Route 66: A Historical Journey Through America's Main Street
Route 66, often referred to as 'America's Main Street', is celebrated for its historical significance as a major migration route during the Great Depression. Fully paved in the 1930s, it served as a pathway for families fleeing the Dust Bowl in search of new opportunities in California. The highway has been immortalized in popular culture, symbolizing freedom and adventure. Kathleen Franz, a curator at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History, discusses the road's impact on American history and culture. Additionally, the 1973 album 'A Grain of Sand: Music for the Struggle of Asians in America' is highlighted for its role in expressing Asian American identity through music.