Modern Marvels - Season 12 - Eps 35: Route 66
Route 66, encompassing eight states from Illinois to California and 2,400 miles, represented an American myth–that something better lay over the rainbow. Route 66 began in the early 20th century when a confluence of technologies–automotive, steel construction, and concrete paving–merged with population explosion, westward migration, and prosperity after WWI. The federal government responded with highway bills that converted existing roadways into an interstate called Route 66. Later, WWII highlighted the need for a strategic system similar to Germany's Autobahn–wider, safer, and more advanced. As federal and state governments worked on a superhighway, millions sought "their kicks on Route 66." By 1985, the abandoned roadway no longer "officially" existed, yet, it remains a destination for nostalgic travelers wishing to recapture a simpler, more adventurous era.
About Modern Marvels

Title: Modern Marvels
First Air Date: 1993-12-10
Last Air Date: 2022-08-08
Status: Returning Series
Rating: 7.9/10 (from 27 votes)
Language: EN
Seasons: 23
Total Episodes: 705
Network: History H2
Genres: Documentary
Production Companies: Jupiter Entertainment, Six West Media
Synopsis
HISTORY’s longest-running series moves to H2. Modern Marvels celebrates the ingenuity, invention and imagination found in the world around us. From commonplace items like ink and coffee to architectural masterpieces and engineering disasters, the hit series goes beyond the basics to provide insight and history into things we wonder about and that impact our lives. This series tells fascinating stories of the doers, the dreamers and sometime-schemers that create everyday items, technological breakthroughs and manmade wonders. The hit series goes deep to explore the leading edge of human inspiration and ambition.