06/06/2026
It's Celebration Day! 🎉
Join us in Flagstaff TODAY - June 6th, 2026 - from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. to celebrate the Mother Road, with activations happening throughout Flagstaff.
From a humble dirt path to a legendary highway, Route 66 has transformed into one of the most celebrated interstates in American history!
Route 66, also known as the "Mother Road," was established in 1926 as one of the original highways in the U.S. highway system, stretching from Chicago to Los Angeles. In Flagstaff, Route 66 played a significant role in the city's development and growth during the early to mid-20th century.
Flagstaff became a prominent stop along Route 66 due to its strategic location as a transportation hub in northern Arizona. The highway provided a vital link between the Midwest and the West Coast, facilitating trade, tourism, and migration.
Originally, Route 66 took a more direct path through the heart of downtown Flagstaff. This included a complex five-way intersection where Route 66 (Santa Fe Avenue) met with Butler Avenue, among other streets.
In the 1960s, Route 66 in Flagstaff underwent a major realignment as part of national efforts to modernize the highway system. Rerouted to bypass downtown Flagstaff and alleviate traffic congestion, it became what is now I-40. While this shift impacted businesses that relied on Route 66 traffic, it also marked a new era of adaptation and growth for many.
Today, Route 66 in Flagstaff, Arizona, stands as a vibrant testament to American culture, blending historical allure with modern-day charm. This historic route has morphed into a corridor of nostalgia, culture, and commerce, embodying the spirit of exploration and adventure that defines the American road trip.
📸: AZ Historical Society - https://cdm16748.contentdm.oclc.org/.../cpa/id/6178/rec/26
