The U.S. Postal Service yesterday revealed a preview of one of its 2026 stamp releases, honoring the centennial of America’s most storied highway — Route 66.
With these stamps, the Postal Service commemorates the 100th anniversary of Route 66, the legendary highway that originally stretched about 2,400 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica. Dubbed “The Mother Road” by author John Steinbeck, Route 66 forever transformed how Americans travel and became a lasting symbol of freedom, exploration, and the open road.
The Route 66 stamp pane features 16 stamps showcasing photographs by David J. Schwartz of Pics on Route 66, each depicting scenes from one of the eight states the historic route passes through — Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California. Each photograph is repeated twice, capturing the diverse landscapes, roadside landmarks, and spirit of adventure found along the route.
David said, “Many years ago, I remember thinking how incredible it would be to one day see my Route 66 photographs on U.S. postage stamps — not just for the honor itself, but for the chance to bring the story of the Mother Road to a much larger audience, quite literally dropping Route 66 into Americans’ mailboxes.
“After 21 years and 42 trips down this remarkable highway, that dream has become reality. I hope these stamps will inspire people everywhere to get out, travel, and experience the same sense of discovery and connection that Route 66 has given me.
“This road has given me a creative outlet, the freedom of travel, a glimpse into what it’s been like to journey through time over the past century, and—most of all—many dear friends who pour their hearts into keeping their businesses alive, creating something new, and celebrating Route 66.”
The selvage, or margin of the stamp pane, features a photograph by David of the open road winding through rolling hills near Crookton, Arizona, along the longest continuous drivable stretch of Route 66 in the state.
Bill Thomas, Chairman of the Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership and Commissioner of the Route 66 Centennial Commission, said, “This recognition by the U.S. Postal Service captures the spirit of Route 66 perfectly. For nearly a century, the Mother Road has connected communities, inspired travelers, and reflected the hopes and dreams of generations of Americans. These stamps will help share that legacy with new audiences and remind us all why Route 66 continues to matter today.”
Stamp release dates and dedication ceremony details for the Route 66 stamps will be announced later.
For more information about David J. Schwartz of Pics on Route 66, please visit picsonroute66.com.
About the Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership
Established in 2016 with the support of the National Park Service and the World Monuments Fund, the Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership’s mission is to revitalize and sustain Route 66 as a national and international icon through partnerships focused on promotion, preservation, research, education, and economic development. Only In Your State is the official Publishing Partner to the Route 66 Centennial. For more information, visit route66centennial.org.
