Connecting Chicago to Los Angeles, Route 66 was the country's first all-weather paved highway. Its origins date back to the Federal Aid Highway Act of 1916 and the desire to connect small communities to the rest of the country. In 1926, America's independent transportation trails were integrated into a unified numerical system, the United States Numbered Highway System, and Route 66 officially opened in November of that year. Stretching 2,448 miles through eight states, the new highway allowed agricultural goods to be transported more efficiently and gave truckers a direct route to California. As the route grew in popularity with travelers, so too did its kitschy, roadside attractions, leading to the popularity of the modern-day road trip and the quirky experiences we've come to expect along the way.
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