Clinton in Custer County, Oklahoma — The American South (West South Central)

U.S. 66

Will Rogers Highway

Photographed By Michael Kindig, May 25, 2003

1. U.S. 66 - Willl Rogers Highway Marker

Inscription. The Oklahoma Route 66 Museum opened on September 23, 1995. The museum is operated by the Oklahoma Historical Society, and focuses on the history of Route 66.

The redevelopment of the museum was funded with federal, state, and private funds, with the citizens of Clinton, Oklahoma contributing over $200,000.

Will Rogers and Route 66 are symbols of American optimism. They have become internationally known, sharing Oklahoma with the world.

"We are here just for a spell and then pass on...so get a few laughs and do the best you can. Live your life so that whenever you lose, you are ahead."
Will Rogers

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the U.S. Route 66 series list. A significant historical month for this entry is September 1791.

Location. 35° 30.399′ N, 98° 59.203′ W. Marker is in Clinton, Oklahoma, in Custer County. Marker is on West Gary Boulevard (Business Interstate 40) 0.1 miles south of West Modelle Avenue (Oklahoma Highway 73), on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2229 West Gary Boulevard, Clinton OK 73601, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Calmez Hotel (a few steps from this marker); Glancy Motor Hotel (a few steps from this

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marker); Mohawk Lodge Indian Store (a few steps from this marker); Redland Theater (a few steps from this marker); Marshall Cafe (a few steps from this marker); Rio Siesta Motel (a few steps from this marker); Pop Hicks' Restaurant (a few steps from this marker); Clinton Drive-In (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Clinton.

Regarding U.S. 66. U.S. Route 66 was well-known as the Main Street of America, or the Mother Road, but not Will Rogers Highway. A congressional resolution to name Route 66 in honor of Will Rogers was considered in 1935 but was not finalized. In 1952, a number of bronze markers were placed to promote the Warner Brothers film "The Will Rogers Story". The U.S. 66 Highway Associaton, Ford Motor Company, and Warner Brothers took part in the promotion. A caravan drove along Route 66 from St. Louis to Santa Monica placing markers at each state line declaring the name Will Rogers Highway. It was only a movie promotion, not an actual re-naming of the highway.

Also see . . . The Oklahoma Route 66 Museum

Route 66 Museum image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Michael Kindig, May 25, 2003

2. Route 66 Museum

. The Oklahoma Historical Society. (Submitted on January 31, 2012, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.)

1956 Ford Thunderbird image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Michael Kindig, May 25, 2003

3. 1956 Ford Thunderbird

Photographed By Mike Stroud, May 30, 1996

4. Route 66 Museum

Credits. This page was last revised on August 11, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 28, 2012, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. This page has been viewed 1,007 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on January 28, 2012, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. 2, 3. submitted on January 30, 2012, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. 4. submitted on January 31, 2012, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.