Cyrus Avery initially sought U.S. Route 60 for the Chicago–Los Angeles highway later designated U.S. Route 66.
Avery, an Oklahoma highway advocate, supported a major east–west route connecting the Midwest with Southern California. During the creation of the U.S. Numbered Highway System, he wanted the Chicago–Los Angeles corridor to receive the prominent number 60.
Officials in Kentucky argued that U.S. Route 60 should instead serve an east–west corridor through their state. That dispute blocked Avery’s preferred designation. Alternatives such as 62 were considered before Oklahoma highway engineer John M. Page identified 66 as an available number.
The compromise created one of the most recognizable highway numbers in American history. The route was designated in 1926 and became associated with migration, tourism, roadside commerce, music, film, and literature.