 In 1925 , Tulsa businessman Cyrus Avery , known as the " Father of Route 66 , " began his campaign to create a road linking Chicago to Los Angeles by establishing the U.S. Highway 66 Association in Tulsa , earning the city the nickname the " Birthplace of Route 66 " . Once completed , U.S. Route 66 took an important role in Tulsa 's development as the city served as a popular rest stop for travelers , who were greeted by Route 66 icons such as the Meadow Gold Sign and the Blue Whale of Catoosa . During this period , Bob Wills and his group , The Texas Playboys , began their long performing stint at a small ballroom in downtown Tulsa . In 1935 , Cain 's Ballroom became the base for the group , which is largely credited for creating Western Swing music . The venue continued to attract famous musicians through its history , and is still in operation today . 
