Historic U.S. Route 66 in Carthage

"The Mother Road" was established on November 11, 1926, and ultimately stretched 2,448 miles from Chicago to Los Angeles. Starting in Chicago, westbound travelers traversed a series of towns in Illinois before arriving in St. Louis.

Heading westbound in Missouri, the route traveled through these cites and towns:

• St. Louis
• Cuba
• Rolla
• Lebanon
• Springfield
• Carthage
• Brooklyn Heights
• Joplin

Historic U.S. Route 66 Byway in Missouri

Route 66 across Missouri stretched 317 miles and connected a variety of large cities and small towns, traversing rolling hills and valleys. The Mother Road followed much of the Kickapoo, or Osage, Trail, an Indian trail that later became the Old Wire Road. Like other Route 66 segments, the actual alignment varied over the years as engineering improvements were constructed. We've driven much of Route 66, including multiple segments across Missouri, and visits to Carthage.

Carthage Missouri ... Background

A popular stop on Route 66 today is the town of Carthage, situated between Springfield and Joplin. It features numerous Route 66 attractions and other things to do, and offers a variety of overnight lodging options for travelers.

It was founded in 1841, and is county seat of Jasper County.

U.S. Highways 66 and 71 came through Carthage in the 1920s, and the town experienced a stream of cross-country traffic. One of the first concrete-paved portions of Missouri's highway system was the stretch of road west of Carthage to Joplin laid in 1920. Route 66 intersected with U.S. Route 71 at the present intersection of Central and Garrison Avenue. Route 66 was eventually re-routed, and replaced in the 1960s with Interstate 44 south of town.

Jasper County Courthouse in Carthage

Carthage Missouri Today

Today Lebanon is an energetic, thriving town of over 14,000 residents. In addition to Route 66 attractions such as the 66 Drive-in Theatre, a number of other places are popular with residents and visitors, including these:

• Jasper County Courthouse, one of the most photographed buildings in Missouri, and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

• Red Oak II

• Historic Carthage Square

• Powers Museum

• Boots Motel

• Carthage Municipal Park

• Stones Throw Theatre

Map showing the approximate location of Carthage on Historic Route 66 in Missouri

Welcome to Carthage, Missouri ... home of friendly folks!

Scenes Around Carthage One of the first concrete-paved portions of Missouri’s highway system was the stretch of road west of Carthage to Joplin, laid in 1920. In 1926, this route became part of Route 66. Along the route today travelers find Kellogg Lake, Powers Museum, Carthage Municipal Park, Stone’s Throw Dinner Theatre, 66 Drive-In Theatre (below) and the 1939 Boots Court (right).

Historic Boots Court, Route 66, Carthage Currently undergoing an extensive restoration

66 Drive-In Theatre, Carthage, Missouri
Red Oak II, northeast of Carthage

Sinclair Filling Station near Halltown, Missouri, 40 miles east of Carthage

Lodging Options in Carthage

Carthage, Missouri Travel Guide Carthage, Missouri hotels, traveler reviews and reservations Listing and reviews of restaurants in Carthage Attractions and things to do in Carthage

 

Interactive Map of Carthage, Missouri

 

More Information & Resources about Carthage

City of Carthage   Visit Carthage - Official Tourism Website   Carthage Chamber of Commerce   Jasper County Missouri   Weather Conditions at Carthage: Weather Underground   Route 66 Association of Missouri

 

Earlier Times: Vintage Views along Route 66 in Carthage

We have included below a sampling of our collection of vintage travel postcards dealing with Carthage and Route 66. What was Route 66 like in its earlier years, as visitors drove around and through Carthage? What did all the service stations, motels and public buildings look like when they were new? What did the traveling public experience on the Mother Road? We wonder such things when we travel Route 66 today. Those earlier times in the 1930s, 40s and 50s were not always captured on film. But the use of colorful postcards was common in those decades. These portray the historic road in its prime and help us to visualize, and appreciate, "earlier times" as we drive Route 66 today around Carthage.

Guest House Motel Joe Knight Rexall Drug Jasper County Courthouse White Sands Motel Bath House & Pool Kel-Lake Motel

Driving more of Route 66 in Missouri? From St. Louis to Joplin Across Missouri

Other Popular Road Trips on Our Other Website