Route 66

Route 66 extends from Chicago to Santa Monica, passing through eight states, and attracting thousands of visitors each year who experience America’s heritage through a cultural landscape of diverse architectural styles and whimsically designed roadside diners, motels, attractions, and gas stations.

Although Route 66 is well-chronicled, the information needed to protect its heritage effectively—the impact of tourism, development, and environmental conditions—has long been lacking.

In 2007, WMF announced a grant for a pilot project and economic and environmental tourism impact study to protect and interpret Route 66 and ensure its long-term sustainability.

WMF, the National Park Service, and tourism professionals will engage local stakeholders—business owners and residents—in workshops about the study and conservation planning process. By analyzing visitor trends, preservation challenges, and environmental impact issues, the study will guide future preservation planning and provide conservation, education, and financial assistance recommendations.

The pilot project is a conditions assessment and conservation and adaptive reuse strategy for the Santo Domingo Trading Post, a historic building located between Santa Fe and Albuquerque. Once a trading center for Native American art and crafts, the Trading Post was damaged by fire and left vacant. It is owned by the Santo Domingo tribe, and, once restored, will offer locally made artwork and crafts. It will also serve as an entry point and manage tourism and traffic for the Santo Domingo Pueblo.

Route 66 is part of WMF's Sustainable Tourism initiative.


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Other Sustainable Tourism projects:
• St. Paul’s Cathedral
• Mexico City Historic Center
• Delhi Heritage City


Press release


Route 66 is on the 2008 World Monuments Watch list of 100 Most Endangered Sites.


This project is part of the Partners in Preservation initiative, which focuses on preserving historic sites for future generations to enjoy.