SPRINGFIELD, MO – City leaders are taking steps to build a new feature downtown that commemorates the Mother Road.
A special “Birthplace of Route 66 Plaza” is planned on Jefferson Avenue at Park Central East. The spot would pay homage to Springfield’s past when it comes to the origin of the historic highway.
The site is currently a parking lot used by Missouri State University. However, it was originally home to the Colonial Hotel, which was demolished decades ago. It was in the basement, in April 1926, that transportation officials met to decide on the name of the route. After settling on Route 66, a telegram was sent to Washington, D.C., confirming their decision regarding the numerical designation for the coast-to-coast highway…