This presentation addresses the factors leading to the establishment of Route 66 in the new Federal highway system and the politically charged changes that resulted in a 107 mile shortening in New     Mexico during the 1926-37 timeframe. La Bajada Hill was removed as an obstacle and problems of crossing the Rio Grande and the Rio Puerco had to be resolved. Presented by Roger Zimmerman.

This is part of a rotating series of speakers that will offer presentations at these locations in 2026: Raymond Sanchez Community Center; Martha Liebert Public Library; Gutierrez-Hubbell House; International District Library; Isleta Pueblo Cultural Center;  Los Lunas Multigenerational Center; Special Collections Library, East Mountain Library, Central and Unser Library, and the Wheels Museum. Find out more information here.