Route 66 Women: The Untold Story of the Mother Road

World War II & the Post War Period

Episode 102 | 57m 43s  | Video has closed captioning.

World War II brought renewed energy and purpose to Route 66 as the country suddenly needed to transport people, arms and ammunition from one coast to the other. Hospitality work was viewed as a natural extension of the domestic sphere, and on Route 66 many women worked in family businesses providing food and lodging. After the war, these women would create vibrant businesses on their own.