Route 66 Centennial: East Coast Celebration

Celebrate a major motoring milestone. Throughout 2026, America is marking the 100th anniversary of Route 66. The legendary highway, stretching 2,448 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica, was officially established in 1926. Fully paved by 1938, it became the premier diagonal artery for commerce and tourism, providing the way for unforgettable road trips across the American West. Known as the “Mother Road,” it fueled mid-century car culture and dreams of open road freedom far beyond its blacktop.

The celebration of Route 66 heritage and cultural significance isn’t confined to the western states. America’s Transportation Experience brings the history closer to home in our Antonia W. Rothman Route 66 Gallery (Hershey, PA). Aligned with the national Route 66 centennial events, the gallery displays the heyday of Route 66 travel, authentic Native American artifacts, and a Route 66-themed road map display.