THE HISTORICAL
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Food & Drink Topic

 
By Darren Jefferson Clay, September 20, 2025
Boiled Peanuts Marker
1 ► Alabama, Houston County, Dothan — 12 — Boiled Peanuts — Hungry for History —
On University Drive, on the right when traveling south.
As early as 1907, salted green peanuts boiled in brine were sold during the summer months throughout Dothan, "Peanut Capital of the World." — — Map (db m284830) HM
2 ► Alabama, Jefferson County, Birmingham, Fountain Heights — Green Acres Café — 1705 - 4th Avenue, North —
On 4th Avenue North, on the left when traveling west.
Businesses that occupied this building between 1908 - 1970 1908 - 1913 Southern Bell Telephone Company Stockroom 1915 - 1926 OK French Dry Cleaning Company 1927 - 1938 George Kanelis Billiards 1940 - 1945 Alex’s Steak House 1946 - . . . — — Map (db m27521) HM
3 ► Alabama, Montgomery County, Montgomery — Chris’ Hot Dogs — Established In 1917 —
On Dexter Avenue east of South Perry Street, on the right when traveling east.
Greek immigrant Christopher Anastasios Katechis opened Chris’ Hot Dogs on May 1, 1917, at 138 Dexter Avenue. Until the 1960’s, Chris offered curb service for its hot dogs, leading to long lines of cars cued for service. The hot dogs featured Chris’ . . . — — Map (db m312089) HM
4 ► Arkansas, Washington County, Cane Hill — Archie Leonard Reed Sorghum Shed —
On College Road, on the left when traveling north.
Archie Leonard Reed is a life-long Cane Hill resident. As a Cane Hill Harvest Festival committee member and longtime festival volunteer, Archie helped train the next generation of sorghum cookers. In 2024, Historic Cane Hill dedicated this sorghum . . . — — Map (db m311416) HM
5 ► California, Contra Costa County, Clayton — De Martini Winery —
On Clayton Road, on the right when traveling west.
Paul De Martini built Clayton Vineyards Winery in 1885 on land formerly owned by Joel Clayton, the area’s first vintner. An Austrian stone mason directed construction, using stone quarried on Mount Diablo and hauled here by wagon teams. This was . . . — — Map (db m312022) HM
6 ► California, Contra Costa County, El Cerrito — Violet's —
On San Pablo Avenue near El Dorado Street, on the right when traveling north.
After running kitchens in early hotspots such as the "IT" Club and Six Bells, Violet Wong went on to become a culinary pioneer in El Cerrito by introducing Chinese American food. In 1945, Violet and her husband, Albert Wong, opened Violet's . . . — — Map (db m311793) HM
7 ► California, Contra Costa County, Martinez — Birthplace of the Martini — 🍸 —
On Alhambra Avenue at Masonic Street, on the right when traveling north on Alhambra Avenue.
On this site in 1874, Julio Richelieu, bartender, served up the first martini when a miner came into his saloon with a fistful of nuggets and asked for something special. He was served a "Martinez Special." After three or four drinks, however, the . . . — — Map (db m312023) HM
8 ► California, Los Angeles County, Beverly Hills — 22 — Wil Wright’s Ice Cream Shop — Beverly Hills — Golden Shield Commemorative Plaque —
On Beverly Drive at Charleville Boulevard, on the left when traveling south on Beverly Drive.
The slogan "It's Heavenly!" defined one of the small chain of the upscale, old-style ice cream parlors located here. At this corner location was one of the first Wil Wright's Ice Cream shops that opened at 200 South Beverly Drive in 1949. The . . . — — Map (db m311771) HM
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9 ► California, Los Angeles County, Downey — The Speedee McDonald's Store — Downey, California —
On Lakewood Boulevard at East Florence Avenue, on the right when traveling south on Lakewood Boulevard.
This is the oldest existing McDonald's hamburger stand in the world. Its neon arches and red and white tile have become an icon of the California car culture of the 1950s. The towering neon chef, "Speedee," was McDonald's first mascot and . . . — — Map (db m51959) HM
10 ► California, Los Angeles County, Long Beach, North Alamitos Beach — Coffee Pot Cafe — 1932 — Historic Landmark —
On East 4th Street, on the right when traveling west.
Formerly called the Hot Cha Cafe, this unique building is shaped like a coffee pot. Fantasy architecture based on an object became popular in the 1920's and 1930's in small-scale commercial buildings, to attract attention and sell a product. Most . . . — — Map (db m312028) HM
11 ► California, Los Angeles County, Los Angeles, Downtown Los Angeles — Engine Co. No. 28 —
On Figueroa Street north of 7th Street, on the right when traveling north.
From A Fire Station To A Diners' Hot Spot In a city where, as the joke goes, any waiter might be an actor, there's no reason why a venerable fire station shouldn't be turned into a restaurant. And in a city that . . . — — Map (db m312230) HM
12 ► California, Los Angeles County, Los Angeles, Fairfax — Pink's Square —
On La Brea Avenue north of Melrose Avenue, on the right when traveling south.
Pink's Hot Dog Stand, founded in 1939 with a pushcart by Paul & Betty Pink. Now a Los Angeles icon. — — Map (db m312092) HM
13 ► California, Los Angeles County, Los Angeles, Highland Park — Route 66 & Chicken Boy —
On Figueroa Street north of Avenue 55, on the right when traveling north.
