WHY THIS PLACE? Since opening in the 1930s, Hackberry General Store near Kingman, Arizona, has become a fixture of Route 66. It encapsulates the storied highway, from its classic Americana signage to the quirky memorabilia and souvenirs that are for sale inside. The store was a stop on a 2018 National Trust road trip that raised awareness about the importance of Route 66.
Though the route was decommissioned in 1985, it persists within the collective American consciousness and remains a popular road trip destination for thousands of travelers a year. Yet many of the historic stops along the road face threats from neglect or potential redevelopment.
The National Trust is working to change that through its Preserve Route 66 initiative, which includes advocacy, fundraising, and targeted preservation work. In 2007, the organization named the roadway’s historic motels to its list of America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places. Historic Route 66 in its entirety was included on the list in 2018. And through recent and current programs such as the Preserve Route 66 Legacy Business Grant Fund, the Preserve Route 66 Grant Fund, Benjamin Moore sponsorships, and HOPE Crew preservation projects, the National Trust is helping to spur economic growth along Route 66, highlight its complex history, and restore its most iconic places for future generations to enjoy.
