Filmmaker Released Route 66 Documentary
The film explores the contemporary restoration of historic businesses along the iconic American highway.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Local Shops
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Filmmaker John Paget has released a new documentary, Route 66: The Main Street of America, chronicling the revival of landmarks along the historic road. The film highlights the efforts of a new generation working to restore legacy businesses as the highway approaches its centennial.
Why it matters
The documentary documents a cultural shift as individuals invest in revitalizing abandoned properties and landmarks. These grassroots restoration efforts are preserving the unique character of the road for future generations.
This is the third documentary directed by John Paget focusing on Route 66 communities. The project highlights significant landmarks including the Roadrunner Lodge, Blue Swallow Motel, and Motel Safari.
The players
John Paget
He is a filmmaker who has dedicated his work to chronicling the communities and culture along the historic Route 66.
Angel Delgadillo
He is a prominent figure known for leading the campaign in the 1980s to designate Route 66 as a historic landmark.
The details
Filmmaker John Paget traveled from Chicago to Los Angeles to capture the stories of residents renovating derelict motels and businesses. The project features diverse new enterprises, including a sake brewery in Holbrook and the repurposed Tin Can Alley trailers in Kingman.
Timeline
In the 1980s, Angel Delgadillo campaigned for the historic designation of the highway.
The filmmaker conducted a prior journey along the road during the 1990s.
The highway is preparing for its 100th anniversary in 2026.
Culture Shift
The documentary mirrors the momentum established by the 1980s Route 66 historic designation campaign. It captures a modern shift where the highway is no longer seen as a relic but as a thriving hub for small business owners and tourism.
Travelers planning trips along the highway can support these local businesses by visiting restored sites like the Blue Swallow Motel or the Tin Can Alley property. These venues offer unique lodging and dining options that sustain the local economies of small towns along the route.
The takeaway
The ongoing restoration of Route 66 highlights the value of preserving regional history through active local entrepreneurship. Travelers are encouraged to seek out these independent landmarks to directly support the preservation of American roadside culture.
Further reading
Learn more about American small business trends in our Local Shops section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KNAU Arizona Public Radio.
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