The Symbols Of Route 66: The Mother Road

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Route 66 as most people refer to it today as “The Mother Road” stands as a proud symbol of the “ Road to Opportunity” (Scott Quinta). It is because of the construction of this great landmark that America had such a strong backbone during times of depression. It was a critical period for Americans with the Great Depression, World War II, and the Dust Bowl, it was if America couldn 't catch a break. Its population stood tall and did everything they could to survive and Route 66 was their to support them. “Today Route 66 is neither a fully functioning highway nor a road that has completely disappeared it is, however, a destination and a potent symbol of personal freedom” (R. Sean Evans). For a Highway to have such an impact on Americans one would …show more content…

Truly it was a living “nightmare” for anyone living around these lands. The conditions created from these dust storms proved to be deadly, “ those who inhaled the airborne prairie dust suffered coughing spasms, shortness of breath, asthma, bronchitis and influenza” (History Channel Staff). Evacuating the area seemed to be the only plausible option for people in this time. With 400,000 people leaving the great plains, With no chances of making a living in their current situation farm families abandoned their homes leaving westward to become migrant …show more content…

They held such poor sanitary conditions, being on the road seemed as a better alternative. Route 66 was all these farmers had left with the hopes of restarting again they took off. The road not only brought Mid-westerners to California but it brought people together as a whole. “Route 66 with its bumpy and uneven pavement and the car with its numerous flat tires, forced people to come to each other 's ' rescue” (Evans R. Sean). Families were formed and who just seemed as just a hitchhiker now has assimilated into traveling families. Coming together from different backgrounds offer multiple stories to tell and some people use this to this to their

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