This was the scene at this corner in the years 1926 -1930. The Dippold Drug Store was a thriving business located on this corner during these years when Route 66 ran through Gillespie.
Prominent Gillespie resident, Lincoln Loveless, and his . . . — — Map (db m195484) HM WM
Russell Soulsby built this station in 1926 with his father, Henry
He ran it with his sister Ola until 1991. For its 65 years of operation; they only sold Shell gasoline. — — Map (db m138433) HM
You are traveling on one of the most famous roads in the world. On September 25, 2005, Illinois Route 66 was designated as a National Scenic Byway by the U.S. Department of Transportation. — — Map (db m144781) HM
Electrified interurban railways were the rage in the early 1900s before Route 66. They offered clean and efficient service, an advantage over locomotives and horses. The Illinois Traction System connected residents in towns like Staunton to . . . — — Map (db m188715) HM
"Godfrey [Illinois] was in the forefront of the early-day road paving enterprise of a century ago that was the day of the celebrated plank toll roads." - Alton Evening Telegraph, July 17, 1952
In 1836, during construction of Monticello . . . — — Map (db m144919) HM
Imagine Main Street in the early 1900s. Horses pull supply wagons stocked with fruits, vegetables, and dry goods to shops facing the thoroughfare. Trolleys bounce and clang as they trundle down rails at the street's center. Bicyclists weave between . . . — — Map (db m144068) HM
Built circa 1845 by Daniel Dove Collins (1814-1892) for his bride Elizabeth M. Anderson (1826-1902), the Collins House is an example of Greek revival architecture. As the first president of the Collinsville village board, Collins held board meetings . . . — — Map (db m144010) HM
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 can still "get . . . — — Map (db m144542) HM
The Goshen Road was one of the main arteries of travel in the early 1800's, when Illinois was frontier country. The road ran in a northwesterly direction from Shawneetown to Edwardsville -- a distance of more than 150 miles. Shawneetown and . . . — — Map (db m138859) HM
For nearly four decades, this charming brick building served as a bustling automobile service station on America's most iconic highway, US Route 66 - which ran right past this location through the heart of Edwardsville. Travelers and locals by the . . . — — Map (db m228142) HM
[Marker features a set of historic photos:]
Greetings from Glen Carbon, Ill.
View of Glen Carbon from the west before 1910 (no Village Hall). Street in center is Sunset with First Methodist Church.
1918 World War I - Left to . . . — — Map (db m169595) HM
The Heritage Trail is dedicated to Ronald J. Foster, Sr. In recognition of his meritorious service to the Village of Glen Carbon as Trustee from 1965 to 1981 and Village President 1981 to 2001.
Ron's wife, Joan Treat Foster, was also a . . . — — Map (db m196666) HM
In 1888, the Chicago, Peoria and St. Louis Railroad bought the right-of-way to the land between the Clifton Inn and the Mississippi River. Shortly thereafter, a railroad track was laid along the base of the bluffs and extended from Alton to Grafton. . . . — — Map (db m220756) HM
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 can still "get . . . — — Map (db m144521) HM
Six Mile Prairie, located in the American Bottom six miles from St. Louis, was first settled in the 1830's by American farm families who migrated from the Upland south. With their crude farm implements, these pioneers broke through the tough prairie . . . — — Map (db m138844) HM
It Began with Four Cars
Cassens Transport began in 1931 when Albert and Arnold hauld four new cars from Detroit to their father George's dealership in Hamel. By 1941, Cassens had a fleet of 35 car transporters operating from its terminal . . . — — Map (db m144481) HM
During the era of stagecoach travel, the building before you played an important role. It anchored a relay station.
Coach journeys were broken into stages of about 10 miles. At the end of each stage, drivers stopped at a relay station like . . . — — Map (db m144107) HM
In the mid 1800s, roughly a quarter-mile east of where you stand, Madison County residents carved a settlement from farm fields, prairie grass, broken forests, and the National Road.
