America's Road: The Journey of Route 66

Don't be alarmed to see the Park City Museum's cherry-red, 1926 fire engine replaced by a gorgeous, metal-flake blue, 1965 Mustang. It's only temporary and it celebrates the arrival of the current traveling exhibit entitled America's Road: The Journey of Route 66 on display now through May 6.

Route 66 was an “official” highway for only 59 years, yet it remains one of the most famous and iconic road trips in our country.

Laid out in 1926, Route 66 originated in Chicago and passed through eight states; Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California on its way west.

Migrants from the Midwest, escapees from the dust bowl, military personnel reporting to training camps, and eventually post-WWII families on vacation road trips, all made use of this 2,248 mile long ribbon of gray.

As interstate systems developed, bypassing many towns along the route, survival has been challenging. Oklahoma City and Albuquerque thrived but many did not. However, with the resurgence of interest in the 85% of the road which still exists, states have learned that creating historic designations can be a boon to those smaller towns.

The multimedia exhibit at the Park City Museum includes photos, information boards, maps, along with a vintage parking meter, a Mobil gas pump and the stunning 1965 Mustang.

America's Road: The Journey of Route 66 is on exhibit through May 6 at the Park City Museum's Tozer Gallery, 528 Main St. It is appropriate for all ages. For information visit parkcityhistory.org.