Route 66 was established as part of the US Numbered Highway System on Nov. 11, 1926. Today, it is the most popular highway in the world and celebrates its 99th birthday.
Many people don't know that in our area the original road follows the Ozark Trail, a well-worn dirt road that stretched through several states. Locally it was maintained by local landowners and businesses.
The Depot Museum will have a new exhibit which shares Bristow's part of the Ozark Trail/Route 66 birth, beginning in January 2026. Our volunteers have been busy researching and gathering photos and artifacts to make this a great display area for our museum visitors.
The 100-year celebration next year will bring lots of events and tourists to the area and we hope the locals will enjoy them too. We can't wait to share the new exhibit.
As a teaser, here's the Ozark Trail as it entered into the north side of Bristow, where the four-lane is today.