Here, the National Road was little more than a scraped-earth . . . — — Map (db m144106) HM
Today, many families find Troy an ideal place to live because of its physical location - close to St. Louis, near Scott Air Force Base and in the midst of the I 55 -70 - 270 exchange.
Early settlers and townspeople found much the same . . . — — Map (db m176313) HM
"It looks like home." That's what Frederick Mersinger might say if he could see the cabin in this park. The building was reconstructed from photos of a log home purchased by Mersinger in 1859. Generations of Mersingers grew up in the house, south . . . — — Map (db m144083) HM
From Chicago to Los Angeles, Route 66 was routed over the streets of cities and towns both large and small. Thus its nickname "The Main Street of America." In Illinois, the first state to have all of Route 66 paved, the infamous highway was routed . . . — — Map (db m139428) HM
In 1779 George Rogers Clark led his army from Kaskaskia through this area to Vincennes where they captured Fort Sackville from the British. In 1818 there were several taverns on this section of the Vincennes-St. Louis Trail. Traditionally, the log . . . — — Map (db m178084) HM
In 1673 the areas of the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers were explored by Frenchmen Louis Jolliet and Father Jacques Marquette. Their voyages resulted in French claims on the area until 1763 when, by the Treaty of Paris, France ceded the land to . . . — — Map (db m146313) HM
If it was Saturday in 1910, then it was time to hitch up the horse and buggy and go to town to trade eggs and butter for groceries and denim overalls. Lower Ferry Street was the place to meet friends, catch up on the latest good news, bad news, or . . . — — Map (db m186287) HM
It was always exciting and dangerous when the fire bell rang. "Black Charlie", the horse, kicked the back of his stall and firefighters knew it was time to move fast. All citizens were proud when their equipment advanced from horse-drawn wagon to . . . — — Map (db m186294) HM
The earliest hotels in Macomb were taverns, where weary travelers could quench their thirst, or get a night's sleep in one of the upstairs rooms.
In 1850, A.V. Brooking bought George Head's Tavern, located here, and operated it as the . . . — — Map (db m229728) HM
(front:)
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, . . . — — Map (db m158214) HM
First brick pavement in the United States
Innovation to modern highways
Installed 1877 by Napoleon B. Heafer
This plaque set in original paving brick and presented to the City of Bloomington May 11, 1968, by Bloomington Junior High School . . . — — Map (db m57840) HM
David Davis swapped for the farm just east of here with Normal's founder Jesse Fell. Davis forgiving Fell's debts. Judge Davis was a friend of attorney Abraham Lincoln and the two of them rode the 8th Judicial circuit together, holding court from . . . — — Map (db m57560) HM
Illinois Route 66 was dangerous. Curves, crossroads, and bridge abutments doomed many speeding motorists, giving rise to the nickname, "Bloody 66." After World War II, curves were straightened, towns bypassed, and four lanes built to improve . . . — — Map (db m57555) HM
Having a Picnic.
By the 1920s the automobile picnic outing had become a national phenomenon. Cars allowed people to escape from crowded cities, and rural residents also took advantage of the increased mobility furnished by the . . . — — Map (db m163357) HM
This original section of Historic Route 66 was dedicated in 1926. The alignment was first known as Route 4. Memory Lane is open to drive on during Lexington's annual Route 66 reunion, car show/parade and other special Route 66 events.
