In 2026, Route 66 marks its first century. Connecting Chicago and Los Angeles, this historic American highway has witnessed human migration, the growth of the automotive industry, and the rise of road trip culture since the 1920s.

Perhaps you are a traveler living in the US, or perhaps you have driven down this road yourself. But for the people who call this highway home, it represents real life and personal history. This road, which once faced the threat of disappearing, is being remembered through the collective efforts of everyone determined not to let it fade.

Why is Route 66 so famous?

A user on Reddit answered:

"Route 66 was one of the most important bonds for the US at a time when it needed cohesion the most. And Route 66 always exudes an authentic vibe. You can experience a variety of things very quickly—stopping at an Indigenous souvenir shop and meeting a cop from Chicago, a cowboy from Texas, or a surfer from California. But everyone loves this highway."

The Disappearing Highway

Route 66 rose to prominence in the 1920s and experienced a peak of 50 to 60 years before being overtaken by the interstate system in the 1980s.

In 1978, the new Interstate Highway System emerged, and in 1985, the federal government decided to channel all funds into the newest and most advanced interstate highways, revoking Route 66's official designation. It was no longer recognized as a viable thoroughfare, and the road—along with towns like Seligman—was slated to be completely erased from maps.

The Birth of "Historic Route 66"

Seligman is a small town on Route 66 in Arizona. Angel Delgadillo's barbershop is located right here. After graduating from Pasadena College in 1950, he reopened his father's barbershop and pool hall. As traffic and the local economy grew, they relocated the shop to its current site, and life in Seligman revolved around the road for a long time. He witnessed firsthand the rise and fall of the highway.

With the loss of official maintenance, road signs were removed, traffic and commerce dried up, and the town effectively vanished from the map. Seligman was well on its way to becoming a ghost town, complete with potholes so deep that people risked falling off old bridges.

Having grown up in an era of horse-drawn carriages and witnessed these sweeping changes, Angel saw his life’s foundation heavily shaken when everything suddenly ground to a halt. He decided he had to take action. He petitioned the state government multiple times, only to be repeatedly told there was no budget. Refusing to accept the disappearance of the highway and town that raised him and held his memories, he refused to give up.

He formed an association and successfully lobbied the state government to designate the Arizona stretch of Route 66 as a "Historic Highway," forcing the state to maintain and repave the road. This section became the longest uninterrupted stretch of Route 66 and gave birth to "Historic Route 66." Following this, many other states followed suit, breathing new life into the road Americans loved.

The Souvenir Preservation Wave

Deeply moved by this story, Pixar Animation Studios co-founder John Lasseter wove Angel's experience into the plot of Cars, where Lightning McQueen and Ramone restore the roads of Radiator Springs, and thanked the guardian in the credits.

Lasseter even hand-painted a commemorative plaque for Angel, which still hangs in his shop. In another piece of artwork, Lasseter renamed Woody's sheriff badge "Angel."

As this legendary story spread worldwide, travelers began flocking to Seligman. To let visiting car enthusiasts take a piece of that emotion home, Angel and his wife Vilma began displaying various Route 66 souvenirs in the shop. Over time, the barbershop that shaped the town's destiny naturally evolved into a nationally renowned Route 66 gift shop.

Participating in the Route 66 Centennial

As Route 66 celebrates its centennial in 2026, the exchange and collection of souvenirs have become the lifeblood of highway culture, carrying its legacy forward in the hands of everyday people.

If you also want to be a chronicler and spreader of this history, capturing your memories of the road in the palm of your hand, or exchanging unique tokens with fellow travelers, Maxemblem is ready to support you:

Diverse Craft Customization: Turn Route 66 motifs into soft enamel commemorative coins, badges, or keychains as tangible keepsakes.

Flexible Low-Volume Production: Accommodates small-batch customization needs for personal collections, car club exchanges, or retail displays.

Free Dedicated Design: Provides complimentary design support for your custom orders.