Oklahoma City has taken a nostalgic leap into the future with the unveiling of new Route 66 signage, marking an initiative to celebrate the centennial of the iconic American highway. The signage, as Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt pointed out on social media, is intended to shine a spotlight on the city's deep connection to the Mother Road. "Highlighting our connection to Route 66 is important, and nothing does that more plainly than a great sign. Today, in the Uptown District on NW 23rd, we unveiled the first of a new generation of signs," Mayor Holt shared on his social platform "X", showcasing the symbol of past and future converging, as reported by KFOR.
The first Route 66 Centennial Monument, celebrated by Oklahomans and beyond, has been installed at the intersection of 23rd Street and Hudson Avenue. It represents not just a milestone for the urban district but also a tribute to the history embedded in its streets. Unveiled on Tuesday at 4 p.m., the event featured Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt and Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell, according to OKC FOX. Five other monuments have already been installed across the state, with plans for more to come.
The significant endeavor, designed by VOX Industries alongside Oklahoma sculptor Stan Carroll - also known for his work on the iconic Sky Dance Bridge - aims to not only honor the historic Route 66's hundredth year in 2026 but to also stimulate the local economy. "We have an incredible brand here in Oklahoma," Mayor Holt told KOCO News. His statement clarified the economic intentions behind the art: "Signage is a critical part of that." He iterated the hope that these new markers would encourage people to stop and spend within the city's bounds.
Oklahoma, boasting the highest number of Route 66 miles, heralds its regional significance through this monumental signage placed prominently at Hudson Avenue and NW 23rd Street, designed over two years. The signs and monuments serve as a beacon, drawing vehicular pilgrims and nostalgists alike to thread the paths once woven by cotton gins and dust bowl refugees, effectively reconnecting with the artery that once pumped life into the commerce and narrative of an entire nation.