We invite . . . — — Map (db m163090) HM
In 1926, construction began on a 2,448-mile highway from Chicago to Santa Monica, California. Route 66 reflected the increased use of motorized vehicles. The road, which cut diagonally across Illinois, passed through Lexington. Sleek restaurants, . . . — — Map (db m157028) HM
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 . . . — — Map (db m156953) HM
Opened in 1930 by William Sprague, this is the only two-story Tudor Revival service station on Route 66. Although the station was built in the depth of the Great Depression, Sprague knew that travelers still needed food, gas, and car repairs. He . . . — — Map (db m163009) HM
The town of Normal was created at the junction of the Illinois Central and the Chicago and Alton Railroads. The Camelback Bridge is the last surviving structure in Normal associated with the railroad. Its location was chosen because here the . . . — — Map (db m58105) HM
(front:)
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, . . . — — Map (db m158093) HM
You are standing on the pavement of the original Route 66 that was commissioned in 1926. The width of the original hard road was only 16' wide and constructed from Portland cement. The road immediately in front of you is the upgraded Route 66 known . . . — — Map (db m157604) HM
The Towanda, Il. Route 66 Parkway stretches 1 mile in front of you and 2.5 miles behind you. You are standing on the 1954 alignment of Route 66. The original 1926 two lane Route 66 is behind you and to the right and just up this road and to the . . . — — Map (db m157605) HM
Ahead of you is Dead Man's Curve, the site of many disastrous accidents from the late 1920s through the 1950s. This curve was part of the original Route 66 that was constructed around Towanda in 1927. Behind you to the east approximatley 1/4 mile, . . . — — Map (db m157594) HM
Your experience of this portion of Historic Route 66 is eight tenths of one mile of the 2448 miles stretching from Chicago, Illinois to Santa Monica, California. As the primary road connecting Chicago to the west coast, Route 66 was called the Main . . . — — Map (db m157589) HM
Directly ahead lay the remnants of Henderson's Dairy, which was closed in 1942 due to a calling to war. Upon Jerry Henderson's return home from World War II in 1945, the Standard Service Station was built and opened. It was a small, family owned . . . — — Map (db m157603) HM
Ahead of you is the former location of the Delco Truck Stop, a historic landmark opened in 1952. Three years later, the name changed to Pure Oil Truck Stop with gasoline selling at 17.9 cents per gallon. Pure Oil also featured a restaurant that . . . — — Map (db m157602) HM
Abraham Lincoln's Survey of the Sangamo Town – Athens Road Relocation
Beginning January 1, 1834, New Salem was to receive mail on a new schedule. The Stage was to leave Springfield each Saturday at 4:00 am for the Warren Court House . . . — — Map (db m78609) HM
At this site stood the Franklin Inn, later called the "Buck Tavern" because its sign was adorned with deer horns. Built in 1828 as a stagecoach stop, it was famous for its hospitality. The stagecoach would change horses here, and the passengers . . . — — Map (db m173522) HM
Columbia's Main Street began as the Kaskaskia-Cahokia Trail, a path created by Indians as long as 11,000 B.C. when the traveled from Old Kaskaskia [Kaskaskia Island] to Cahokia. The Trail played an integral part in French colonization, and remained . . . — — Map (db m171259) HM
This building was built in the late 1800s and purchased in 1915 by the late George Roessler Sr. It was originally the Millstadt Brewery Company Saloon, managed by Mr. Roessler, and was also used as an ice house and trucking business. The family . . . — — Map (db m182298) HM
The first roads through the town of Waterloo were Indian trails created by buffalo going from one hole to another. The first trails were made for foot travel and horses traveling in single file. trails were later widened by the use of axes and . . . — — Map (db m220257) HM
Kaskaskia-Cahokia Trail: 40 Miles to Kaskaskia
20 Miles to Cahokia Here passed the ancient trail trod first by buffaloes and Indians, then by explorers, traders and French settlers of Kaskaskia and Cahokia. Revolutionary War soldiers with . . . — — Map (db m140364) HM
Ditch Tavern
was the first hotel in Waterloo located on North Main Street, and run by David and Hannah Ditch. David H. Ditch owned the land on which Waterloo was built until it was purchased by George Forquer in 1818.
