Keeping the Grand Army of the Republic Highway Alive
How the US Route 6 Tourist Association Protects and Promotes America’s Longest Transcontinental Road
Stretching from the windswept dunes of Cape Cod to the golden hills of California, U.S. Route 6 spans more than 3,600 miles across fourteen states. Known historically as the Grand Army of the Republic Highway, it tells the story of America’s industrial growth, small-town life, and cross-country travel culture.
At the heart of preserving that legacy is the U.S. Route 6 Tourist Association (US Route 6), a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting the road’s history while encouraging new generations to explore it.
A Mission Rooted in Preservation and Promotion
The US Route 6 Tourist Association works to ensure the historic highway remains visible, relevant, and economically valuable to the communities it touches. Its mission centers on three core goals:
- Preserving historic landmarks and stories
- Promoting tourism along the corridor
- Supporting local businesses and museums
Through coordinated efforts across all fourteen states, the association connects travelers with authentic experiences that reflect the spirit of the original road.
Signature Initiatives and Programs
State-by-State Heritage Promotion
Rather than focusing on a single region, the association works with volunteers, museums, and local chambers of commerce across the entire route. Each state highlights:
- Historic downtown districts
- Local museums and heritage sites
- Scenic byways and roadside attractions
- Unique regional food and culture
This decentralized approach allows communities to tell their own stories while still being part of a national travel corridor.
The Route 6 “Happenings” Newsletter
One of the association’s most effective tools is its regular Happenings newsletter, which:
- Promotes upcoming events along the route
- Highlights museums and historic sites
- Shares travel itineraries and themed drives
- Encourages community participation
By giving local organizations a platform, the newsletter helps smaller towns reach a national audience.
Community Events and Themed Travel Days
The association supports and promotes special events designed to bring travelers to Route 6 communities. Examples include:
- Saturday state itineraries that highlight must-see stops
- GivingTuesday campaigns that support museums and preservation efforts
- Seasonal festivals and heritage celebrations
These events often become annual traditions, drawing both locals and cross-country travelers.
Historic Signage and Route Awareness
In many states, the association has worked with transportation departments and local governments to:
- Install or restore historic US Route 6 signage
- Mark scenic or historic segments
- Increase awareness of the route’s national significance
These signs serve as both navigation tools and reminders of the road’s storied past.
Real-World Impact on Communities
Boosting Local Tourism
Small towns along Route 6 benefit when travelers stop for:
- Meals at local diners
- Overnight stays at independent motels
- Visits to museums and historic sites
Even modest increases in tourism can make a significant difference for rural communities.
Supporting Museums and Heritage Sites
Many Route 6 attractions are volunteer-run museums or small nonprofit institutions. The association helps them by:
- Promoting events and exhibits
- Connecting them with travelers
- Highlighting donation opportunities
This exposure often translates into increased attendance and financial support.
Preserving Stories That Might Be Lost
From lighthouse restorations on Cape Cod to aviation museums in California, the association’s storytelling keeps local history alive.
One example is the promotion of unique destinations such as:
- Restored historic lighthouses
- Vintage automobile collections
- Railroad and aviation museums
- Pioneer villages and heritage centers
By linking these places under the Route 6 banner, the association creates a cohesive travel experience.
Partnerships That Strengthen the Route
The US Route 6 Tourist Association works closely with:
- Local historical societies
- State tourism offices
- Chambers of commerce
- Community volunteers
- Small businesses and museums
These partnerships help coordinate events, share promotional resources, and maintain a unified identity for the route.
A Living, Breathing Highway
Unlike a museum exhibit frozen in time, Route 6 is a living corridor. Families still drive it for vacations. Truckers use it for work. Local residents depend on it daily.
The association’s work ensures that:
- Historic sites remain open and relevant
- Travelers can easily discover attractions
- Communities along the route continue to thrive
Why It Matters
Historic highways like Route 6 represent more than pavement and road signs. They are:
- Pathways of migration and commerce
- Repositories of local culture
- Economic lifelines for small towns
- Living reminders of America’s past
The US Route 6 Tourist Association keeps that heritage visible and meaningful.
An Invitation to Explore
Every mile of US Route 6 offers something different:
- Coastal villages in Massachusetts
- Industrial heritage in Pennsylvania
- Prairie landscapes in the Midwest
- Mountain passes in Colorado
- Desert vistas in Nevada
- California’s classic car culture
Thanks to the work of the US Route 6 Tourist Association, these experiences remain accessible, authentic, and connected.
For travelers seeking a road with real stories and real communities, Route 6 is not just a drive. It is a journey through the heart of American history.
Subscribe today and let Route 6 come to you, one story at a time.
