Flagstaff in Coconino County, Arizona — The American Mountains (Southwest)

The Mother Road

Heading West

Photographed by Adam Margolis, May 24, 2024

1. The Mother Road Marker

Inscription. Heading west, Route 66 helped determine Flagstaff's urban form by creating the long commercial corridor that provided travelers with motels, auto repair, gas, entertainment and food. The buildings along Route 66 that remain today are a living museum of consumer patterns influenced by travelers and locals during the Great Dust Bowl, Great Depression, WWII, and post war prosperity.

Entrepreneurs spurred growth along the corridor by vying to be the first or last chance business for travelers entering or leaving town. Like many cities and towns along Route 66, the volume of traffic was a challenge for travelers and locals. As a result portions of Route 66 in Flagstaff were widened to four lanes in the 1950s and 1960s.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Parks & Recreational Areas • Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the U.S. Route 66 series list.

Location. 35° 13.016′ N, 111° 35.601′ W. Marker is in Flagstaff, Arizona, in Coconino County. It is on U.S. 89, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3572 US-89, Flagstaff AZ 86004, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Flagstaff & High Country

and in Hopi.

It is also in the American Southwest,

in the Mountain West,

in Colorado Plateau,

and at the Four Corners.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

: A different marker also named The Mother Road (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Museum Club (approx. 0.4 miles away); a different marker also named The Museum Club (approx. 0.4 miles away); Bushmaster Park (approx. 0.6 miles away); Route 66 Trail (approx. 0.9 miles away); Arizonal Trail - A Tribute to Dale Shewalter (approx. 2.2 miles away); Beale Wagon Road (approx. 2.2 miles away); Buffalo Park (approx. 2.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Flagstaff.

Photographed by Adam Margolis, May 24, 2024

2. The Mother Road Marker

Marker is located on the left

Credits. This page was last revised on December 20, 2024. It was originally submitted on December 17, 2024, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. This page has been viewed 222 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 17, 2024, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.