Legacy of the Mother Road
TCC Connection
Legacy of the Mother Road
TCC Connection
Route 66 with OK Lt. Gov.
Gov. Matt Pinnell
Route 66 with OK Lt. Gov.
Gov. Matt Pinnell
Route 66 with Tulsa Mayor
Mayor Monroe Nichols
Route 66 with Tulsa Mayor
Mayor Monroe Nichols
Route 66 with OK Lt. Gov.
Gov. Matt Pinnell
Route 66 with Tulsa Mayor
Mayor Monroe Nichols
Legacy of the Mother Road:
Legacy of the Mother Road:
Route 66 is a storied highway that has captured the imagination of generations. Its lore lives through music, biographies, poetry, local memories, and the stories of the people who call the Mother Road home. These narratives stretch across nearly 2,500 miles of the United States and continue to draw fans from around the world.
Route 66 is a storied highway that has captured the imagination of generations. Its lore lives through music, biographies, poetry, local memories, and the stories of the people who call the Mother Road home. These narratives stretch across nearly 2,500 miles of the United States and continue to draw fans from around the world.
In their own words, the staff and contributing writers of the TCC Connection have documented their interpretation of the highs and lows of the road, as its longest route passes through the state of Oklahoma, and where the capital of the route is Tulsa.
In their own words, the staff and contributing writers of the TCC Connection have documented their interpretation of the highs and lows of the road, as its longest route passes through the state of Oklahoma, and where the capital of the route is Tulsa.
We wanted to develop a trail of knowledge that would be navigable for aficionados and amateur learners of the legendary thoroughfare. We hope we did that!
We wanted to develop a trail of knowledge that would be navigable for aficionados and amateur learners of the legendary thoroughfare. We hope we did that!
Route 66 & Tulsa Oil Boom Timeline
1901 - First oil discovery in Red Fork
The oil was first discovered on june 25, 1901 in red fork tulsa. This marked the early begining during but process was small.
1901 - First oil discovery in Red Fork
The oil was first discovered on june 25, 1901 in red fork tulsa. This marked the early begining during but process was small.
1905 - The strike
A The oil strike happen in tulsa. Became the largest discovery in oklahoma history. Marks the beginning of the "Oil Capital of the Word".
1905 - The strike
A The oil strike happen in tulsa. Became the largest discovery in oklahoma history. Marks the beginning of the "Oil Capital of the Word".
1905-1920 - Popularity
Thousands of miners, workers, and investors Tulsa grows with new buisnesses, building structures, and new roads. Tulsa becomes a wealthy city from production of oil.
1905-1920 - Popularity
Thousands of miners, workers, and investors Tulsa grows with new buisnesses, building structures, and new roads. Tulsa becomes a wealthy city from production of oil.
1920s - The Art Deco era begins in tulsa
Oil profits are used to build churches, skyscrapers, cafes, and public landmarks. Tulsa develops its famous art deco architecture with geometric shapes, metal details, bold colors, and zigzag patterns.
1920s - The Art Deco era begins in tulsa
Oil profits are used to build churches, skyscrapers, cafes, and public landmarks. Tulsa develops its famous art deco architecture with geometric shapes, metal details, bold colors, and zigzag patterns.
1926 - Route 66 is officially created
Route 66 highway opens during the height of the oil boom. The road becomes a major travel route that connects Oklahoma to the rest of the U.S. Oil money helps build many Route 66 cafés, stations, and shops.
1926 - Route 66 is officially created
Route 66 highway opens during the height of the oil boom. The road becomes a major travel route that connects Oklahoma to the rest of the U.S. Oil money helps build many Route 66 cafés, stations, and shops.
1930s — Tulsa becomes "Oil Capital of the World"
Tulsa is recognized worldwide for its oil industry influence. Growth continues, fueled by oil wealth and economic expansion.
1930s — Tulsa becomes "Oil Capital of the World"
Tulsa is recognized worldwide for its oil industry influence. Growth continues, fueled by oil wealth and economic expansion.
1953 — First Golden Driller statue
Built for the International Petroleum Exposition to honor oil workers.
1953 — First Golden Driller statue
Built for the International Petroleum Exposition to honor oil workers.
1959 — Redesigned Golden Driller
The statue becomes more popular and is rebuilt larger.
1959 — Redesigned Golden Driller
The statue becomes more popular and is rebuilt larger.
1966 — Golden Driller becomes permanent
Installed permanently and becomes a symbol of Tulsa's oil history.
1966 — Golden Driller becomes permanent
Installed permanently and becomes a symbol of Tulsa's oil history.