A new push is on for recognition of Route 66 as a U.S. National Historic Trail, joining the iconic Iditarod in Alaska and the famed Lewis & Clark expedition trail. A bill filed by U.S. Representative Darin LaHood of Illinois, H.R. 801, looks to add the “Mother Road” to the 19 currently designated Historic Trails under the National Trail System Act of 1968.
Here are the criteria under the law:
(A) It must be a trail or route established by historic use and must be historically significant as a result of that use. The route need not currently exist as a discernible trail to qualify, but its location must be sufficiently known to permit evaluation of public recreation and historical interest potential. A designated trail should generally accurately follow the historic route, but may deviate somewhat on occasion of necessity to avoid difficult routing through subsequent development, or to provide some route variations offering a more pleasurable recreational experience. Such deviations shall be so noted on site. Trail segments no longer possible to travel by trail due to subsequent development as motorized transportation routes may be designated and marked onsite as segments which link to the historic trail.
(B) It must be of national significance with respect to any of several broad facets of American history, such as trade and commerce, exploration, migration and settlement, or military campaigns. To qualify as nationally significant, historic use of the trail must have had a far reaching effect on broad patterns of American culture. Trails significant in the history of native Americans may be included.
(C) It must have significant potential for public recreational use or historical interest based on historic interpretation and appreciation. The potential for such use is generally greater along roadless segments developed as historic trails and at historic sites associated with the trail. The presence of recreation potential not related to historic appreciation is not sufficient justification for designation under this category.
Route 66 was decommissioned as a U.S. Highway in 1985, resulting in loss of significant Federal funding and support. The designation as a National Historic Trail would provide special signage and online promotional / informational resources to the 2,400 mile iconic roadway, and would likely place the “Mother Road” under the National Park Service.
For more on this and stakeholders views, this from the JOPLIN GLOBE .
Route 66 and Bristow in Pictures…
Anchor Drive In – a Bristow “Mother Road” eatery opened in 1950.
Familiar site on the side of the Stone Building at 6th and Main
Beautiful new signage at Kenny’s Convenience Store at 10th and Main celebrating the Mother Road.
The City of Bristow sign adjacent to the Beach House Restaurant.
