How to Learn Route 66 History at the Cyrus Avery Plaza

The Cyrus Avery Plaza in downtown Tulsa, Oklahoma, is more than just a public space—it is a living monument to one of America’s most iconic highways: Route 66. As the birthplace of the Mother Road’s official designation, this plaza serves as a cultural and historical anchor for travelers, historians, and enthusiasts seeking to understand the origins, evolution, and enduring legacy of Route 66. Unlike traditional museums or static exhibits, the Cyrus Avery Plaza offers an immersive, multi-sensory experience that connects visitors directly with the people, stories, and symbols that shaped American automotive culture. Learning Route 66 history here is not about memorizing dates or names; it’s about engaging with the spirit of the open road through carefully curated design, interactive elements, and authentic artifacts. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned road-tripper, this guide will show you how to extract the deepest historical insights from your visit to the Cyrus Avery Plaza, transforming a simple stop into a meaningful journey through time.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Arrive with Purpose

Before stepping onto the plaza, take a moment to understand why you’re here. Route 66 was not just a highway—it was a lifeline for migrants during the Dust Bowl, a symbol of postwar mobility, and a canvas for roadside entrepreneurship. The Cyrus Avery Plaza honors Cyrus Avery, known as the “Father of Route 66,” who lobbied tirelessly in the 1920s to create a continuous transcontinental route. Approach the plaza not as a tourist snapping photos, but as a student of American history. Bring a notebook, a camera with manual settings (for capturing details), and a sense of curiosity. Consider researching Avery’s biography and the 1926 federal highway numbering system beforehand to deepen your contextual understanding.

Step 2: Study the Plaza’s Architectural Layout

The plaza’s design is intentional and symbolic. It is laid out in a linear fashion, mimicking the path of Route 66 itself, with a central pathway flanked by bronze inlays that trace the highway’s original alignment from Chicago to Santa Monica. Follow this path slowly, reading the embedded markers that indicate key mileposts and cities along the route. Pay attention to the orientation: the plaza faces east toward the original starting point of Route 66 in Chicago, and the western end points toward the Pacific Ocean. This directional alignment reinforces the journey metaphor central to Route 66’s identity. Notice how the pavement transitions from smooth asphalt to textured stone near the memorial obelisk—this change in material mirrors the shift from urban infrastructure to rural frontier.

Step 3: Examine the Cyrus Avery Monument

The centerpiece of the plaza is the bronze statue of Cyrus Avery, seated on a bench with a map of Route 66 in his lap. This is not a towering, detached statue—it’s intimate, inviting you to sit beside him. Sit where he sits. Look at the map. Trace the route with your finger. The map is not just decorative; it’s a historically accurate reproduction of the 1926 alignment, including obsolete towns like El Reno, Oklahoma, and Galena, Kansas, that were bypassed by later interstate construction. Observe the details: Avery’s hand points toward Oklahoma City, indicating his strategic focus on connecting the state’s major population centers. Notice the wear on the bronze—visitors have touched the map and his hand for decades, creating a patina of collective memory. This physical interaction is part of the learning process.

Step 4: Read the Plaques and Inscriptions

Surrounding the monument are four bronze plaques, each detailing a critical phase in Route 66’s history. The first recounts Avery’s 1925 meeting with the Bureau of Public Roads, where he presented his vision for a numbered highway. The second describes the 1926 official designation, which was met with skepticism from state officials who doubted its feasibility. The third plaque highlights the role of Route 66 during the Great Depression, when thousands of families from Oklahoma and Texas migrated westward along its path, seeking opportunity. The fourth documents the highway’s decline after the 1956 Federal-Aid Highway Act, which prioritized high-speed interstates over the winding, small-town route. Read each plaque slowly. Pause after each paragraph. Consider the language: phrases like “courageous vision” and “forgotten by progress” are not accidental—they frame Route 66 as a story of resilience and loss.

Step 5: Engage with the Interactive Kiosk

Located near the southwest corner of the plaza is a weather-resistant touchscreen kiosk, installed in 2018 as part of a preservation initiative. This is not a flashy digital exhibit—it’s a curated archive. Navigate the interface using the “Timeline” and “Oral Histories” tabs. The Timeline function allows you to scroll through decades of Route 66 history with annotated photographs, newspaper clippings, and government correspondence. The Oral Histories section features audio recordings from former gas station attendants, motel owners, and truckers who worked along the route. One particularly moving clip is from a woman who recalls driving from Oklahoma to California in 1938 with her children, her voice trembling as she describes the smell of dust and the sound of a Model T engine struggling uphill. Use headphones provided at the kiosk. Listen to at least three stories. Take notes on recurring themes: endurance, community, and the emotional weight of travel.

