Near Cayuga in Livingston County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Meramec Caverns Barn
66 Roadside Attraction
Photographed By Jason Voigt, September 29, 2020
1. Meramec Caverns Barn Advertisement Marker
This nostalgic barn has been restored by volunteers of the Route 66 Association of Illinois Preservation Committee. August 30, 1998Erected by Hampton Hotels Save-a-Landmark Program.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Communications • Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the Route 66 Roadside Attractions, and the U.S. Route 66 series lists.
Location. 40° 56.634′ N, 88° 34.879′ W. Marker is near Cayuga, Illinois, in Livingston County. Marker can be reached from North 1810 East Road (Old U.S. 66). Marker is located off a roadside pullout. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 21784 N 1810 E Rd, Pontiac IL 61764, 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. The Log Cabin Inn (approx. 3.9 miles away); A Bridge to the Past (approx. 4.7 miles away); Historic Division Street Bridge (approx. 4.7 miles away); 1932 Standard Oil Gas Station, Odell, Illinois
this page online
More about this marker. This was the first Route 66 marker erected by the Hampton Hotels Save-a-Landmark Program. That story is told in the photo that contains the original marker, which was replaced due to deterioration (see photo).
Regarding Meramec Caverns Barn. Meramec Caverns is one of the most advertised places in the Midwest, with billboards in such states as Missouri and Illinois. Farmers were paid money to advertise the attraction on their barns. Not just on Route 66 but on interstates as well. It is not known when exactly this was originally painted, though it is shown in typical 1930's style. This is one of four surviving Meramec Caverns barns along old Route 66 - the other three are in Conway, MO, St. Clair, MO and Chandler, OK. There was one in Hamel, Illinois but it was damaged by a tornado in 2011.
Photographed By Jason Voigt, September 29, 2020
2. Meramec Caverns Barn Advertisement Marker
Barn is in the background on private property.
Photographed By Jason Voigt, September 29, 2020
3. The old Meramec Caverns Barn Marker
This is on display at the Illinois Route 66 Museum in Pontiac, IL. It was replaced due to deterioration.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 29, 2020. It was originally submitted on September 29, 2020, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 536 times since then and 213 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 29, 2020, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.
