Route 66 Revival-How a Small Town Saved the Mother Road

In 1985, Route 66 was officially decommissioned — stripped from maps, bypassed by interstates, and nearly forgotten. But in one small Arizona town, a barber named Angel Delgadillo refused to let it go quietly. What followed was a grassroots movement that reignited America's love for the Mother Road. From fun runs to federal grants, this is the untold story of Route 66’s revival — and how one man’s persistence sparked a nationwide comeback. We’ll explore how Seligman, Missouri, and even Pixar’s Cars played a role in reviving this iconic highway, and how a new generation is keeping the dream alive as Route 66 nears its 100th anniversary in 2026. ▶️ For more Route 66 stories, visit our playlist: The Life and Times of Route 66 👍 Like, comment, and subscribe to follow along as we go Beyond the Exit. #Route66 #HistoricHighways #BeyondTheExit AMAZON AFFILIATE LINKS TO PRODUCTS WE LOVE: EZ66 GUIDE For Travelers - 5TH EDITION - https://amzn.to/4lVS4NA Route 66 Adventure Handbook: Full-Throttle Sixth Edition - https://amzn.to/44VNqZ0 Route 66: Return to the Road with Martin Milner - https://amzn.to/40oYMUe Route 66: The Mother Road 75th Anniversary Edition - https://amzn.to/453yuZc Disclaimer: Some visuals in this video include AI-generated or reimagined imagery created for illustrative and storytelling purposes. These are not intended to represent actual historical photographs or real events, but are used to help convey the atmosphere, emotion, and context of the story. Where possible, archival and licensed materials have been credited or used with permission. All efforts have been made to respect the legacy and individuals portrayed.