Historic and Architectural Resources of Route 66 Through Illinois facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Route 66 Through Illinois Multiple Property Submission
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| Location | Illinois, US |
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| NRHP reference No. | 64500208 |
| Added to NRHP | May 5, 2006 |
Imagine a super famous road that connected a big city in the Midwest to the sunny Southwest! That's U.S. Route 66, often called "The Mother Road." It was created on November 11, 1926. This highway was a major route for travelers and families for many years.
In Illinois, many old buildings and parts of the road from the Route 66 era are still standing. These special places are part of something called the Historic and Architectural Resources of Route 66 Through Illinois. They are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which means they are important historical sites worth protecting.
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Discovering Historic Route 66 in Illinois
Route 66 started right in Chicago, Illinois. It stretched all the way to California. For decades, it was a popular way for people to travel across the country. Many families moved west on this road, especially during tough times like the Great Depression. It also became a fun route for vacations.
Why is Route 66 Special?
Route 66 isn't just any old road. It's a symbol of American history and travel. Along its path, you can find unique diners, gas stations, motels, and roadside attractions. These places show us what travel was like in the past. They tell stories of families on adventures and people chasing their dreams.
The places listed on the National Register of Historic Places in Illinois are like time capsules. They help us remember the golden age of road trips. They also show how important cars and highways became to American life.
Famous Stops Along the Way
Many interesting spots in Illinois are part of this historic collection. Here are some of the most famous ones:
- Ambler's Texaco Gas Station in Dwight: This old gas station looks just like it did decades ago. It reminds us of a time when gas stations were more than just places to fill up. They were often social spots too.
- Ariston Café in Litchfield: This café is one of the oldest restaurants along Route 66. It has been serving travelers delicious food since 1924!
- Belvidere Café, Motel, and Gas Station in Litchfield: This spot offered everything a traveler needed: food, a place to sleep, and gas for their car. It shows how convenient these roadside stops were.
- Chain of Rocks Bridge near Madison: This amazing bridge crosses the Mississippi River. It has a unique bend in the middle! It was once part of Route 66.
- Dell Rhea's Chicken Basket in Willowbrook: This restaurant is famous for its fried chicken. It has been a favorite stop for hungry travelers for a long time.
- Lou Mitchell's Restaurant in Chicago: Located near the start of Route 66, this diner is a classic. It's known for its breakfast and friendly atmosphere.
- Sprague's Super Service in Normal: This cool building served as a gas station and a garage. It's a great example of the unique architecture found along the route.
- Standard Oil Gasoline Station in Odell: This small, historic gas station shows what early service stations looked like.
- Soulsby Service Station in Mount Olive: This family-run gas station served travelers for many years. It's a perfect example of a small, local business on Route 66.
Historic Road Sections
Not just buildings, but parts of the road itself are also preserved! These sections let you drive on the actual historic pavement that travelers used decades ago.
- Alternate Route 66, Wilmington to Joliet: A stretch of road that was an important alternate path for the highway.
- Route 66 by Carpenter Park in Springfield and Sherman: A scenic part of the old road near a park.
- Route 66, Cayuga to Chenoa: Another preserved section of the original highway.
- Route 66, Girard to Nilwood: A rural stretch of the old road.
- Route 66, Litchfield to Mount Olive: This section connects two towns with many Route 66 memories.
- Route 66 South of Lake Springfield in Springfield: A piece of the road near the lake.
These preserved sections and buildings help us understand the history of travel and how America grew. They are important reminders of a time when the open road meant adventure and freedom.
Images for kids
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Ambler's Texaco Gas Station in Dwight
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The historic Ariston Café in Litchfield
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A section of Historic Route 66 near Joliet
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The Belvidere Café, Motel, and Gas Station
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The unique Chain of Rocks Bridge
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The sign for Dell Rhea's Chicken Basket
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Lou Mitchell's Restaurant in Chicago
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A preserved section of Route 66 between Cayuga and Chenoa
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An old railroad trestle over Route 66
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A historic stretch of Route 66
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Sprague's Super Service in Normal
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The Standard Oil Gasoline Station in Odell
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Soulsby Service Station in Mount Olive