America’s Mother Road U.S. Route 66, established in 1926, was one of the original highways of the United States Highway System. It originally ran from Chicago, Illinois in the east to its western terminus in Downtown Los Angeles, on . . . — — Map (db m312177) HM
14 ► California, Los Angeles County, Los Angeles, Wilmington — 1046 — Der Wienerschnitzel —
On Pacific Coast Highway 0.5 miles east of the Harbor Freeway (Interstate 110), on the right when traveling east.
Der Wienerschnitzel Original location. Excellent example of a walk-up food stand and drive-thru. Built 1961. Declared 2013, Historic-Cultural Monument No. 1046, Cultural Heritage Commission, City of Los Angeles. Der . . . — — Map (db m312126) HM
15 ► California, Los Angeles County, Pasadena, South Arroyo — Invention of the Cheeseburger —
On West Colorado Boulevard 0.4 miles east of Figueroa Street, on the right when traveling east.
On this site in 1924, sixteen year-old Lionel Sternberger first put cheese on a hamburger and served it to a customer, thereby inventing the cheeseburger. The 'Aristocratic Burger' at the Rite Spot is the first instance of a hamburger with cheese . . . — — Map (db m156407) HM
16 ► California, Los Angeles County, West Hollywood, Beverly Grove — Tail o' the Pup —
On Santa Monica Boulevard just west of La Cienega Boulevard, on the left when traveling west.
The famous Tail o' the Pup hot dog stand debuted in Los Angeles in 1946. Originally located at La Cienega and Beverly Blvd. Designed by architect Milton Black in 1939, this original building has been carefully preserved and fully restored . . . — — Map (db m312099) HM
17 ► California, Marin County, Tiburon — High Rank, Great View —
Near Camp Reynolds.
Enlisted men enjoyed few privileges and even fewer comforts at Camp Reynolds. Officers lived in the houses lining the parade ground, with the Post Commander closest to the water. Soldiers lived in barracks opposite officer’s row. One comfort the . . . — — Map (db m311968) HM
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18 ► California, Orange County, Fullerton — Fullerton's Oldest Drinking Establishment — Historical Site —
On Santa Fe Avenue 0.1 miles west of Harbor Blvd, on the right when traveling west.
Fullerton's oldest drinking establishment est. 1925 — — Map (db m312024) HM
19 ► California, Sacramento County, Sacramento, Southeastern Sacramento — Gunther’s Quality Ice Cream — Historic Landmark —
On Franklin Boulevard at 3rd Avenue, on the right when traveling north on Franklin Boulevard.
Built in 1949 Gunther's Quality Ice Cream Est. 1940 by Iva and William Gunther Owned & operated since 1974 by Richard and Marlena Klopp Googie design by William Koblik & Alfred Fisher Jugglin Joe Neon Sign: Samuel Stover (EPCO) in . . . — — Map (db m311773) HM
20 ► California, San Bernardino County, San Bernardino — First McDonalds, San Bernardino, California — Route 66 Roadside Attraction —
On North E Street near West 14th Street, on the right when traveling south.
McDonalds hamburgers and fries represent a true slice of Americana. This site is ground zero for all modern day fast food chains. Museum owned and operated by Juan Pollo restaurants — — Map (db m204525) HM
21 ► California, San Bernardino County, San Bernardino — World’s First McDonald’s —
On North E Street at West 14th Street, on the left when traveling north on North E Street.
Dick and Mac McDonald opened the world’s first McDonald’s Self-Service, Drive-In Restaurant on this site in San Bernardino, California, December 1948. They previously operated a successful Drive-In Barbeque Restaurant with Carhop Service on . . . — — Map (db m120644) HM
22 ► California, San Bernardino County, San Bernardino, Sbhs — Original Golden Arches —
On North E Street.
The golden arches were removed from this sign in 1961 when Multi-Mixer salesman Ray Knoc purchased the rights to McDonald's Hamburgers from Dick and "Mac" McDonald for $ 2.7 million dollars. The sign was saved from complete demolition in 1972 when a . . . — — Map (db m282362) HM
23 ► California, San Bernardino County, San Bernardino, Sbhs — Site of the First McDonald's Restaurant 1948 — Historic Site —
On North E Street at West 14th Street, on the left when traveling north on North E Street.
Marked as point of historical interest by the City of San Bernardino A Joint S.B. Historical Society and Main Street Project — — Map (db m285707) HM
24 ► California, San Diego County, San Diego, Marina — 9 — Royal Pie Bakery 1884 —
On 4th Ave south of Market Street, on the left when traveling north.
Originally known as the San Diego Steam Cracker Factory, this brick structure has remained a bakery since its construction in 1884. During the first part of the 20th century, when the Gaslamp was deteriorating into a red-light district, the upper . . . — — Map (db m311783) HM
25 ► California, San Francisco City and County, San Francisco, Northern Waterfront — The History of Sourdough Bread —
Near The Embarcadero at Beach Street, on the right when traveling north.
In 1849, Isadore Boudin baked the first sourdough French loaf. Saving a bit of the dough for the next day’s batch, he began a tradition that continues 150 years later. Today, sourdough is as much a part of San Francisco as cable cars and the . . . — — Map (db m311904) HM
26 ► California, San Joaquin County, Lodi — The First A&W Root Beer —
On West Pine Street near Sacramento Street, on the right when traveling west.
