I was asked in a recent interview why the subject of ghost towns along Route 66 inspired me to write this book. The answers are quite simple but the many facets of the answer are as varied as the towns profiled in this book. First, is the fact these towns are modern ghosts, a product of American societal evolution during the 20th century. An even more fascinating aspect is that these towns have roots stretching back in time to the very founding of the nation, and in some cases, even before the establishment of the thirteen colonies. The resurgent interest in Route 66 has given new life to small towns that withered on the vine when the sterile world of the interstate eclipsed that highway as the Main Street of America. In the towns profiled in this book, the resurgent interest came to late. In them, Route 66 will always be main street. With their colorful histories, I felt they need a brief moment in the spotlight. The final reason was a hunger to supply context and depth to the Route 66 experience. It was my desire to encourage travelers on this storied highway to look beyond the restored neon, and to peer through the thin veil that seperates the past from the present.
First, is the fact these towns are modern ghosts, a product of American societal evolution during the 20th century. An even more fascinating aspect is that these towns have roots stretching back in time to the very founding of the nation, and in some cases, even before the establishment of the thirteen colonies.
The resurgent interest in Route 66 has given new life to small towns that withered on the vine when the sterile world of the interstate eclipsed that highway as the Main Street of America.
In the towns profiled in this book, the resurgent interest came to late. In them, Route 66 will always be main street. With their colorful histories, I felt they need a brief moment in the spotlight.
The final reason was a hunger to supply context and depth to the Route 66 experience. It was my desire to encourage travelers on this storied highway to look beyond the restored neon, and to peer through the thin veil that seperates the past from the present.