At the southwest corner of Jefferson Avenue and St. Louis Street, Birthplace Plaza is being constructed on hallowed ground: the very site of the Colonial Hotel, where, in 1926, a group of visionary leaders gathered and sent the telegram that officially christened the highway “Route 66.”
With the dedication of a sculptural work, mural and interpretive kiosk at Birthplace Plaza, Springfield embeds its origin story in stone metal and light, reclaiming the corner as a wayfinder for travelers and a place of pilgrimage for Route 66 fans. This space will serve as both a historical marker and a beacon—a gathering place that bridges past and future, honoring the cultural importance of the road that began here.
ℹ️ 4 p.m., Thursday April 30, 2026 (exactly 100 years to the time and date the telegram went to Washington D.C.)
⭐️ Funded by the Missouri Route 66 Centennial Commission and Rotary Clubs of Springfield
⭐️ Supported by Missouri State University and the City of Springfield
👉 Learn more about all of the National Route 66 Centennial Kickoff Celebration Events at Route66Kickoff.com!
The National Route 66 Centennial Kickoff Celebration is presented by Vital Farms and supported by O’Reilly Auto Parts, Show-Me America 250, Multipli Credit Union, AAA, & Hotel Vandivort.
You may also like the following events from CelebrateMo66:
