Historic Route 66 stretched 2448 miles from Chicago, Illinois to Santa Monica, California, and this portion is eight tenths of one mile of that route. As the primary road connecting Chicago to the west coast, Route 66 was called the Main Street of America. It attracted entrepreneurs and allowed cities to develop around the road. For many years, Route 66 was the main source of travel across the nation, provided an escape for the 'Okies' during the 1930s from the Dust Bowl region of the Great Plains, provided work for many during World War II, and served as a getaway for those who loved to travel the United States. Because of its popularity and vitality, it was also referred to as the Mother Road of America. After the introduction of the interstate highway system, the road became less traveled and human activity along it declined. Much of it was torn up or left for service roads, but Route 66 still has a life of its own in the people and places that have comprised its history.