Curated News
By: NewsRamp Editorial Staff
December 01, 2025
Rockwood Motor Court Joins Historic Hotels of America on Route 66
TLDR
- Rockwood Motor Court gains prestige and tourism appeal through its Historic Hotels of America induction, enhancing its competitive edge as the oldest operating motel on Route 66.
- Rockwood Motor Court, built in 1929 and restored in 2019, was inducted into Historic Hotels of America after meeting criteria including age, historic designation, and significance.
- This induction preserves Rockwood Motor Court's historic integrity, allowing future generations to experience Route 66's cultural essence and the American road trip tradition.
- Rockwood Motor Court, a 1929 Route 66 rock masonry court with giraffe-style masonry, is the oldest operating motel on the historic Mother Road.
Impact - Why it Matters
This news matters because it represents a victory for cultural preservation at a critical time. As Route 66 approaches its 100th anniversary in 2026, many original sites along this iconic highway are disappearing due to development, neglect, or changing travel patterns. Rockwood Motor Court's recognition by Historic Hotels of America ensures that this 1929 gem will be preserved for future generations, maintaining a tangible connection to America's automotive heritage and the golden age of road trips. For travelers, this means continued access to authentic historic lodging that tells the story of American mobility and adventure. For preservationists, it demonstrates that historic properties can find sustainable models that honor their past while serving modern visitors. The timing is particularly significant as communities along Route 66 prepare for increased tourism during the centennial celebration, making preserved landmarks like Rockwood Motor Court essential anchors for cultural tourism and economic revitalization.
Summary
Rockwood Motor Court in Springfield, Missouri, has achieved a prestigious milestone with its induction into Historic Hotels of America®, the official program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. This recognition celebrates the historic hotel's careful preservation of its 1929 Route 66 rock masonry court architecture and its enduring cultural significance. The induction highlights the dedicated stewardship of owners Phyllis Ferguson and Tim Phillips, who undertook an extensive restoration in 2019 to provide authentic Route 66 lodging, ensuring the property remains the oldest operating motel on the iconic highway. Lawrence Horwitz, Executive Vice President of Historic Hotels of America, commended their leadership team for preserving this unique destination for future generations of travelers.
The selection process for Historic Hotels of America is rigorous, requiring properties to be at least 50 years old and recognized for their historical significance, often through designation as a National Historic Landmark or listing in the National Register of Historic Places. Rockwood Motor Court's induction coincides with the approaching centennial anniversary of Route 66 in 2026, celebrating what John Steinbeck famously called the "Mother Road." This historic highway represents a pivotal era in American history, symbolizing freedom, mobility, and the rise of automobile culture. Despite the road's fame, many original sites are disappearing, making preserved destinations like Rockwood Motor Court crucial for maintaining the cultural essence of this American icon.
In recent years, the National Trust for Historic Preservation has actively worked to revitalize Route 66 through grants and advocacy, making Rockwood Motor Court's induction particularly meaningful. The hotel's architectural integrity showcases early Route 66 tourist-court style, with cottages arranged around a central courtyard and distinctive giraffe-style masonry added in 1948. As one of over 300 hotels in the Historic Hotels of America program, Rockwood Motor Court stands as a testament to historic preservation efforts. For more information, visit HistoricHotels.org, where travelers can explore this and other historic properties, or check the hotel's website at www.rockwoodcourt.com to plan a visit to this living piece of American history.
Source Statement
This curated news summary relied on content disributed by 24-7 Press Release. Read the original source here, Rockwood Motor Court Joins Historic Hotels of America on Route 66
