U.S. Routes, also known as U.S. Highways, are a network of roads that span across the United States. Established in 1926, these routes are numbered and provide a system for navigating the country. They connect cities, towns, and rural areas, facilitating travel and commerce. Each U.S. Route is identified by a unique number, with odd numbers typically running north-south and even numbers running east-west. For example, U.S. Route 66 is one of the most famous routes, historically linking Chicago to Santa Monica. These highways play a crucial role in American transportation and culture.