Cyrus Avery Centennial Plaza

Cyrus Avery Centennial Plaza in Tulsa commemorates the city's connection to Route 66 and the man often called the "Father of Route 66." Tulsa businessman Cyrus Avery played a major role in developing the federal highway route and promoting the idea of a continuous road linking Chicago with Los Angeles. The plaza sits near the Arkansas River and the historic 11th Street Bridge, a crossing that became part of Route 66 through Tulsa. A prominent sculpture depicts a stylized encounter between a wagon and an automobile, symbolizing the transition from older travel routes to the motor age. The location is particularly effective because it places Route 66 interpretation beside original transportation infrastructure rather than in an isolated museum. Visitors can see the bridge, river corridor and modern city while considering how early highway planning shaped Tulsa's growth. The plaza is also a useful starting point for exploring Route 66 west and east through the city, where neon signs, historic motels, commercial buildings and newer attractions continue the story.