On this site One hot day in June of 1919 Roy Allen served the first frosty mug of creamy A&W Root Beer in Lodi, California Dedicated to the City of Lodi, this 14th day of July, 2001 — — Map (db m41492) HM
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27 ► California, San Luis Obispo County, Morro Bay — Oyster Farming in Morro Bay —
Near Embarcadero.
Along the coast from Morro Bay to Canada there are estuaries where tidal changes expose and then recover the mud flats. In many of these places people are farming oysters. Morro Bay is one of those places. Oysters have been cultivated here . . . — — Map (db m311322) HM
28 ► California, Santa Barbara County, Santa Barbara, North State — Egg McMuffin —
On State Street west of La Cumbre Road, on the right when traveling west.
On January 31, 1972, our creation - Egg McMuffin - was first introduced to America at this restaurant. Proudly - McDonald's, Santa Barbara. — — Map (db m236032) HM
29 ► California, Santa Cruz County, Santa Cruz — Fun, Fads, and Food — Fitzsimmons & Twisselman Families —
Near Beach Street.
The Fitzsimmons & Twisselman families have been operating their concessions at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk since 1934. Over the years, Charles J. Fitzsimmons moved from games to retail food. Today, Charles’s grandson, Matt Twisselman, . . . — — Map (db m312094) HM
30 ► California, Sierra County, Sierraville — Wheeler Sheep Camp —
On 4551 north of Dog Valley Road, on the right when traveling north.
Wheeler Sheep Camp was one of the main sheep camps of the Wheeler Sheep Company based in Reno, Nevada. Sheep camps were the summer bases of operation for sheep grazing in the high Sierra meadows. This camp was built and managed by John Martin . . . — — Map (db m311969) HM
31 ► California, Sonoma County, Sonoma — California Wine Heroes —
Near Old Winery Road east of Lovall Valley Road, on the right when traveling east.
Marker One: Father Junipero Serra: 1713 - 1784 Founder of the Missions of California, this Franciscan priest was the first to bring the grape to California, beginning with the first vineyard planted at Mission San Diego in 1779. His . . . — — Map (db m231450) HM
32 ► California, Sonoma County, Sonoma — Heroes of French Wine —
Near Old Winery Road east of Lovall Valley Road, on the right when traveling east.
Marker One: St. Vincent of Saragossa: ? - 304 AD St. Vincent of Saragossa died in the year 304, martyred during the last persecution of Christians by Roman Emperor Maximilian. By the early middle ages he had been adopted by grape . . . — — Map (db m231453) HM
33 ► California, Stanislaus County, Modesto — The Drive-Ins — “The drive-in was the place to be seen…” — Historic Graffiti Cruise Route —
On G Street at 11th Street, on the right when traveling east on G Street.
“A neon drive-in casts long shadows across a vast parking lot as the sun drops behind a distant hill. A large neon sign buzzes in the foreground of MEL’S DRIVE-IN, while in the background, “Rock Around The Clock” blares from the radio of a beautiful . . . — — Map (db m223768) HM
34 ► District of Columbia, Washington, Northwest Washington, Pleasant Plains — 8 — Cleaning Up Cowtown — Lift Every Voice — Georgia Ave./Pleasant Plains Heritage Trail —
On Georgia Avenue Northwest (U.S. 29) at Barry Place Northwest, on the right when traveling south on Georgia Avenue Northwest.
The area west of this spot once was an Irish and German immigrant neighborhood known as “Cowtown.” That's because, before 1871, cows, pigs, and sheep roamed freely here, while those kept in Washington City, south of Boundary Street (today's . . . — — Map (db m311916) HM
35 ► Florida, Bay County, Panama City — Dunton’s Tastee Freez — 1956 —
On Beck Avenue (Florida Route 30) south of West 14th Street, on the right when traveling north.
This fast food ice cream and hamburger shop was established by Harold L. & Dorothy Dunton. Tastee-Freez was one of the first soft serve franchises in the Nation. Subsequent owners included Mrs. Roberta Elder, Dana E. Wright and Galen Mielke. In . . . — — Map (db m245505) HM
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36 ► Florida, Duval County, Jacksonville, Southwest Jacksonville — The Tension Of War — Jacksonville - On The Edge Of The Civil War — Camp Milton Historic Preserve —
Near Halsema Road North 0.4 miles Old Plank Road, on the right when traveling north.
Confronting the enemy
"In this imposing waterfront home lived Mrs. Sarah Reed and her younger sister , Miss Julianna James. Miss James, a beauty of her day, hurriedly dressed in her best in time to answer the captain’s knock. . . . — — Map (db m312178) HM
37 ► Florida, Hillsborough County, Tampa, Ybor City — La Joven Francesa Bakery —
On East 9th Avenue near North 19th Street, on the right when traveling west.
Francisco Ferlita, a native of Santo Stefano, Sicily, established a bakery on this site in 1896. Bread sold for three cents and five cents, and often on credit. In 1922 the wooden structure was destroyed by fire, and a yellow brick building was . . . — — Map (db m311923) HM
38 ► Florida, Monroe County, Key West — Bread, Bugs, and Beef — Dry Tortugas National Park — National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior —
Near Fort Jefferson - Key West.
