U.S. Route 66 originally ran from Chicago, IL to Santa Monica, CA, covering a total of 2,448 miles (3,940 km) - which went through Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. It was established on November 11, 1926, and was used as a major highway of the United States until it was closed in 1985. The highway, which served as a primary route for those who migrated west, became globally famous by the hit song (Get Your Kicks on) Route 66. The song was composed in 1946 by American songwriter Bobby Troup (the original lyrics as per attached) and was firstly recorded in 1946 by the Nat King Cole Trio. The song has become a standard and has been recorded (as per attached YouTube videos) by numerous musicians - including Chuck Berry, Rolling Stones, Ray Charles, and Natalie Cole.

If you ever plan to motor west
Travel my way
Take the highway that's the best
Get your kicks on Route 66
It winds from Chicago to LA
More than two thousand miles all the way
Get your kicks on Route 66
Now you go through St. Louis
Joplin, Missouri
And Oklahoma City looks mighty pretty
You'll see Amarillo
Gallup, New Mexico
Flagstaff, Arizona
Don't forget Winona
Kingman, Barstow, San Bernardino
Won't you get hip to this timely tip
When you make that California trip
Get your kicks on Route 66
Get your kicks on Route 66
Get your kicks on Route 66