removed from official US maps as the interstate system made what was left of the old road irrelevant. 

Here is what is left of Route 66 in the National Park near Holbrook:

Only old telephone poles survived where once the busy road stood.  A rusted out car and a plaque commemorate the once popular road:

There is an old inn in the park near the above photo which was a stopping off point for weary travelers.  Located at Kachina Point, the Painted Desert Inn National Hhistoric Landmark is now a museum and bookstore:

Route 66 was popularized in movies, television and song.  Remember the old television series "Route 66?"  Or the song "(Get Your Kicks On ) Route 66" originally recorded by Nat King Cole in 1946?  Here is the Chuck Berry version for the Pixar-Disney movie "Cars:"  click here. 

The movie, set in the fictional Radiator Springs, deals with the devastation of small businesses in communities bypassed by I-40.  In the movie, the Cozy Cone Motel was based on the Wigwam Motel above.  Holbrook, like Radiator Springs,  is one of those communities which appear to be hanging onto its existence by a thread.