20+ Nostalgic Photos Of Route 66 That Show An America Most Have Forgotten

Route 66 might be best known for its classic Americana, vintage motels, and endless roadside attractions—but these photos tell a deeper story.

Photographer Anthony Presley captures the quieter side of the highway, where rusted signs and crumbling buildings speak to something deeper than nostalgia.

It’s not just about what was left behind—it’s about what still lingers.

In this series, human connection doesn’t shout. It hums through soft lighting, weathered textures, and the stillness of places that once buzzed with life.

There’s a kind of beauty in the decay, a reminder that even when something fades, it leaves a trace.

Presley’s work shows how people, places, and even nature remain intertwined—even in the most forgotten corners of the map.

Scroll on for images that invite you to slow down and notice what’s quietly holding on.

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22. Keep going for more photos by Anthony Presley, which offer his unique eye for locations stretching from Memphis to Japan

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Alex Buscemi

Alex Buscemi

Writer. Billionaire. Astronaut. Compulsive liar.

@whatsupboosh on socials.