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Route 66
The American myth is a myth of movement and freedom. Many
Americans define home as if it were not an actual place. They ramble1
about from one area into another always in search of a home.
Route 66 is a measure of the American spirit and a reflection
of recent history.
The "Main Street of America", as Route 66 has often been
called, ran over 3600 kilometers from Chicago to Los Angeles. It cut through
8 states in the heartland of America. Route 66 was the first paved 2
highway which was made from a patchwork3
of existing Indian and pionier trails. The early roadbuilders always took
the easiest possible way through mountains and desserts.
In the years of 1920 it became fairly driveable. In these
times it was a favorite vacation route. In 1934 a dust storm blew through
the nations breadbasket and destroyed it. Affluent tourists were replaced
by destitude farmers who were forced into homeless exile on the "Mother
Road". These poor people were heading to California to find better work
and to have a better life. Years after a famous song and TV series helped
to solidify the reputation of the road. In the 50s and 60s Route 66 was
more crowded than it had ever been. The last Route 66 signs were taken
down in Chicago in 1977. On that momentous day there were damn few tears
for a bygone era.
Today most of Route 66 has been replaced by modern fourlane
interstate highways. There are only some pieces left where you can see
the old Route. The best and largest selection is in north western Arizona
just south of Grand Canyon Nationalpark. In the almost forgotten little
towns along the way there is a lot of nostalgia left: faded billboards,
junkyards with ancient automobiles and rotting wooden facades. Fans of
the highway have got together and formed associations. They preserve the
"mom and pops" that were prevalent along the old road. Or they creat exhibitions
where you can see old maps, postcards and street signs, careful encased
in glass. Fans also organize rallies and other special events.
Because people used to drive so recklessly the road was
also called "Bloody 66".
Nowadays many tourists take a journey by recreational
vehicles down the road. They visit nice sites and like to expierence the
meaning of the old road.
The cities between Chicago and Los Angeles:
Chicago St.Louis Oklahoma City Amarillo Alberquerque Flagstaff
Los Angeles
1 - to ramble about - umherwandern
2 - to pave - pflastern
3 - patchwork - Flickwerk
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