100 Years of Route 66: How Oklahoma shaped America’s most famous highway

From its earliest plans to the iconic stretches still drivable today, Oklahoma has played a central role in the history and legacy of America’s Mother Road.

News 9 By Karl Torp

January 7, 2026

The most famous road in America turns 100 years old this year, and we’re planning to spend all of 2026 celebrating a century of Route 66 with our new series.

Oklahoma has been a driving force since before this historic highway was built. Part of the plan to bring it to life was paved by Oklahoman Cyrus Avery.

“Cyrus Avery’s the one that stood up and said, ‘you know, if we connect Chicago to Los Angeles and connect that through Saint Louis, that can be the strongest commercial corridor in the country,’” said Rhys Martin, president of the Oklahoma Route 66 Association. View the full article: New9.com