“[Route] 66 is the mother road, the road of flight.”
JOHN STEINBECK
The Grapes of Wrath
Route 66
US Route 66 was established on November 11, 1926 and became the first all-weather highway connecting the major cities of Chicago, Illinois and Los Angeles, California. The shortest year-round route linking the Midwest and the Pacific Coast, Route 66 was a bustling artery that gave small towns access to cross-country highway.
Read more about the history of Route 66 in our Archives.
In 2026, the road turns 100 as we celebrate its centennial. Projects are already taking place in preparation for the big year and celebrations are in the works! This page was created to keep you abreast of what’s happening within the New Mexico state centennial commission group as well as any pertinent federal centennial information.
Read more about the history of Route 66 in our Archives.
In 2026, the road turns 100 as we celebrate its centennial. Projects are already taking place in preparation for the big year and celebrations are in the works! This page was created to keep you abreast of what’s happening within the New Mexico state centennial commission group as well as any pertinent federal centennial information.
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Centennial Planning Organizations
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Route 66 Centennial CommissionThe Commission exists because:
“Route 66 has become a symbol of the heritage of travel and the legacy of seeking a better life shared by the people of the United States, and because Route 66 has been enshrined in the popular culture of the United States” - Public Law No: 116-256 Therefore, Congress enacted the “Route 66 Centennial Commission Act” in late 2020. This established an official body responsible for studying and recommending activities that are fitting and proper to honor Route 66 on its 100th anniversary in 2026. Public Law No: 116-256 of the 116th congress stipulates that the U.S. Route 66 Centennial Commission includes 15 members appointed by the President, based upon recommendations from the Secretary of Transportation, the Governors of the eight Route 66 states, and the Majority and Minority Leaders of the Senate and House. Hit the road on a Route 66 Centennial Journey for a once-in-a-100-year trip! Along the way:
Official website: route66centennial.org |
Route 66 Road Ahead PartnershipEstablished in 2016, with the support of the National Park Service and the World Monuments’ Fund, The Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership is a coalition of organizations representing the entire Route 66 corridor whose mission is to revitalize and sustain Route 66 as a national and international icon through partnerships focused on promotion, preservation, research and education, and economic development.
Since the first meeting in 2017, the Road Ahead Partnerships board members, representing each of the eight states that Route 66 runs through, has gathered annually for in-person meetings, as well as additional periodic virtual meetings each year while assisting Route 66 communities in preparation for this prestigious celebration of the Mother Road. The New Mexico Route 66 Association is proud to be a part of this group since its inception. Association president, Melissa Beasley-Lee, has been the dedicated board member representative for New Mexico since that first meeting in 2017. New Mexico proudly hosted that first meeting in Albuquerque’s Old Town. Official websites: route66roadahead.org roadahead.route66centennial.org. PARTNERSHIP UPDATES
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New Mexico Route 66 Centennial Coordination GroupThe Route national 66 Centennial Coordination Group was created in September 2023 to assist the U.S. Route 66 Centennial Commission by identifying activities, projects and events that will properly honor and celebrate U.S. Route 66 for its centennial anniversary in 2026.
Official Website GROUP UPDATES
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U.S. Route 66 Centennial Commission (Federal)The U.S. Route 66 Centennial Commission was established by Congress to study and recommend in a report to Congress activities that would be fitting and proper to celebrate the centennial anniversary of the Mother Road of the United States, Route 66, in 2026. The Commission shall study activities that may be carried out by the Federal Government to honor Route 66, including potential ceremonies and celebrations, the production and publication of media or other materials, and the issuance of commemorative items.
Official Website COMMISSION UPDATES |
Plan Your Trip
Stops Along the Route in New Mexico
Here are some of the major cities and towns along the route in New Mexico.Photo: Sunset and clouds over Albuquerque, photo by Brandon Stephensen
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Resources for Your Route 66 Trip Through New Mexico
We have collected information to help you get started. Whether you're planning a quick trip or a longer, more leisurely journey, we suggest you build in a little time to visit with the locals and get to know the real Route 66.
Visit Plan Your Trip |
