Route 66, Missouri - the nostalgic "Mother Road" trip continues

Established in 1926, Route 66 (AKA “The Mother Road“) stretches 2448 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica. It's a symbol of freedom and adventure on the open road that defined America and contributed to the growth of western USA. Route 66 also contributed its unique character as it passed through thriving towns across eight states: Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California.
With the increasing need for better roads, the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956 expanded interstate highways and bypassed most Route 66 towns with more efficient routes. Though decommissioned in 1985, many cultural icons along Route 66 have been preserved. Immortalized in literature, music, and film, The Mother Road's nostalgic appeal still attracts tourists from around the world. The COV-XIX scare was fatal to most of the small business shops, diners, & motels as people stayed home more.
In 1926 Chicago was considered the jumping-off point for people moving west. As this iconic U.S. highway reached St Louis, "The Gateway to the West", it crossed the Mississippi River by way of the old Chain of Rocks Bridge. The bridge was built in 1927 - 1929, several miles up the river from the central riverfront area where Route 66 was eventually routed.
The Gateway Arch was built in 1960, symbolizing St Louis as the Gateway to the West.
Images and videos are in the public domain, mostly from the Library of Congress. Contributing photographers are:
(1) Original image from Carol M. Highsmith’s America, Library of Congress collection. Digitally enhanced by rawpixel.
(2) Photography in high resolution by John Margolies. Original from the Library of Congress. Digitally enhanced by rawpixel.
(3) Original public domain image from Library of Congress