Other than bread, fish, shrimp, and turtles, most of the food—salted pork, salted beef, and beans—came from the mainland. Officers fared better than the soldiers and prisoners. "The bread was a mixture of flour, bugs, sticks and dirt," Lincoln . . . — — Map (db m311901) HM
39 ► Florida, Volusia County, Port Orange — F-851 — Sands Fish & Oyster Company —
Near Halifax Drive at East Ocean Avenue, on the left when traveling south.
The Sands Fish & Oyster Company supplied oysters to markets and restaurants up and down the Atlantic seaboard from 1916 until 1955. Founded by William Sands, Sr., the company earned Port Orange, Florida, the title of “Oyster Capital of the World” . . . — — Map (db m311323) HM
40 ► Georgia, Barrow County, Winder — Fort Yargo's Beehive Oven —
Near Fort Yargo Road east of South Broad Street (Georgia Highway 81), on the left when traveling south.
At one time, settlers used beehive ovens to bake all kinds of foods. Taking its name from its shape, the beehive oven can be found in all parts of the world even today. They are simple to build from clay and straw so there is little or no cost — . . . — — Map (db m312017) HM
41 ► Georgia, DeKalb County, Atlanta, Druid Hills — First Stand-Alone Restaurant — Chick-Fil-A — April 16, 1986 —
Near North Druid Hills Road at Briarcliff Road NE, on the right when traveling west.
On April 16, 1986, Chick-Fil-A moved beyond the mall food court and opened our first stand-alone restaurant here on North Druid Hills Road in Atlanta. Although this new concept would transform the way we serve our guests around the country, it . . . — — Map (db m310916) HM
42 ► Georgia, Fulton County, Hapeville — 60-20 — Chick-fil-A —
On North Central Avenue (U.S. 19) 0.5 miles west of Interstate 75, on the right when traveling west.
Chick-fil-A™ Founder S. Truett Cathy opened the Dwarf Grill (later renamed the Dwarf House) at this site on May 23, 1946. After years of trial and error, it is here that Cathy invented what is widely considered the first-ever fried chicken . . . — — Map (db m312166) HM
43 ► Georgia, Glynn County, Brunswick — Brunswick Stew —
On I-95 (at milepost 40) when traveling south.
The first Brunswick Stew was made here in the Brunswick - Golden Isles area in early colonial days. It remains an American Favorite. — — Map (db m16615) HM
44 ► Georgia, Gwinnett County, Duluth, Parson's Alley — The Dutch Mill — Motel & Restaurant — A Piece of History in the City of Duluth —
Near West Lawrenceville Street at Main Street, on the right when traveling west.
The Dutch Mill Motel and Restaurant served as a popular stop for travelers and locals alike. It was famous for its fried chicken, banana pudding, pineapple cake, and barbecue that was cooked and smoked just outside in a fire pit. All served with . . . — — Map (db m312167) HM
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45 ► Georgia, Gwinnett County, Lawrenceville — 8 — Tipsy Mules & Horses —
On East Crogan Street east of South Clayton Street, on the right when traveling east.
As in most counties in this part of Georgia, there were a few local entrepreneurs who developed a thriving business producing a popular variety of white lightnin'. Customers came from miles around for a chance to purchase some of Gwinnett's finest . . . — — Map (db m197679) HM
46 ► Georgia, Hall County, Gainesville — 069-7 — The Historic Piedmont Hotel —
On Maple Street 0 miles north of Martin Luther King Boulevard, on the right when traveling north.
The Piedmont Hotel was constructed here just prior to the opening of the nearby railroad in 1873. Primarily a summer resort, the three-story hotel was a rambling, U-shaped structure with 30 rooms. A large dinning room and kitchen adjoined the . . . — — Map (db m312168) HM
47 ► Georgia, Thomas County, Thomasville — 136-7 — Flowers Baking Company — Established - 1919 —
On South Madison Street 0 miles south of Smith Avenue (U.S. 84), on the right when traveling south.
Brothers William Howard Flowers & Joseph Hampton Flowers Jr. opened Flowers Baking Company, the first commercial bakery in Southwest Georgia, on this site on November 4, 1919. The following morning, 500 loaves of "Flowers Quality Bread" were sold . . . — — Map (db m311967) HM
48 ► Illinois, Cook County, Berwyn — Berwyn, Illinois — Welcome to Route 66 Illinois —
On Ogden Avenue west of South Lombard Avenue, on the right when traveling west.
Route 66, the Mother Road, is an American icon that symbolizes romance and freedom of the open road. Born in 1926, Route 66 was one of the first numbered U.S. highways, journeying 2,500 miles from Chicago to Los Angeles. Today, you . . . — — Map (db m312229) HM
49 ► Illinois, Cook County, Chicago, Bridgeport — What Is a "Chicago Style" Hot Dog? —
Near West 35th Street west of Dan Ryan Expressway (Interstate 90/94), on the right when traveling east.
The Vienna Beef "hot dog stand," as we know it today, began as a street cart that hot dog vendors used throughout the Great Depression. While spending was scarce, business was booming for these forward-thinking entrepreneurs who offered a . . . — — Map (db m312088) HM
50 ► Illinois, Cook County, Chicago, Grand Boulevard — Adrinka Symbols —
On South Calumet Avenue north of East 42nd Street, on the right when traveling south.
