Rhys Martin is an author and photographer from Tulsa, Oklahoma. His love of travel was awakened in 2009 when he sold all of his possessions and left the country. For ten months, he lived out of a backpack and explored southeast Asia and Europe. When he returned home, it was with fresh eyes for his home state. As he drove the back roads of Oklahoma, Rhys discovered the significance of historic Route 66 to the greater American story. He has traveled all 2,448 miles of the Mother Road and continues to seek out the quiet Main Streets of the Midwest.
Rhys’s travel writing and photography has been featured in numerous publications, including Tulsa People Magazine, This Land Press, Route 66 Magazine, Nimrod Journal, The Oklahoman and Tulsa World. He also wrote the book Lost Restaurants of Tulsa, which features the stories of nearly 50 iconic eating establishments from the city’s past.
Rhys works for the National Trust for Historic Preservation as their national Preserve Route 66 manager. He has served as the President of the Oklahoma Route 66 Association since 2019 and sits on multiple boards and commissions related to the Mother Road and its Centennial. He loves to connect with people and share his experiences.
Contributing Author/Resource
Route 66: A Wildsam Field Guide
In the Media
Community Center by Eryngo Urbanism: The Mother Road
ROUTES | The Mother Road | Discover Oklahoma
Samantha Brown’s Places to Love
On the Road with Kelli and Bob
Curiosityness: Route 66 Oklahoma
This is Rhys Martin – Oklahoma Hall of Fame
Oklahoma writer’s ‘quarter-life crisis’ led to full-time Route 66 advocacy
Oklahoma Magazine: Rhys Martin
Mother Road connects Oklahoma Route 66 Association president to late father
Route 66 Centennial Celebrations with Rhys Martin – Oklahoma Route 66 Association President
Rhys' Pieces 
Hey, Rhys. Nice work! You have a real talent. I teach history at Southern Nazarene University and am writing a new Oklahoma History book. It is a not-for-profit project in conjunction with the Oklahoma Historical Society and the 501c3 Burbridge Foundation. I would love to have your permission to include your great shot of the Wheelock Church. I’ll of course attribute it to you, as well as give your website address to help drive more folks to it. Keep up the great work!
Thank you so much, John! I have emailed you about your request.
Sell everything and went backpacking? That’s my dream! Scary but such an adventure!
Even today I cannot believe that I actually did it; it was most definitely a life-altering experience. I don’t go so far as to say it changed me as a person, but, it made me sure of who I was. I became MORE of myself, if that makes sense.
Rhys, many thanks for the excellent book. Lost Restaurants of Tulsa is one of the most well written and researched Tulsa history books I have read. I also appreciate the contribution you bring to the Oklahoma Route 66 Association meetings. It never ceases to amaze me the rich sources of information and perspective amalgamated there. I hope you have a great 2019!
It would be neat if you could do a “lost car dealerships of Tulsa” book. Talking to the old timers at various car club meets and shows you can get a lot of information on this niche aspect that ties Tulsa’s car culture together. A lot of interesting stories for sure!