Cyrus Avery helped organize the U.S. 66 Highway Association and is widely known as the “Father of Route 66.”
Avery was an Oklahoma businessman and civic leader who promoted a continuous highway linking Chicago with Los Angeles. He strongly supported the road’s east-west alignment through Oklahoma and neighboring states, arguing that it would connect agricultural communities with larger markets and improve long-distance travel.
The U.S. 66 Highway Association became an important early promotional organization for the road. It publicized Route 66 to motorists and businesses, helping build the highway’s commercial identity before national tourism advertising became widespread. Avery’s efforts also helped secure the number 66 for the proposed highway.
Avery is sometimes confused with later Route 66 promoters, business owners, or writers. His distinction is political and organizational: he helped make the highway a reality and promoted its national importance during the road’s formative years.