The iconic U.S. Route 66 starts in Chicago and ends all the way in California.
Well now the famed roadway has a new symbolic start point in the Windy City.
Here’s all the details.
Navy Pier designated new symbolic start point of Route 66
City leaders celebrated the centennial anniversary of Route 66 this week by officially designating Navy Pier the new symbolic starting point of the legendary highway.
Route 66 was founded in 1926 when the U.S. established the Federal highway system, according to the U.S. National Park Service.
The transit artery came together as a patchwork of existing state, local, and national roads, and quickly gained popularity due to its scenic views and local roadside attractions.
Route 66 crosses through Illinois, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California.
In 1985, Route 66 was federally decommissioned. However, the highway continues to play an important role in American history and lives on through preservation initiatives.
City and state leaders came together at Navy Pier on Wednesday morning for a special dedication ceremony, unveiling a new Route 66 starting monument at the entrance to the pier.
The new starting point creates a seamless link between the beginning of Route 66 at Navy Pier and the end at Santa Monica Pier in California.