Route 66 is turning 100, and Missouri is helping lead the centennial celebration.
Katie Seal with Research Route 66 told Missourinet that the State Historical Society of Missouri has teamed up with the National Trust for Historic Preservation and Google Arts & Culture to share 130 stories about the Mother Road.
“What Google Arts and Culture calls stories we’re just trying to highlight some of that entrepreneurial spirit that you see on Route 66 here in Missouri,” said Seale. “And there’s just some really fun, kind of nostalgic stories, some of them, hopefully people will recognize. Maybe they remember visiting some of these places like Stoney Dale here in Phelps County. And some of them might be news stories to them.”
Seale said now through 2026, the State Historical Society of Missouri will continue to add new material to Google’s site highlighting the Society’s growing collection of towns, businesses, and attractions along Missouri’s section of Route 66.
“So, we really hope to just highlight some of the unique stories for Missouri,” said Seale. “What was interesting and different about Route 66 in Missouri itself as opposed to maybe some of the other states.”
Seale told Missourinet that they are working on more stories to add to the Google Arts & Culture website.
“We’re going to be highlighting Radio Ozark and like the Ozark Jubilee and kind of Springfield as this kind of Mecca for entertainers and growth of country music where it was one time rivaling Nashville,” said Seale.
To learn more about upcoming events and stories celebrating Missouri’s stretch of Route 66, visit the State Historical Society of Missouri’s website at shsmo.org/route66.
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