Pendleton Celebrates the 100 Year anniversary of Route 66
Celebrating 100 Years of the Open Road: The Pendleton Route 66 Blanket
In honor of one of America’s most legendary highways, Pendleton has introduced a truly special piece—the Pendleton Route 66 blanket. Created to commemorate the Centennial Celebration of U.S. Route 66 (1926–2026). With only 1,000 limited-edition blankets produced, each featuring a numbered faux suede patch, this release is more than a blanket—it’s a tribute to a century of American history, culture, and adventure.
A Tribute to “The Mother Road"
Few roads hold the same mythic status as Route 66. Stretching 2,448 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica, it connected small towns to big cities and helped shape the American experience. During the Great Depression, families fleeing hardship traveled west along this route. It earned the nickname “The Mother Road," a term popularized by The Grapes of Wrath.
In the decades that followed, Route 66 became the backbone of the American road trip. From neon-lit diners and roadside motels to quirky landmarks and desert vistas, it captured the imagination of a nation on the move. Though officially decommissioned in 1985, its spirit lives on through travelers who still chase the nostalgia of “America’s Main Street."
Design That Tells a Story
Pendleton’s Route 66 blanket brings this rich history to life through thoughtful, symbolic design. The border evokes the endless stretch of highway meeting the horizon. The color palette reflects the landscapes that define the journey—from sunbaked deserts to open skies.
Standout details are the inclusion of graphics inspired by locations like Richardson’s Trading Post in Gallup, New Mexico—one of the many iconic stops along the route. Across the blanket, you’ll find subtle nods to classic road culture: vintage cars, retro signage, roadside diners, and motels that once welcomed travelers from across the country.
It’s a visual road trip woven into wool.
Crafted for Comfort and Legacy
Like all Pendleton products, this blanket is built with quality and longevity in mind. Woven in our American mills the blanket is 82% pure virgin wool and 18% cotton. The cotton yarns are used on the warp of the loom for stability and the wool yarns are woven in for the color and pattern. The wool and cotton combine for warmth, durability, and softness. The unnapped finish keeps the design crisp and detailed, while felt binding adds a refined touch.
Measuring 64″ x 72″, it’s versatile enough for a variety of uses. Whether draped over a couch, layered on a bed, or packed for an outdoor adventure. You can even display your blanket as art on the wall. Use a rod with clips or we can add hanging tabs so that you can use it as a wall hanging.
From Highway to Home
The Pendleton Route 66 blanket isn’t just decorative—it’s functional and meaningful. It’s perfect for:
- Road trips and camping: Stay warm under open skies, just like travelers of decades past
- Home décor: Add a heritage-inspired centerpiece to your living space
- Collecting: With only 1,000 made, it’s a true limited-edition keepsake
Keeping the Spirit Alive
Route 66 may no longer be an official highway, but its legacy continues to inspire. From the Santa Monica Pier to the neon glow of roadside attractions in the Midwest, it remains a symbol of freedom, exploration, and the enduring allure of the open road.
The Pendleton Route 66 blanket captures that spirit in a tangible way. It is something you can see, feel, and pass down through generations.
As America celebrates 100 years of Route 66, this blanket stands as both a commemoration and an invitation: to remember the journeys that shaped the past, and to keep exploring the roads ahead.
