McLean in McLean County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
A Home on the Road
Dixie Truck Stop
Photographed By Jason Voigt, September 28, 2020
1. A Home on the Road Marker
Illinois' oldest truck stop, the Dixie Trucker's Home offered Southern hospitality for weary Route 66 travelers. J.P. Walters and his son-in-law John Geske opened the Dixie in 1928 in the corner of a mechanic's garage. Route 66's first truckers found rest and refreshment at a lunch counter lined with six stools. Generations of the family operated the Dixie for 75 years, and the Dixie still serves trucks bound for destinations throughout America.Outdoor Entertainment
In the 1930s, and '40s, the Dixie offered free weekly shows featuring musical acts or outdoor movies. At intermission, attendees rushed into the truck stop for pie and coffee.
McLean Depot
Halfway between St. Louis and Chicago, McLean was on a bustling railroad route. McLean Depot, built in 1853, is the oldest building in town and a rare wooden depot.
Lincoln Funeral Train
McLean Depot is one of only two stations still standing in Illinois that witnessed the 1865 funeral train carrying President Lincoln's coffin to Springfield.
Erected by Illinois
this page online
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Entertainment • Industry & Commerce • Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the U.S. Route 66 series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1928.
Location. 40° 18.703′ N, 89° 10.156′ W. Marker is in McLean, Illinois, in McLean County. Marker is at the intersection of Dixie Road (U.S. 136) and South East Street, on the right when traveling west on Dixie Road. Marker is located in front of McLean Depot Train Shop, and across from Dixie Travel Plaza. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 260 Dixie Rd, Mc Lean IL 61754, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Abraham Lincoln - Eighth Judicial District (approx. 2.2 miles away); Funks Grove Pure Maple Sirup, Funks Grove, Illinois (approx. 4.1 miles away); Bloomington-Normal, Illinois (approx. 4½ miles away); Having a Picnic / A Transportation Corridor (approx. 4½ miles away); Isaac Funk (approx. 4.6 miles away); "Reisch Beer" Mural (approx. 4.8 miles away); "Wisteria Café" Mural (approx. 4.8 miles away); "Wide Awakes" March in Atlanta (approx. 4.8 miles away).
More about this marker. This is one of nine Wayside Exhibits erected by Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byways that has an interpretive statue next to it.
Also see . . . Dixie Travel Plaza on Wikipedia. Known to be
Photographed By Jason Voigt, September 28, 2020
2. A Home on the Road Marker
Marker next to its supplemental interpretive statue, depicting a man pumping gas during the 1930s & 40s.
Photographed By Jason Voigt, September 28, 2020
3. A Home on the Road Marker
Marker and interpretive statue are both located in front of McLean Depot Train Shop
Photographed By Jason Voigt, September 28, 2020
4. Dixie Truckers Home
This is located across from the marker
Credits. This page was last revised on September 28, 2020. It was originally submitted on September 28, 2020, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 203 times since then and 49 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 28, 2020, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.
