The National Route 66 Pageant was founded in 2001 by Kristine Watson and was held for the first time at the Barstow Mall. Being a pageant director since 1980, Kris understood that a little sparkle from a crown, added that special touch to any event and helped bring awareness to many worthy causes.

The Route 66 Museum in Barstow had been open for only a few years when Kris came up with the idea of having a National contest that would crown representatives that could support and promote the various Route 66 Museums across the United States.