The TSP is one of the most widely studied and most often cited problems in operations research. Over the past 50 years the study of the TSP has led the way to improved solution methods in both discrete optimization and integer programming in general. The speaker will present some highlights from the TSP literature, focusing on results that have had an impact on other areas of optimization. He will then discuss areas of current TSP research, including joint work with D. Applegate, R. Bixby, and V. Chvatal on the solution of a 15,112-city instance.