The people of West Africa used Adinkra symbols to adorn cloth which African royals wore to important ceremonies. Originating from the Gyaman people of Ghana and la Côte d'Ivoire, the symbols have assumed global importance and are now found in logos, . . . — — Map (db m312353) HM
51 ► Illinois, Cook County, Chicago, Little Italy — Florence Giovangelo Scala — Community Activist — 1918-2007 —
On West Taylor Street at South Miller Street, on the right when traveling west on West Taylor Street.
Here is her lifetime home — except for two years after it was twice firebombed because of her leadership in the effort to save Little Italy from construction of the University of Illinois Chicago campus. During that absence, starting in 1962, she . . . — — Map (db m312759) HM
52 ► Illinois, Cook County, Chicago, Near South Side — White Castle #16 — Chicago Landmark —
On East Cermak Road at South Wabash Avenue, on the right when traveling east on East Cermak Road.
White Castle #16 Lewis E. Russell (with Lloyd W. Ray, construction superintendent for White Castle System of Eating Houses, Inc.), architect 1930 This tiny white glazed-brick building remains the best-surviving example in Chicago of . . . — — Map (db m187703) HM
53 ► Illinois, Cook County, Chicago, River North — Pizzeria Uno — Birthplace of the Original Deep Dish Pizza, 1943 — Historic Landmark —
On East Ohio Street at North Wabash Avenue on East Ohio Street.
Ike Sewell invented Deep Dish Pizza in this building in 1943, which began a Deep Dish pizza revolution. — — Map (db m166845) HM
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54 ► Illinois, Cook County, Des Plaines — First McDonald's Franchise —
On Lee Street, on the right when traveling south.
Ray A. Kroc, founder of McDonald's Corporation, opened his first McDonald's franchise (the ninth McDonald's drive-in in the U.S.) on this site April 15, 1955. In memory of his wisdom and spirt, McDonald's Corporation dedicates this site to . . . — — Map (db m280659) HM
55 ► Illinois, Cook County, Schaumburg — Heritage Hot Dog Garden — German Roots, Chicago Flavor —
Near Plum Grove Road 0.3 miles south of Schaumburg Road (Route A66), on the right when traveling north.
Did you know the Chicago hot dog originates from the German frankfurter, brought to the United States by immigrants in the 1800s? This planter contains the ingredients for classic Chicago-style relish: cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, celery, . . . — — Map (db m312090) HM
56 ► Illinois, DuPage County, Glen Ellyn — Prince Castle Ice Cream Shop — 1931-1974 —
On Duane Street east of Main Street, on the right when traveling west.
534 Duane — — Map (db m311776) HM
57 ► Illinois, DuPage County, Naperville — Walter and Grace Fredenhagen — "Two in a Million" — Naperville Century Walk —
Near Washington Street south of Chicago Avenue, on the right when traveling north.
Walter and Grace Fredenhagen, visionaries in business and community and creators of "One in a Million" milk shakes, are depicted in these bronze sculptures. Walter owned and operated Prince Castles and Cock Robin ice cream shops from 1931-1993, . . . — — Map (db m310914) HM
58 ► Illinois, DuPage County, Willowbrook — Dell Rhea's Chicken Basket — 66 Roadside Attraction —
On North Frontage Road south of S Quincy Road, on the right when traveling east.
The Chicken Basket was established in 1946 born out of a gas station next door that sold fried chicken. It was a Blue Bird bus stop as well as a restaurant and used to have ice skaters on the roof to attract Route 66 travelers. It became Dell . . . — — Map (db m312061) HM
59 ► Illinois, DuPage County, Willowbrook — Get Your "Chicks" on Rte 66 — The Chicken Basket —
On North Frontage Road south of South Quincy Street, on the right when traveling east.
Most businesses on Route 66 began as combinations of gas stations, garages, and lunch counters. At the Chicken Basket, tasty food won out over gasoline sales. Throughout the 1940s and 50s, hungry travelers flocked to the popular restaurant. But in . . . — — Map (db m312173) HM
60 ► Illinois, Jackson County, Jacob — James "Gene" Korando —
On Illinois Route 3 0.3 miles south of Rodee Road, on the right when traveling south.
In December of 2009, the lush wetland at the heart of Lover's Pond Nature Preserve was renamed in honor of James "Gene" Korando, a lifelong resident of this area and avid outdoorsman. Humble Beginnings "Gene" Korando was born May 26, . . . — — Map (db m161856) HM
61 ► Illinois, Logan County, Atlanta — Lumi the Pie Lady —
On East South Street (County Route 6) east of Weed Street, on the left when traveling west.
Lumi Bekteshi had never baked a pie before she began managing the Palms Grill Café on Route 66 in Atlanta in the spring of 2009. Three months later, she earned two first-place Blue Ribbons at the Illinois State Fair for her peach and apple . . . — — Map (db m311781) HM
62 ► Illinois, Logan County, Atlanta — The Bunyon Giant —
On Southwest Arch Street west of Southeast Vine Street, on the right when traveling west.
In the 20th century, road travel became the predominant means of going from point a to point b. With the increase of cars on the road, “attention getters,” items attracting the attention of passengers and drivers with the intended result being to . . . — — Map (db m312093) HM
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63 ► Illinois, Madison County, Collinsville — Brooks Catsup Bottle —
On West Main Street east of North Combs Avenue, on the left when traveling east.
