Rockwood Motor Court Gains Historic Hotels of America Recognition Ahead of Route 66 Centennial

Rockwood Motor Court in Springfield, Missouri, has been inducted into Historic Hotels of America, the official program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. This recognition comes as Route 66, the historic highway with which the motor court is intrinsically linked, prepares to celebrate its centennial anniversary in 2026. The induction underscores a critical effort to preserve the physical and cultural landmarks of the iconic "Mother Road," which faces ongoing threats of loss and decay.

The importance of this news lies in the broader context of American cultural heritage conservation. Lawrence Horwitz, Executive Vice President of Historic Hotels of America and Historic Hotels Worldwide, stated the organization is "delighted to induct Rockwood Motor Court, a Route 66 rock masonry court built in 1929." He commended owners Phyllis Ferguson and Tim Phillips for their "careful historic preservation work, stewardship and vision that will allow future generations of travelers to experience this unique historic destination." Membership in Historic Hotels of America requires a hotel to be at least 50 years old, be listed in or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places, and possess recognized historic significance.

Rockwood Motor Court's story is a microcosm of Route 66's history. Built in 1929, it is a prime example of early tourist-court style, with cottages arranged around a central courtyard. In 1948, its exterior was covered with a distinctive giraffe-style masonry and sandstone façade, leading to its current name. A significant restoration in 2019 by Ferguson and Phillips aimed to provide authentic lodging for modern travelers. Today, it is recognized as the oldest operating motel on Route 66. Destinations like this are increasingly rare; as the press release notes, "elements of the 'Mother Road' are lost every year." These sites embody the cultural essence of an era defined by automobile freedom and the classic American road trip, famously dubbed the "Mother Road" by author John Steinbeck.

The induction signals active institutional support for preserving such landmarks. The National Trust for Historic Preservation has intensified efforts to revitalize Route 66 through grants and advocacy. The organization expressed pride in inducting Rockwood Motor Court "in honor of its enduring connections to Route 66." For the hospitality and tourism industries, this recognition validates the economic and cultural value of historic preservation. It demonstrates that maintaining architectural integrity and historical authenticity can be a viable business model, attracting travelers seeking genuine experiences. For the public, it ensures tangible connections to a defining chapter of 20th-century American history remain accessible. The motor court's official site provides further details at https://www.rockwoodcourt.com, and its Historic Hotels of America profile can be found at https://www.historichotels.org/us/hotels-resorts/rockwood-motor-court/?from=rezconsole.

As the 2026 centennial of Route 66 approaches, the induction of Rockwood Motor Court serves as a timely reminder of the ongoing need to safeguard the physical remnants of this historic corridor. It highlights how individual stewardship, supported by national preservation programs, can play a crucial role in maintaining the nation's historical landscape for future exploration and understanding.