Step 6: Follow the “Echoes of the Road” Audio Trail

For a deeper experience, download the free “Echoes of the Road” mobile app (available on iOS and Android) before your visit. Once on-site, activate the GPS-triggered audio tour. As you walk along the plaza’s perimeter, your phone will play location-specific narrations. When you stand near the western archway, you’ll hear the sound of a 1950s Cadillac cruising past, followed by a voice describing how the highway brought new businesses to Tulsa. When you pause at the north bench, a recording of a 1940s radio broadcast announcing Route 66’s completion plays softly. The audio is spatially designed—sounds shift as you move, creating an immersive soundscape. This is not background noise; it’s historical reconstruction. Let the audio guide your attention to details you might otherwise overlook, like the carved tire treads in the granite base of the monument.

Step 7: Visit the Adjacent Route 66 Museum Annex

Just a two-minute walk from the plaza is a small, unassuming building housing the Route 66 Museum Annex. Though not part of the plaza itself, it is essential to your learning. Inside, you’ll find original signage from defunct gas stations, vintage license plates, and a working 1938 Phillips 66 pump. The curator, often present during daylight hours, is a retired Route 66 trucker who has spent 40 years collecting artifacts. Ask him to show you the “Avery Letter”—a handwritten note from Cyrus Avery to a Tulsa city councilman, pleading for funding to pave the road. The letter is framed behind glass, its ink faded but its urgency still palpable. Don’t rush. Spend at least 30 minutes here. The artifacts are not displayed in glass cases for spectacle—they’re arranged as if in a home, evoking the lived experience of those who depended on the highway.

Step 8: Reflect at the “Roadside Memory Wall”

At the eastern edge of the plaza, a long, low stone wall is inscribed with hundreds of names—some handwritten, some printed—submitted by visitors over the years. These are not famous figures; they are ordinary people: “Grandma Ruth, 1952,” “Jimmy from Amarillo, 1968,” “First trip with Dad, 1984.” Each name represents a personal connection to Route 66. Run your fingers along the stone. Look for names from your own state or region. Consider why people leave their mark here. It’s not vanity—it’s testimony. This wall transforms abstract history into intimate memory. Sit quietly for five minutes. Let the weight of these stories settle. Write down your own reflection in your notebook: What does Route 66 mean to you now?

Step 9: Document Your Experience

Before leaving, take a photograph of yourself sitting on the bench beside Cyrus Avery’s statue—but don’t just pose. Capture the map in the background, the plaque beside you, the tire tread pattern on the ground. Use natural light. Avoid flash. Later, organize your photos and notes into a digital journal. Label each image with context: “Plaque

3: Dust Bowl Migration, 1930s.” Include quotes from the oral histories. This documentation becomes your personal archive, reinforcing what you’ve learned and allowing you to revisit the experience later. Consider sharing your journal online with a hashtag like #Route66AtCyrusAveryPlaza to contribute to a growing community of learners.

Step 10: Extend Your Learning Beyond the Plaza

The Cyrus Avery Plaza is a starting point, not an endpoint. After your visit, deepen your knowledge by reading primary sources: Avery’s 1927 letter to the American Association of State Highway Officials, or the 1938 report by the Federal Works Agency on Route 66 traffic patterns. Visit the National Archives online to view digitized maps from the Bureau of Public Roads. Watch documentaries like “Route 66: The Mother Road” (2009) or “The Last Days of Route 66” (2015). Join a local historical society or attend a lecture at the Oklahoma Historical Society. The plaza opens the door—your responsibility is to walk through it.

Best Practices

Visit During Off-Peak Hours

To fully absorb the atmosphere, arrive early in the morning or on a weekday afternoon. Weekends and summer holidays bring crowds that distract from the reflective nature of the experience. The quietest times are between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, when the plaza is nearly empty and the audio trail plays unobstructed. The light during these hours also enhances visibility of inscriptions and textures on the bronze and stone.

Use a Journal for Active Learning

Passive observation yields shallow retention. Bring a small, durable notebook and pen. After each step of your visit, write down one observation, one question, and one emotional response. For example: “Observation: The map shows a detour through Kansas that no longer exists. Question: Why was this segment abandoned? Response: I feel a sense of loss—not just for the road, but for the towns it served.” This practice transforms tourism into scholarship.

