As Route 66 marks its centennial year, Jim Ross and Shellee Graham’s Route 66: The First 100 Years pays tribute to America’s Mother Road, commemorating a story of triumph and adventure. Now drawing attention with both national and state contest nominations – the Independent Book Publisher’s Awards (IBPA) and Oklahoma Book Awards – the project continues to resonate with anyone dreaming of the open road.

As the world’s most famous highway, Route 66 conjures images of dreamers, migrants, and nomads—from the early days of the Ozark Trails through the hardships of the Great Depression to mid-century family vacations. Shining a special light on Native American relations, the book explores the history of cultural interaction and tourism across the Southwest. With hundreds of photographs and a foreword by Pulitzer Prize–nominated author Michael Wallis, Ross and Graham offer a vivid snapshot of the stories born from this enduring road.

May & June Events:

  • Presentation & Book Signing | Monday, May 18th, at 2pm, at the Edmond Genealogical Society (LDS Church, 15700 N. Penn) in Oklahoma City, OK. The event is open to the public. More information can be found here.

  • Presentation & Book Signing | Thursday, May 28th, from 7pm – 8:30pm, hosted by Friends of the NW 10th at Castle Falls (820 N MacArthur Blvd ) in Oklahoma City, OK. The event is open to the public. More information can be found here.

  • Book Signing | Saturday, May 30th, from 4pm – 10pm, at the Route 66 Centennial Bash in Scissortail Park (300 SW 7th St) in Oklahoma City, OK. The event is free and open to the public. More information can be found here.

  • Presentation & Book Signing | Saturday, June 6th, from 2pm – 3pm, at the Knight’s Nook/Yukon Library (401 W. Main St) in Yukon, OK. The event is free and open to the public. More information can be found here.

  • Virtual Book Event | Tuesday, June 9th, at 1pm, hosted by the Oklahoma Historical Society and Oklahoma State University. The event is open to the public. More information and registration can be found here.

Regarded as respected ambassadors and historians of Route 66, Ross and Graham have authored or coauthored numerous books on the route. Between national preservation awards and decades of study, their lifelong dedication brings depth and authenticity to this centennial tribute. Whether you’re a longtime Route 66 enthusiast or a first-time explorer of the Mother Road, this commemorative book offers a timeless journey through a century of American history.

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