Collinsville, Illinois is home to the World's Largest Catsup Bottle, located at 800 South Morrison Avenue. The giant bottle is 70 feet tall and 25 feet wide, perched atop 100-foot-tall steel legs. The Brooks Catsup Bottle was built in . . . — — Map (db m305715) HM
64 ► Illinois, Madison County, Collinsville — Horseradish —
On West Main Street east of North Combs Avenue, on the left when traveling east.
Collinsville, Illinois is proud to be the Horseradish Capital of the World, producing roughly 60% of the global supply. Horseradish has been grown in Collinsville since the 1800s when German immigrants brought the farming practice to the . . . — — Map (db m305993) HM
65 ► Illinois, Randolph County, Chester — Rough House —
On State Street (Illinois Route 150) west of Old Plank Road, on the right when traveling north.
Segar's hard working chef debuted on May 24, 1931. He owns and operates the Rough House Café. Since the diner serves hamburgers, Wimpy frequents the beanery in constant search of a free meal and his famous plea "I'll gladly pay you Tuesday for a . . . — — Map (db m161716) HM
66 ► Illinois, Sangamon County, Southern View — Cozy Dog Drive In — "The GI Hot Dog" —
On South 6th Street (Business Interstate 55) 0.4 miles south of East Linton Avenue, on the right when traveling south.
Enjoy the "original" deep fried hot dog on a stick. Ed Waldmire invented the Cozy Dog while stationed in Amarillo, Texas, during World War II. Originally called "crusty cur," the battered hot dogs were a hit with the GIs at the airfield. In 1950, . . . — — Map (db m312091) HM
67 ► Illinois, Sangamon County, Southern View — Cozy Dog Drive In, Springfield, Illinois — Route 66 Roadside Attraction —
On South 6th Street (Business Interstate 55) 0.4 miles south of East Linton Avenue, on the right when traveling south.
Family owned and operated since 1950. Home of the famous "hot dog on a stick." — — Map (db m312127) HM
68 ► Illinois, Sangamon County, Springfield, Downtown — Site of the Leland Hotel —
On East Capitol Avenue at 6th Street, on the right when traveling west on East Capitol Avenue.
Home of the Original Signature Horseshoe Sandwich created in 1928 at the Leland Hotel by Chef Joe Schweska. The name "horseshoe" was derived from the shape of the cut of ham used in the original sandwich. The French fries represent the . . . — — Map (db m267465) HM
69 ► Illinois, Will County, Joliet — Original Dairy Queen Store —
On North Chicago Street (Illinois Route 53) at Ohio Street, on the right when traveling south on North Chicago Street.
On this site and in this building, erected ca. 1895, the world's first Dairy Queen store opened on June 22, 1940. Soft serve ice cream was unknown before its inception in Kankakee, Illinois in 1938 by John Fremont "Grandpa" McCullough . . . — — Map (db m157062) HM
70 ► Indiana, Clark County, Henryville — 10.2022.1 — “Colonel” Harland Sanders — 1890-1980 —
On Zollman Road 0.4 miles east of Sunday Drive, on the left when traveling east.
Born and raised here on his family farm, entrepreneur Harland Sanders entered the restaurant business in the 1930s, serving food at his Corbin, Kentucky service station. By 1952, Sanders developed his patented method of cooking chicken and . . . — — Map (db m312060) HM
71 ► Indiana, Hendricks County, Plainfield — Eat — Historic National Road / Make History, Drive It — The Road That Built the Nation —
On West Main Street (U.S. 40) west of West Street, on the right when traveling east.
A waitress named Marge. A red vinyl stool at the counter. The pie case and the bottomless cup of coffee. Diners were America's first fast-food restaurants. As automobile traffic increased on the National Road in the 1920s, diners sprang up . . . — — Map (db m233274) HM
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72 ► Indiana, Jefferson County, Madison — Clifty Inn — Welcoming visitors since 1924 —
Near Cfp Canyon Road north of Clifty Hollow Road, on the right when traveling east.
The Clifty Inn has undergone many changes, but the lovely site overlooking the Ohio River remains the same. In 1924, the two-story Clifty Inn opened at this location. The Madison Courier reported, "The vistas are superb and the panoramas not . . . — — Map (db m312179) HM
73 ► Indiana, Vigo County, Terre Haute, East Bank — 84.1994.1 — Birthplace of the Coca-Cola Bottle
On South 3rd Street at East Voorhees Street, on the left when traveling south on South 3rd Street. Reported missing.
World-famous trademark created in 1915 on this site at Root Glass Company, by Chapman J. Root, T. Clyde Edwards, Earl R. Dean, and Alexander Samuelson. Bottle design selected in national competition. — — Map (db m8888) HM
74 ► Kansas, Bourbon County, Fort Scott — 4 — Cowtown? — Walk Fort Scott —
On East Wall Street at National Avenue, on the left when traveling west on East Wall Street.
Fort Scott was a dairy town and had 3 working dairies. Borden's canned and powdered milk was produced, boxed and shipped by rail to locations all over the United States. In the 1950's Batten Meadow Gold bought milk, bottled it, and delivered door . . . — — Map (db m312760) HM
75 ► Kansas, Crawford County, Pittsburg — H. R. Brown's Grocery Store —
On U.S. 69 0.7 miles south of Atkinson Road, on the right when traveling south.
