Will Rogers began his rise to international fame, historic greatness, and galloping humor along a frontier cattle trail that later became Route 66 of motorized America. Born on a ranch in 1879 twelve miles northwest of here, he died in 1935 and was buried in a hillside tomb one mile due west from here. As trail dust gave way to concrete and Route 66, his creed of brotherhood was presented as a message for all time. He said, "I joked about every prominent man of my time, but I never met a man I didn't like." Through the stage, screen, newspaper pages, and electronic airwaves, his message of tolerance and understanding became part of the spirit and legacy of Route 66. U.S. Highway 66 opened November 11, 1926, and was named Will Rogers Highway in 1936.
