U.S. Route 66 is a cultural landmark that holds the rich history of America’s automotive and commercial boom, and the memories of countless family roadtrips.
The storied highway, which spans 2,400 miles between Chicago to California, is celebrating its centennial this year. Chicago honored the landmark Wednesday by unveiling a new sign at Navy Pier outside of Harry Caray’s Tavern.
Vintage cars surrounded the sign as city leaders and preservationists gathered to mark the milestone.
One of the speakers, Bill Thomas, said he was 8-years-old during his first trip on Route 66 to Disneyland.
He recalled the grueling temperatures and "adventure" of it all. That's something he appreciates now as commissioner of the U.S. Route 66 Centennial Commission.
“We drove through the desert and it was 100 degrees," said Thomas, 71. "This is part of the experience."
An impersonator of President Abraham Lincoln salutes during the National Anthem to kick off a news conference Wednesday to recognize Navy Pier as the starting point of Route 66 near Harry Caray’s restaurant.
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Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times
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Attendees look at alpaca before the start of a news conference Wednesday to recognize Navy Pier as the starting point of Route 66 near Harry Caray’s restaurant.
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Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times
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The Plain White T’s perform Wednesday before the start of a news conference to recognize Navy Pier as the starting point of Route 66 near Harry Caray’s restaurant. This year is the 100th anniversary of Route 66, which Caray traveled to announce his first game in 1945.
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Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times
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Supporters watch as a sign is unveiled Wednesday during a news conference to recognize Navy Pier as the starting point of Route 66 near Harry Caray’s restaurant. This year is the 100th