H.R. Browns Grocery was one of the last neighborhood grocery stores in Pittsburg, Kansas. By 1912, there were seventy-nine retail grocery stores in Pittsburg. Their strength was in their relative convenience for their customers. Regular customers . . . — — Map (db m312174) HM
76 ► Kansas, Graham County, Nicodemus — Nicodemus — Established 1877 —
On U.S. 24 east of 3rd Street, on the right when traveling east.
Cuisine Good Food, Great TraditionGood food and small cafes have long been a tradition in Nicodemus, although most businesses are now gone. Ernestine’s Bar-B-Q is the last restaurant in town. The legendary Ernestine VanDuvall’s . . . — — Map (db m312227) HM
77 ► Kansas, Sedgwick County, Wichita — Pizza Hut Number One — First Opened at Bluff and Kellogg Streets — June 15, 1958 —
On Perimeter Road 0.1 miles east of Harvard Avenue, on the right when traveling east.
Two former WSU students, Dan and Frank Carney, borrowed $600 to open this first Pizza Hut. Their corporation grew to become the world's largest pizza chain and was sold to PepsiCo in 1977 for $300,000,000. The building was moved to this site to . . . — — Map (db m271074) HM
78 ► Kansas, Wyandotte County, Kansas City, I-435 West KC-KS — White Castle — First National Hamburger Chain —
Near Village West Parkway.
Walter Anderson founded White Castle in Wichita, 1921 — — Map (db m200472) HM
79 ► Kentucky, Campbell County, Newport — Barrels of Beer —
Near Riverboat Row, on the right when traveling north.
James Smith brewed an English style beer in Newport as early as 1798. In the 1840s and 1850s German immigrants introduced the new style lager. Although several breweries operated in Newport after the Civil War, the one established by George . . . — — Map (db m174788) HM
80 ► Kentucky, Laurel County, Corbin — The Life of Col. Harland Sanders — Building a Legacy —
On Dixie Hwy (U.S. 25) at Rose Avenue, on the right when traveling south on Dixie Hwy.
1964 Jack Massey and John Y. Brown buy Kentucky Fried Chicken corporation from Colonel Sanders. 1969 KFC Corporation purchases the Colonel’s restaurant in Corbin and converts it into a Kentucky Fried Chicken Restaurant. 1973 . . . — — Map (db m312065) HM
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81 ► Kentucky, Laurel County, North Corbin — Birthplace of Kentucky Fried Chicken — Kentucky's Most Famous Citizen —
On Dixie Highway (U.S. 25) south of Colonel Sanders Street, on the right when traveling south.
Birth of a Legend. Kentucky's Most Famous Citizen. Colonel Harland Sanders began the part of his life that brought him fame in a small gasoline service station on the opposite side of this highway. Born on September 9, 1890, . . . — — Map (db m312057) HM
82 ► Kentucky, Lincoln County, Crab Orchard — A Little Bit to Eat at the Race —
On William Whitley Road, on the left when traveling east.
The races at Sportsman’s Hill began at dawn and were followed by an elaborate breakfast which was prepared in the yard of the house and served out of doors to all the guests. A tradition that continues today at the Kentucky Derby with “The . . . — — Map (db m311785) HM
83 ► Louisiana, Claiborne Parish, Haynesville — 9 — Potlikker — Hungry for History —
On U.S. 79 north of Dawson Street, on the right when traveling north.
AKA pot liquor. Broth made from boiling greens and pork fat. Fed South's hungry by early 1850s. In 1935, Senator Huey Long praised its value. — — Map (db m220563) HM
84 ► Louisiana, St. Tammany Parish, Slidell — The Whiskey Tree —
On U.S. 90 0.6 miles east of U.S. 190.
At the height of Prohibition, deep in the curving, muddy waters of the swamp was the secret meeting place known by moonshiners simply as the Whiskey Tree. With no roads to reach it and far from the grasp of any officials, you can vividly imagine . . . — — Map (db m296864) HM
85 ► Maryland, Baltimore, Stadium Area — Fuku —
Near Russell Street north of West Lee Street, on the left when traveling north.
Fuku is a spicy fried chicken spot from Chef David Chang. We opened our doors in New York's East Village in 2015 and have since expanded to multiple restaurants and ballparks. We deliver high quality, crave-able food and aim to serve up different . . . — — Map (db m312063) HM
86 ► Maryland, Frederick County, Frederick, Downtown — The Everedy Company —
On North East Street at East Church Street, on the right when traveling north on North East Street.
Larry J. Lebherz and his brothers incorporated The Everedy Company here in 1923 during the height of the prohibition era. The operation began with the production of bottle cappers and later would be known for its stainless steel pots and pans, . . . — — Map (db m104045) HM
87 ► Maryland, Frederick County, Jefferson — The Jefferson Town Well —
Near Lander Road A.
The device in front of you is the actual water pump used by Jefferson residents to draw water from the town well. During the 1800's and until 1960, residents obtained water from the well located in the center of town. The well offered tremendous . . . — — Map (db m311801) HM
88 ► Maryland, Montgomery County, Clarksburg — Our Daily Bread — The Hyattstown Mill —
Near Hyattstown Mill Road 0.2 miles east of Frederick Road (Maryland Route 355), on the right when traveling east.
