Memorials were built, of course, and even some of the petitioning states honored the historic route by designating some sections "Old U.S. 66." The New York Times told the entire story the day after the decision in the article "Final Chapter is Written for Route 66." The article has a dateline of Duluth, Minnesota, which of course is not on the route; it was just the location of the annual highway meeting that year.
The most fascinating thing I learned from the article is that the origins of the route can be traced to a camel caravan led by Navy Lt. Edward Beale in 1857. Which is more surprising -- the involvement of camels or the involvement of the navy?
Camels are a far cry from the Chevy's and other classic cars that would eventually be associated with this route. |