The Rise and Fall of Wigwam Motels - Lost Americana

This video explores the rise and fall of Wigwam Motels, once-popular roadside attractions that dotted America's highways with their distinctive teepee-shaped rooms. Discover how these unique lodgings became symbols of postwar travel culture along Route 66 during the automobile age, from their 1930s invention by Frank Redford through their nationwide popularity and eventual decline. Learn about the cultural controversies surrounding these kitschy landmarks, meet preservation advocates fighting to save the few remaining structures, and understand how modernization, franchise competition, and evolving cultural sensibilities contributed to their near-extinction. Hosted by Ryan Socash, this 16-minute journey through a fascinating piece of Lost Americana examines why these beloved roadside oddities couldn't withstand changing times despite their nostalgic appeal.