6 Stories of Remarkable Women on the Mother Road
Explore locations along Route 66 that highlight the histories of remarkable women
National Trust for Historic Preservation
Rebecca Ortenberg
Millions of women have made their mark on Route 66. Since the highway was established in 1926, women have led migrating families, sold souvenirs, and served millions of cups of coffee to travelers in roadside diners. Here are six locations along the Mother Road that help tell their story.
1. Union Miners Cemetery (Mount Olive, Illinois)
At the Union Miners Cemetery, you can find the grave of Mary Harris "Mother" Jones. Once called “the most dangerous woman in America,” Jones fought for higher wages and better conditions for miners and railroad workers. An organizer to the end, she died in 1930 at 93 years old.
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Looking across Union Miners Cemetery near Mother Jones's grave.
2. Threatt Filling Station (Luther, Oklahoma)
This unassuming gas station and cafe was one of only a few places along Route 66 where Black families could safely stop during the Jim Crow era. From 1956 to 1974, the establishment was run by Elizabeth Threatt, one of the first Black women in the U.S. to earn a Master’s degree.
HOPE Crew at the Threatt Filling Station: Crew Members (2023-06) by Cloudless Lens PhotographyNational Trust for Historic Preservation
Learn about efforts to restore the Historic Threatt Filling Station.
3. The Castañeda (Las Vegas, New Mexico)
This hotel and restaurant was part of a chain of Harvey Houses, once common along Route 66, where waitresses called “Harvey Girls” would serve travelers. Recruited from all over the country, these women came out West seeking adventure and became a fixture of American culture.
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A streetview perspective of the Castañeda.
4. Acoma Pueblo (New Mexico)
In the 1940s and ‘50s, road-trippers traveling through the West could hire white guides to take them to reservations like the Acoma Pueblo, where women sold pottery and art. While guides usually exoticized tribal members, these artisans also used the opportunity to share their culture and make money.
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A view of some of the home and building in Acoma Pueblo.
5. La Posada Hotel (Winslow, Arizona)
La Posada Hotel was one of 21 Harvey Houses designed by architect Mary Colter. Famous for blending various Southwest architectural styles, Colter designed not only the La Posada building, but also its interiors, furniture, and staff uniforms. No wonder she considered it her masterpiece!
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An interor capture of the La Posada Hotel.
6. Mitla Cafe (San Bernadino, California)
The Mitla Cafe has continuously served travelers, activists, and locals since 1937. Lucia Rodriguez owned the business for 44 years, and her iconic tacos inspired Glenn Bell to found Taco Bell! Today it is owned by Lucia’s grandsons, Michael Montaño and Steve Oquendo.
Mitla Cafe Street (2023-12-04) by Mitla CafeNational Trust for Historic Preservation
Exterior view of the Mitla Cafe from the street.
Learn more about the National Trust for Historic Preservation's campaign to preserve Route 66, sign our petition to advocate for the Mother Road, and then share your Route 66 story with us.
Explore other stories on the Mother Road
The Hidden Legacies on Route 66 in New Mexico
9 Places on Route 66 That Tell the Full American Story
Rebecca Ortenberg is a public historian, digital storyteller, and wrangler of people and ideas. She has served as the managing editor for Lady Science, a magazine and podcast about women in the history of science, and has written for the Science History Institute's Distillations magazine. Though she has adopted Philadelphia as her home, she will always be a West Coaster at heart.
This story is made possible by the generosity of David and Julia Uihlein.
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