The Old Tavern . . . — — Map (db m148322) HM
This stone arch bridge dates back to 1877 when it was built by Charles Liebheit and Christian Hartmann. It extends over a tributary of Fountain Creek, called Moore's Run (named after James Moore, one of the founders of Waterloo). This bridge is . . . — — Map (db m143476) HM
This statue pays homage to the buffalo, or bison which roamed the uplands of Monroe County thousands of years ago, trampling down prairie grasses, creating what became the Kaskaskia-Cahokia Trial. The trail was also used by Native Americans and was . . . — — Map (db m143250) HM
During intermission, hotdogs dance across the screen, luring moviegoers to the Sky View's concession stand.
Like most outdoor theaters, the Sky View always had a busy playground below the screen where the children played before the movie began. . . . — — Map (db m138390) HM
The Shifting Highway
In 1924, Pete Adam opened the first Ariston in Carlinville next to the original alignment of Route 66. When the highway was rerouted in 1929, Pete moved his cafe next to the new 66 in Litchfield (across the street from . . . — — Map (db m147474) HM
Dave Jackson, lifelong resident, and former editor of the Litchfield News Herald, wanted Litchfield to have a museum. Jackson had a large collection of Litchfield memorabilia which he hoped to share and preserve. He died in May of 2010 before his . . . — — Map (db m159654) HM
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 can still "get . . . — — Map (db m144543) HM
Route 66, one of the original highways in the US Highway System, was established on November, 11, 1926. It became one of the most famous roads in the US, passing through Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and . . . — — Map (db m159643) HM
Satisfying local patrons and international travelers since 1924, this landmark stop continues to attract diners who "remember where good food is served"
Route 66 Roadside Attraction Recognized by Hampton Hotels Save-A-Landmark program as . . . — — Map (db m138435) HM
Even though it was wonderful to have a paved, hard road to travel on, many motor vehicle accidents did occur on Route 66.
In 1959, this shrine was erected to remind motorists of the potential dangers and offered a place to say a prayer for a . . . — — Map (db m156780) HM
Illinois was the only state to have LH drinking fountains. They were donated by Carl Parker in memory of his mother, Amanda Sutherland Parker who had grown up in the Garden Plain area of Whiteside County. Originally the fountains were to be placed . . . — — Map (db m235450) HM
In the spring of 1825, Oliver W. Kellogg blazed a trail north through the prairie, passing near the future West Grove settlement, then a few miles east of Forreston, and up through Crane's Grove.
A year later, John Boles opened a shorter . . . — — Map (db m208640) HM
Improved roads in the 1900s, like the Lincoln Highway, contributed to the rise of Industrialism in America. This brought the period known as the Gilded Age. Business leaders amassed enormous wealth and built elaborate homes, theaters, local . . . — — Map (db m209415) HM
The Lincoln Highway is an example of the 1900s American cultural awakening. The end of the Victorian era brought progress and independence as people set out in their automobiles to venture across the country. The vision of the first . . . — — Map (db m209416) HM
Oregon has a rich art and cultural heritage that dates back to the days of the Lincoln Highway. Seeking peace and quiet from the hectic life of the city, motorists were now able to enjoy weekends and summers in nearby rural areas. Located on the . . . — — Map (db m209417) HM
Built on the old Chicago and Iowa Trail, this road was the first state aid paved rural road in northern Illinois. Begun in 1914, it was dedicated August 24, 1915. One lane of fired bricks was put in the north lane, a dirt tract in the south lane; . . . — — Map (db m131315) HM
In 1913, Carl Fisher proposed the "coast-to-coast Rock Highway". Eager to put America on wheels, executives from automobile and tire manufacturers quickly joined the effort. At the inaugural meeting on July 1, 1913, the newly elected President, . . . — — Map (db m209414) HM
The Chicago and Iowa trail, usually known as the C & I trail, passed through here. Travelers by stage coach, covered wagon, or on horseback between Chicago and Iowa frequently stayed overnight at Capt. Stinson's inn. This center of community life in . . . — — Map (db m131316) HM
