Kingman, AZ: Heart of Historic Route 66💙

Part of Our Route 66 Everytown Collection – Kingman Edition

Embrace the beating heart of the Mother Road🛣️ with this ultra-soft unisex jersey tee, expertly spun from 100% Airlume combed and ring-spun cotton. Featuring the slogan "Heart of Historic Route 66," this tee celebrates Kingman, Arizona: a pivotal stop where the highway's legacy lives on.

It's the perfect shirt for dedicated Mother Road explorers, nostalgic enthusiasts or collectors of our exclusive Route 66 Everytown Collection, honoring Kingman's iconic status.

🛒Shop now at Heart of The Mother Road and enjoy 🚚FREE SHIPPING on all orders over $25.

📍About Kingman, Arizona: Where the Mother Road's Pulse Beats Strong

Kingman is officially recognized as the "💓Heart of Historic Route 66💓" and one of the Mother Road's most authentic and essential stops. Founded in 1882 in Mohave County as a crucial Atlantic & Pacific Railroad junction, Kingman evolved from a bustling mining and ranching hub into the quintessential Route 66 town that continues to capture the spirit of America's most famous highway.

🌵 The Gateway to the West

When U.S. Route 66 was officially established in 1926, Kingman's strategic location made it an instant landmark. Positioned at the crossroads between the Mojave Desert and the high country, Kingman served as a vital gateway to California and an indispensable oasis for the growing wave of motorists traversing the continent. As the last major stop before the challenging desert crossing westward, the town became synonymous with relief, refreshment, and the promise of adventure ahead.

⛽The Golden Ages: 1940s-1950s

During Route 66's golden era in the 1940s and '50s, Kingman pulsed with the energy of transcontinental travel. Andy Devine Avenue (the main stretch of Route 66 through town) came alive with a dazzling array of motor courts, classic diners, and full-service gas stations, each competing with colorful neon signs to catch the eyes of road-weary families and adventurous travelers.

🌟Hollywood Stars and Aviation Legends

Kingman's allure extended far beyond everyday travelers: it became a magnet to Hollywood's elite and aviation pioneers. Silent film legend 🎬 Buster Keaton and his crew lodged in Kingman during the 1925 filming of Go West. A decade later, Charles Lindbergh became a frequent guest during the construction of the groundbreaking Transcontinental Air Transport (T.A.T.) Kingman Terminal, which would revolutionize cross-county travel.

Aviation trailblazer ✈️Amelia Earhart also graced the town during the terminal's 1929 opening ceremony, highlighting Kingman's role as a hub for both ground and air transportation. Perhaps most famously, Hollywood royalty 👑Clark Gable and Carole Lombard honeymooned at the historic 🏨Beale Hotel in 1939, forever cementing Kingman's reputation as a destination worthy of the stars. 

The iconic 💫El Trovatore Motel, with its vintage neon sign still glowing today, stands as a testament to this era when Kingman represented the romance and freedom of the open road, while also embodying Old West charm and modern sophistication.

🏛️Preserving the Legacy Today

Modern Kingman expertly balances preservation with vibrant tourism, keeping Route 66 history alive for new generations. The Powerhouse Visitor Center houses the acclaimed 🏛️Arizona Route 66 Museum, where interactive exhibits vividly trace the highway's profound impact on American culture, migration and commerce. Historic walking tours guide visitors past beautifully restored mid-century architecture, vintage neon signs, and classic roadside attractions.

The town's passion for Route 66 comes alive during annual events, including classic car shows and Route 66 festivals that draw enthusiasts from around the globe. Local businesses proudly maintain the Mother Road aesthetic, from retro diners serving classic American fare to motels that preserve their 1950s charm.

🗺️Your Route 66 Home Base

Kingman's central location makes it the perfect base camp for exploring the longest remaining stretch of original Route 66 in Arizona. Within easy driving distance, discover the legendary Hackberry General Store with its vintage memorabilia, the quirky roadside attractions of Seligman (widely credited as the inspiration for Pixar's Cars), and the breathtaking journey through Sitgreaves Pass into Oatman, where wild burros still roam the streets.

Whether you're a first-time Route 66 traveler or a seasoned road warrior, Kingman offers an authentic slice of Americana where the Mother Road's pulse still beats strong. Here, history isn't just preserved: it's lived, celebrated, and shared with every visitor who rolls into town.

💙Get your kicks in Kingman, Arizona: the true Heart of Historic Route 66!

Product Features:

• 100% Airlume combed and ring-spun cotton for premium softness
• Side seams for added structure and durability
• Tear-away label for comfort
• Classic crew neckline with a flattering unisex fit - true-to-size for all day comfort (see size chart for details)
• Fulfilled in the USA

Care Instructions:

• Machine wash: cold (max 90°F / 30°C)
• Tumble dry: low heat
• Non-chlorine bleach as needed
• Iron or steam: medium heat
• Do not dry clean