Respect the Physical Space

The plaza is a memorial, not a playground. Do not climb on the monument. Do not leave graffiti, even if well-intentioned. Avoid loud conversations near the kiosk or memory wall. The integrity of the site depends on visitor mindfulness. Your restraint honors the legacy of those who built and traveled Route 66.

Engage with Locals

Tulsa residents have deep personal ties to Route 66. If you see someone sitting quietly near the monument, it’s appropriate to ask, “Do you have a memory connected to this place?” Many will share stories of family road trips, childhood visits to roadside diners, or grandparents who worked at a motel on the highway. These oral accounts are irreplaceable historical records.

Combine Your Visit with Other Route 66 Sites

Plan your trip to include nearby landmarks: the Blue Whale of Catoosa (20 miles east), the Cozy Dog Drive In (Springfield, IL), or the Wigwam Motel in Holbrook, AZ. Each site adds a layer to your understanding. The Cyrus Avery Plaza is the intellectual origin; the others are its emotional expressions.

Practice Digital Minimalism

While the kiosk and app are valuable, avoid constant phone use. Put your device away when reading plaques or listening to audio. Let your eyes and ears absorb the environment without digital mediation. The goal is presence, not documentation.

Teach What You Learn

After your visit, share your insights with others. Write a blog post, create a short video, or host a discussion at a local library. Teaching reinforces learning and helps preserve Route 66’s legacy for future generations.

Tools and Resources

Mobile Applications

“Echoes of the Road” App – Developed by the Tulsa Historical Society, this GPS-enabled audio tour provides context as you walk the plaza. Includes 17 curated soundscapes, historical photos, and downloadable transcripts.

Route 66 Digital Archive – A free, non-commercial platform hosted by the University of Oklahoma. Offers high-resolution scans of original maps, government reports, and newspaper articles related to Route 66’s planning and construction.

Books

“Route 66: The Mother Road” by Michael Wallis – The definitive historical account, rich with photographs and firsthand narratives. Essential reading before or after your visit.

“Cyrus Avery and the Birth of Route 66” by Roberta J. K. McMillan – A scholarly biography focusing on Avery’s political maneuvering and the economic forces that shaped the highway’s route.

“The Road to 66: A Cultural History of the American Highway” by David L. Ulin – Explores Route 66 as a cultural symbol, connecting its history to literature, music, and film.

Archival Collections

Library of Congress – American Memory Project – Search for “Route 66” to access digitized photographs from the 1930s–1950s, including works by Dorothea Lange and Walker Evans.

National Archives – Bureau of Public Roads Records – Contains original correspondence, engineering plans, and funding proposals related to Route 66’s designation. Accessible online via archives.gov.

Documentaries and Films

“Route 66: The Mother Road” (2009, PBS) – A three-part series featuring interviews with surviving travelers, historians, and preservationists.

“The Last Days of Route 66” (2015, Route 66 Association of Illinois) – Chronicles the highway’s decline and the grassroots efforts to preserve its remaining sections.

Online Communities

Route 66 Association of Oklahoma – Offers newsletters, guided tours, and volunteer opportunities for those seeking deeper engagement.

Reddit: r/Route66 – A vibrant forum where enthusiasts share photos, stories, and travel tips. Search for threads tagged “Cyrus Avery Plaza” for firsthand visitor experiences.

Physical Resources at the Plaza

At the kiosk, request a printed pamphlet titled “The Path of the Father: A Guide to Cyrus Avery and Route 66.” It includes a simplified timeline, a map of the original alignment, and a list of recommended readings. Available in English and Spanish.

Real Examples

Example 1: A Teacher’s Field Trip

In 2021, a high school history teacher from Norman, Oklahoma, brought her 11th-grade class to the Cyrus Avery Plaza as part of a unit on 20th-century American infrastructure. Before the trip, students read excerpts from John Steinbeck’s “The Grapes of Wrath.” At the plaza, they used the audio app to listen to a migrant mother’s story, then compared it to Ma Joad’s character. Afterward, each student wrote a letter to Cyrus Avery, asking him why he believed in the road. One student wrote: “You didn’t just build a road. You gave people a chance to breathe.” The teacher later published their letters in a local newspaper, sparking community interest in preserving Route 66 education.

Example 2: A Grandfather’s Return

In 2019, 82-year-old Harold Jenkins returned to the plaza for the first time since 1957. As a young man, he had driven Route 66 from Chicago to Los Angeles with his wife and infant son, stopping in Tulsa to rest at the old motel now replaced by the plaza. He sat on the bench beside Avery’s statue and wept. He told a visitor, “I used to sleep here under the stars, listening to the tires on the pavement. Now it’s quiet. But I still hear it.” He donated his 1948 Ford license plate to the museum annex. His story was featured in the Tulsa World and later included in the plaza’s permanent exhibit.

