100 Years of “Getting Your Kicks”

Established in 1926, U.S. Route 66—famously dubbed the “Mother Road” by renown author John Steinbeck—was commissioned as part of America’s first federal highway system. Spanning nearly 2,400 miles from Chicago to the Pacific Coast, it became an engine of American mobility, carrying hundreds of thousands of migrants west during the Dust Bowl and Great Depression. In the post-WWII boom era, Route 66 transformed into the ultimate symbol of the classic American road trip, lined with neon diners, roadside motels, and quirky tourist attractions… not to mention numerous musical hits and its own TV show!

Route 66 marks its official Centennial on November 11, 2026, celebrating 100 years since its designation.

The Santa Monica Connection-

When Route 66 was originally commissioned, it officially terminated in downtown Los Angeles. However, as cross-country travel expanded, the route was extended westward to the coast, officially incorporating Santa Monica on January 1, 1936.

Santa Monica holds a dual role in the legend of Route 66:

• The Official Terminus: Highway regulations required Route 66 to end at a major roadway junction rather than dead-end into water. The official western terminus stands at the intersection of Olympic Boulevard and Lincoln Boulevard.

• The Spiritual Terminus: The Santa Monica Pier functions as the famous, symbolic end of the road. Drivers reaching the Pacific Ocean pose by the iconic “End of the Trail” sign, marking the ultimate finish line of a journey across the American heartland.

Santa Monica represents the ultimate promise of Route 66: freedom, opportunity, and the grand reward at the end of the long journey west.

Joy Automotive is planning to host a community event at their facility this November to celebrate the centennial of Route 66. We will release more details as the event draws near, so stay tuned!