In operation since 1798, Hyattstown Mill was known for its “fine stone-ground white and yellow cornmeal." Destroyed by fire in 1918, the new mill was quickly rebuilt on the old foundation and remained a crucial local business until the mid-1930s. . . . — — Map (db m311909) HM
89 ► Maryland, Montgomery County, Silver Spring, Downtown Silver Spring — The Burger King — Silver Spring Entrepreneurs — Silver Heritage Georgia Avenue —
On Georgia Avenue (U.S. 29) at Ripley Street when traveling south on Georgia Avenue.
"Buy 'em by the Bag," the motto urged. For more than half a century, hamburger-hungry customers came to Maryland's first Little Tavern to do just that. Harry F. Duncan founded Little Tavern Shops, Inc., which specialized in 5¢ little . . . — — Map (db m75468) HM
90 ► Maryland, Somerset County, Smith Island, Ewell — 11 — Smith Island Cake — Hungry for History —
On Smith Island Road north of Caleb Jones Road, on the right when traveling north.
Proclaimed Maryland State Dessert in 2008, the 8-10 layer cake has been a tradition on this island since ca. 1900. — — Map (db m286168) HM
91 ► Maryland, Somerset County, Smith Island, Ewell — State Dessert… Smith Island Cake —
On Caleb Jones Road east of Smith Island Road, on the left when traveling north.
Smith Island has its own region-specific traditional cuisine. The most famous dish is a locally produced cake known as Smith Island cake. Traditionally, the cake consists of eight to ten layers of cake with frosting between each layer and . . . — — Map (db m286175) HM
92 ► Maryland, St. Mary's County, Coltons Point — 14 — Stuffed Ham — Hungry for History —
On Bayview Road west of Dave Bailey Road, on the right.
Cured ham stuffed with kale, cabbage, onion & spices. Oral tradition says dish originated in St. Mary's County in early 1700s. — — Map (db m297190) HM
93 ► Maryland, St. Mary's County, Scotland — Pvt. Luther Wesley Hopkins — Co. A, 6th Va. Cavalry — Voices from the Pen —
Near Point Lookout Road (Maryland Route 5) east of St. Michaels Manor Way, on the right when traveling east.
…Upon the whole, prison life was very monotonous. It was such and unhealthy camp that the prisoners considered that they had a better chance for their lives fighting in the army. The food, while good was very scant. Breakfast consisted of . . . — — Map (db m312019) HM
94 ► Massachusetts, Suffolk County, Boston, Downtown Crossing — The Parker House —
On School Street at Province Street, on the right when traveling east on School Street.
One of Boston’s luxury hotels, opened by innovative hosteller Harvey Parker, the Parker House has been operating on this site since 1856. Parker introduced the European Plan, started the practice of scrod, the fresh white fish catch of the day. . . . — — Map (db m311794) HM
95 ► Mississippi, Harrison County, Biloxi — Birthplace of Barq's —
On Keller Avenue at Jenkins Lane, on the right when traveling north on Keller Avenue.
Barq's root beer was created by Edward C. Barq, Sr. in 1898 and produced on this site until 1936, when the operation moved to Lameuse Street. A Mississippi Gulf Coast favorite, the number of franchise bottlers grew to over two hundred by 1950. . . . — — Map (db m68425) HM
96 ► Mississippi, Warren County, Vicksburg — Koestler Bakery's Christmas Tree Lane —
On Levee Street south of Grove Street, on the left when traveling north.
In May 1908, Leo C. Koestler opened Koestler's Bakery on Washington at Belmont Street. The first ovens were coal fired and "Mello-Toast Bread" was delivered to households by a horse-drawn dray. In about 1918, Leo became the first in the state . . . — — Map (db m312021) HM
97 ► Missouri, Cape Girardeau County, Cape Girardeau — World's Largest Fountain Drink Cup — 4,730 Gallons of Lemonade - Record Set August 20, 2017 —
On South Mount Auburn Road south of Bloomfield Road.
Test your record-setting knowledge Q1: How many hours did it take to fill the cup? A: It took just under 3 hours to fill starting at 6am on August 20, 2017. Q2: How many people worked to fill the cup? A: Eight people worked to . . . — — Map (db m307393) HM
98 ► Missouri, Greene County, Springfield, West Central — Red's Giant Hamburg —
On West College Street west of South New Avenue, on the right when traveling west.
Red's Giant Hamburg was a business on the west end of Route 66 in Springfield, Missouri, which is believed to have been the world's first drive-through restaurant. The business's name was supposed to be "Red's Giant Hamburger," but owner . . . — — Map (db m170766) HM
99 ► Missouri, Jasper County, Carterville — Supertam on 66, Carterville, Missouri — Route 66 Roadside Attraction —
On West Main Street (Old U.S. 66) east of Washington Street, on the left when traveling west.
Supertam on 66, known for their collection of over 2500 items celebrating the Man of Steel, was opened in 2006 by Larry Tamminen. When he retired in 2021, the Briley family took over the ice cream shop and continues its all-American tradition. . . . — — Map (db m311744) HM
100 ► Missouri, Livingston County, Chillicothe — Chillicothe, Missouri — The Home of Sliced Bread —
On Elm Street at 1st Street, on the right when traveling south on Elm Street.
On July 7, 1928, Chillicothe baker Frank Bench and inventor Otto Rohwedder secured Chillicothe Missouri's Slice of History. On this day their bread slicing machine produced the first loaves of sliced bread and made them available on the shelves . . . — — Map (db m311897) HM

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Oct. 11, 2026