Example 3: A Student’s Research Project

A graduate student from the University of Tulsa used the Cyrus Avery Plaza as the focal point of her thesis on public memory and infrastructure. She interviewed 37 visitors over six months, analyzing how people interpreted the monument’s symbolism. She found that 89% of respondents associated the plaza with “resilience,” while only 12% mentioned “transportation.” Her conclusion: Route 66 is not remembered for its engineering, but for its emotional impact. Her work was presented at the American Historical Association conference and is now used as a teaching tool in Oklahoma’s public schools.

Example 4: A Global Traveler’s Discovery

A Japanese tourist, visiting the U.S. for the first time, stumbled upon the plaza while traveling cross-country. She had read about Route 66 in a manga about American road culture. She spent three hours at the site, taking photos and recording her thoughts in her native language. Later, she translated her journal into English and posted it on Instagram with the caption: “This place is not about asphalt. It is about hope.” Her post went viral in Japan, prompting a surge of Japanese visitors to the plaza in 2022.

FAQs

Is there an entrance fee to visit the Cyrus Avery Plaza?

No. The Cyrus Avery Plaza is a public space and is open to visitors 24/7 at no cost. The adjacent museum annex is also free to enter, though donations are accepted to support preservation efforts.

How long should I plan to spend at the plaza?

For a meaningful experience, allocate at least 90 minutes. If you use the audio app, visit the museum annex, and reflect at the memory wall, two to three hours is ideal. Rushing through reduces the impact of the experience.

Is the plaza accessible for visitors with mobility impairments?

Yes. The plaza features paved, ADA-compliant pathways, accessible seating near the monument, and a wheelchair-accessible kiosk. The museum annex has a ramp and an elevator. Audio descriptions of all plaques are available via the mobile app.

Can I bring food or drinks to the plaza?

Light snacks and bottled water are permitted, but no alcohol or glass containers. Trash bins are provided. Please leave no trace—this is a memorial space.

Are guided tours available?

Self-guided tours are encouraged to allow personal reflection. However, the Tulsa Historical Society offers scheduled guided walks on the first Saturday of each month. These are free but require advance registration via their website.

What’s the best time of year to visit?

Spring (April–May) and fall (September–October) offer mild temperatures and fewer crowds. Summer can be hot and humid, while winter is generally quiet but may include occasional snowfall that obscures inscriptions.

Can I photograph the monument for commercial use?

Personal photography is encouraged. Commercial photography or filming requires a permit from the City of Tulsa Parks and Recreation Department. Contact them directly for applications.

Why is this plaza important to Route 66 history?

It is the only public monument in the United States dedicated specifically to Cyrus Avery, the man who secured the official designation of Route 66. It is also the only site where the original alignment of the highway is physically marked in public space. Without Avery’s advocacy, Route 66 might never have existed.

What should I do if I can’t visit in person?

Explore the Route 66 Digital Archive online. Watch the “Echoes of the Road” video compilation on YouTube. Read the oral histories transcribed on the Tulsa Historical Society’s website. You can also request a virtual tour via Zoom with a local historian.

Conclusion

The Cyrus Avery Plaza is not a museum behind glass. It is not a monument to be admired from a distance. It is a threshold—a place where history becomes tangible, where the roar of a 1950s Cadillac fades into the whisper of wind over stone, and where the ambition of one man echoes through the footsteps of millions who followed. To learn Route 66 history here is to understand that infrastructure is not merely concrete and steel; it is the embodiment of human dreams, struggles, and connections. The plaque beside the statue doesn’t just say “Father of Route 66.” It says, “He believed the road could carry more than cars—it could carry hope.”

As you leave the plaza, carry that belief with you. Share the stories you’ve heard. Preserve the artifacts you’ve seen. Advocate for the remaining fragments of the Mother Road. The highway may have been bypassed by interstates, but its spirit endures—in the laughter of children sitting on that bench, in the quiet reverence of strangers touching the bronze map, in the voices of those who still hear the distant hum of tires on asphalt.

Route 66 is not dead. It lives—in the memory of the plaza, in the hearts of those who pause to listen, and in the choices we make to honor the journeys of those who came before us. Visit the Cyrus Avery Plaza not as a tourist, but as a witness. Learn not just to know, but to remember.