The Indians called this area Nanusha (buffalo). The first settlers arrived here in 1829 and six years later a village, St. Marion, was laid out. About 1840 the name was changed to Buffalo Grove and the village prospered until 1855 when the railroad . . . — — Map (db m208581) HM
In 1825 Oliver W. Kellogg blazed a trail from Peoria to Galena which passed east of this site. On a spring day in the following year John Boles marked a shorter route near this point. The news of the Boles Trail spread and it became a heavily . . . — — Map (db m208467) HM
In the early 1830s pioneer traffic moving north from Peoria crowded primitive trails and forced a direct route to Galena. In 1833, Levi Warners state survey marked the Galena Road. It cut through this schoolyard. Private Abraham Lincoln passed . . . — — Map (db m55795) HM
The evolution of the road changed the look of America with the development of roadside industries. As motoring became a way o f life, the local filling station was welcomed sight to travelers. Service stations and garages along the Lincoln . . . — — Map (db m133512) HM
During the 19th century, cities usually had descent roads, but rural roads were often little more than muddy trails. Bicyclist's and railroad companies began calling for good roads in the 1880s, but American road building really took off in the . . . — — Map (db m133511) HM
Rochelle was a natural forefront to major automobile transportation and grew to earn the name of the "Hub City" because of its location at the intersection of several major transportation routes.
The "Hub" began with the railroads in . . . — — Map (db m133513) HM
In 1913, Carl Fisher proposed the "Coast-to-Coast Rock Highway". Eager to put America on wheels, executives from automobile and tire manufacturers quickly joined in the effort. At the inaugural meeting on July 1, 1913, the newly elected . . . — — Map (db m133510) HM
Migration along the river
Here on the banks of the Illinois River, you can witness two key migrations. Each year, thousands of barges carry grain, coal, chemicals, and other products up and down the Illinois River. Since 1862, when the I&M . . . — — Map (db m183541) HM
This portion of Armstrong Avenue is the only remaining
brick boulevard combination left in the city of Peoria.
The John Armstrong Family came to Peoria in 1836, and
the family farmhouse still stands at 303 West Armstrong.
John Armstrong . . . — — Map (db m220259) HM
We honor the pioneers and the three Native Americans who died here while on the Trail of Death march in 1838 and are buried in this cemetery — — Map (db m33255) HM
The fertile prairies in Illinois attracted the attention of French trader Louis Jolliet and Father Jacques Marquette as they explored the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers in 1673. France claimed this region until 1763 when it was surrendered to Great . . . — — Map (db m136729) HM
This unit obtained and placed here by
Red Bud VFW Post 6632
To honor all veterans past, present and future
Era of vehicle
In service - 1954 to 1963
Exported to West Germany, Turkey, United Kingdom
and Italy. Served in . . . — — Map (db m236184) HM WM
The City of Daffodils, it was founded in 1857 by Judge Samuel Elder and Joseph Read. Originally named Elder-Reado, legend has it that the name was changed by railroad sign painters who thought the spelling incorrect. The junction of the pioneer era . . . — — Map (db m146458) HM
Wolf Creek Primitive Baptist Church was organized sometime before 1830. The first meetings were held in the brown blockhouse which was located where the flagpole now stands which was on the Kaskaskia Trail, the vestiges of which can be seen running . . . — — Map (db m146462) HM
The Kaskaskia Trail was an early pioneer trail that played an important part in the history and development of Saline County. The trail extended from Shawneetown on the Ohio River, past the salt works near Equality and on to Kaskaskia, the capital . . . — — Map (db m146457) HM
You are traveling on one of the most famous roads in the world. On September 25, 2005, Illinois Route 66 was designated as a National Scenic Byway by the U.S. Department of Transportation. — — Map (db m152713) HM
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 can still "get . . . — — Map (db m156803) HM
Abraham Lincoln spent the first twenty years of his life in the forests of Kentucky and Indiana. He migrated to Illinois and settled in the village of New Salem, located in the woodlands along the Sangamon River. Other early settlers also chose . . . — — Map (db m156786) HM
