Near Pontiac in Livingston County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Protecting Travelers
State Police Headquarters
Photographed By Jason Voigt, September 29, 2020
1. Protecting Travelers Marker
This building was home to state troopers who risked their lives every day patrolling Route 66.
By the 1940s, Route 66 carried more traffic than any other highway in the state. The Illinois District 6 State Police Headquarters was built there in 1941 to provide easy access to the "Hard Road." It closed in 2003 when a new headquarters opened in Pontiac.
A Gun Shaped Headquarters
The architect allegedly designed this building in the shape of a Derringer pistol, as seen when viewed from above. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in March 2007.
A Day at District 6
District 6 officers stand ready for inspection at the Pontiac National Guard Armory. Captain Francis Mowery is at center.
District 6 officer Roy Beers apprehends two suspects with a 1937 Packard stolen from Joliet.
(photo captions:)
·Patrol vehicles evolved over the 62 years this headquarters was in operation.
·The building showcases the Art Moderne style of architecture, popular in the 1930s, with long linear lines, curved corners, and structural glass.
·Even after I-55 diverted most of the traffic from Route 66 in 1977, the men and women of District 6 continued to proudly serve Illinois from this building.
Erected by
this page online
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Law Enforcement • Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the U.S. Route 66 series list.
Location. 40° 51.068′ N, 88° 39.349′ W. Marker is near Pontiac, Illinois, in Livingston County. Marker can be reached from Old U.S. 66, 0.3 miles north of E 1500 N Rd. Marker is outside the decommissioned Illinois State Police Office station. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 15551 Historic Hwy 66, Pontiac IL 61764, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. The Motor Police (within shouting distance of this marker); Citizenry Mourn Lincoln (approx. 2.2 miles away); Fell Leads The Way (approx. 2.2 miles away); Livingston County G. A. R. Civil War Memorial (approx. 2.2 miles away); Lincoln Slept Here (approx. 2.3 miles away); Riverbank Debate (approx. 2.3 miles away); Lincoln Stranded Here (approx. 2.4 miles away); Mill Stones (approx. 2.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Pontiac.
Also see . . . Illinois State Police Office (Pontiac). Wikipedia entry (Submitted on October 28, 2020, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.)
Photographed By Jason Voigt, September 29, 2020
2. Protecting Travelers Marker
Marker is outside the former Illinois State Police station, which was in use until 2003.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 10, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 28, 2020, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 199 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 28, 2020, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.
