Kingman, Arizona: Heart of the Mother Road and Centennial Countdown!
Kingman, Arizona, proudly wears the title of “The Heart of Historic Route 66.” This high-desert city in Mohave County is more than just a stop along the famous “Mother Road”; it’s home to the longest remaining continuous stretch of Route 66 in the United States, an incredible 158-mile ribbon of Americana. As the centennial of this iconic highway approaches in 2026, Kingman is gearing up for a major, year-long celebration that promises to bring the spirit of the Mother Road to life.
A Historic Hub on Route 66
The story of Kingman and Route 66 is one deeply intertwined with American expansion and the romance of the open road.
- Foundation on the Rails: Kingman’s history predates Route 66, starting in 1882 as a railroad stop for the Atlantic & Pacific Railroad, named after locating engineer Lewis Kingman. The city grew as a shipping point for the region’s mines and ranches.
- The Mother Road’s Path: When Route 66 was created in 1926, it adopted the roadbed of older trails, including the National Old Trails Highway. Kingman’s location made it a crucial stop for travelers heading west. The original 1926 alignment famously snaked southwest out of town through the challenging Sitgreaves Pass to the living ghost town of Oatman.
- A Place of Legend: During its heyday, Route 66 was dotted with classic roadside attractions, vintage motels like the historic El Trovatore, and diners. Kingman became a destination in its own right, welcoming figures like Clark Gable and Carole Lombard, who married there. The city’s famous street, Andy Devine Avenue, is named for the actor who grew up there, and Kingman is mentioned in the lyrics of the iconic song, “Route 66.”
- Preserving the Legacy: Although Interstate 40 bypassed Kingman when it was completed, ending the era of the old highway, the city has worked diligently to preserve its heritage. Today, the Historic Route 66 Museum, housed in the historic Powerhouse building, serves as the headquarters for the Route 66 Association of Arizona, championing the preservation and promotion of this essential piece of American history.
Revving Up for the Centennial in 2026
The year 2026 marks 100 years since Route 66 was commissioned, and Kingman is planning a series of events to celebrate this monumental anniversary. While the entire year will be celebratory, a few key events will anchor the festivities:
- The Kingman Route 66 Fest (October 16–17, 2026): The annual celebration is set to be bigger than ever for the centennial. It typically features a classic car show, a pinup contest, live music, food and craft vendors, and interactive displays, capturing the vibrant culture surrounding the Mother Road.
- The Historic Route 66 Fun Run (May 1–3, 2026): Kingman is a major stop on this long-running, multi-day cruise. Starting in Seligman and ending near Topock, the run brings hundreds of classic cars and enthusiasts from around the world to travel the scenic 140-mile stretch of the Arizona Mother Road. Kingman typically hosts a prominent Show ‘N Shine car show as part of the weekend.
- Kingman’s Centennial Kickoff (November 15, 2025): The year of celebrations officially begins with the “A Night at the Route 66 Museum (Roaring Twenties Centennial Kickoff Party)”—a 1920s-themed gala in Kingman that will transport guests back to the decade Route 66 was born.
Kingman’s centennial celebrations offer the perfect opportunity for history buffs, car enthusiasts, and road-trippers to experience the enduring charm and history of America’s Main Street. Start planning your trip now to be a part of this once-in-a-lifetime celebration!
Visit the Explore Kingman Website for more information including lodging, attractions, and events.
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