On what date in 2026 will U.S. Route 66 mark 100 years since its creation?

U.S. Route 66 will mark 100 years since its creation on November 11, 2026.

The highway was established on November 11, 1926, as part of the original U.S. Highway System. Its route connected Chicago with the Los Angeles area and became one of the best-known roads in the United States.

The centennial is often described as Route 66’s 100th anniversary, but the date refers to the highway’s official creation, not the date when every section was completed or paved. Route 66 changed alignment several times during its existence, and its western terminus eventually moved from the Los Angeles area to Santa Monica.

The anniversary is expected to draw attention to museums, restored service stations, bridges, motels, diners, and roadside attractions across the eight states formerly crossed by the highway. The exact anniversary date is useful because many centennial events use 2026 as a full-year celebration rather than observing only one day.