Postcard, view of east Colorado Street, Pasadena, 1900s (Photo – PMH Collection)
Nearly a century ago, Pasadena found itself at the western terminus of America’s most famous highway.
This Sunday, the city will commemorate that connection with a walking tour exploring how Route 66 and the automobile transformed a California community into the car capital of the world.
The “Cruising Colorado: Route 66 and Pasadena’s Car Scene” tour, part of the popular summertime Twilight Series, is scheduled for August 17 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
The $28 tour traces a section of Colorado Boulevard that once served as the backbone of the city’s automotive industry and kicks off early celebrations for Route 66’s centennial—the highway was officially established on November 11, 1926.
Route 66 originally connected Chicago to Los Angeles and was later extended to Santa Monica.
The highway, dubbed the “Mother Road,” became legendary through books, movies, and music throughout the 20th century.
Pasadena’s relationship with the automobile predates even Route 66’s creation.
By 1915, the city boasted more automobiles per capita than any city in the world, according to National Park Service documentation.
The tour will focus on Colorado Boulevard, where the city’s early automotive industry took root.
“Most early Pasadena automobile dealers located their showrooms on Colorado Boulevard,” according to National Park Service records.
“Two groupings developed: one on a two-block stretch of West Colorado Boulevard between Orange Grove Boulevard and downtown, and the other located in the then-geographic center of the city along East Colorado Boulevard between Lake and Hill avenues.”
“Cruising Colorado: Route 66 & Pasadena’s Car Scene” will run on Sunday, Aug. 17 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Defenders Park, 450 W. Colorado Blvd., in Pasadena. For more call (626) 470-3639 or visit https://www.coloradoboulevard.net/events/walking-tour-of-route-66-pasadenas-car-scene/. Tickets: Adult $28, child (5-12) $18, child (under 5) free
