© 2017, Contemporary Narrative Weavings by Bonnie Clark / Dakini Dreams, Route 66 #1, Magic in the Desert: Santa Fe Reflections
"The road must eventually lead to the whole world." -- Jack Kerouac
Route 66. America’s Highway. The Mother Road. The name itself conjures memories of exploration, adventure, and freedom in those of a certain age. It wasn’t just a highway. It was an experience. It was the inspiration for a generation of writers, musicians, artists, and dreamers.
During its heyday, Route 66 introduced travelers to the exotic landscapes and people of the southwest. The Spanish and Native American cultures encountered along New Mexico’s Route 66 opened up new worlds never dreamed of. It was a journey of discovery… the old Indian Pueblos, the old town plazas of Santa Fe and Albuquerque, and intriguing little towns, like Tucumcari, with unique and colorful histories.
In 1937, an act of political revenge meant to punish Santa Fe's politicians and businesses resulted in Route 66 being realigned to bypass the city. But Santa Fe had already claimed its place in the history and stories of the Mother Road.