Route 66

More about the book

U.S. Highway 66 stands apart from other roads, having inspired a renowned novel, an Oscar-winning film, a hit song, and a long-running television show. Spanning 2,000 miles, it became a seven-year passion for Susan Croce Kelly and Quinta Scott, who traveled the route, photographing buildings, interviewing locals, and documenting the lives intertwined with this iconic highway. They narrate the story of a road that began in Tulsa, linked Chicago to Los Angeles, and influenced significant social changes in the early twentieth century. Through oral histories and archival documents, Kelly chronicles the evolution of Route 66 from its dirt-and-gravel origins to its decline due to technological advancements and changing lifestyles. Scott’s photographic essay captures the essence of those who lived along the highway, showcasing everything from unique highway architecture to the expansive Illinois prairies, wind-bent trees of Oklahoma, the vastness of New Mexico, and the lively pier at the Pacific's edge. By weaving together personal stories and images, the work presents a human study of America’s most famous road, highlighting the experiences of those who drove it, served food, crafted pottery, and provided fuel. Their narratives and portraits form the true biography of Route 66.