Welco Corners, Illinois facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Welco Corners
|
|
---|---|
Populated place
|
|
Country | United States |
State | Illinois |
County | Will |
Elevation | 741 ft (226 m) |
Time zone | UTC-6 (CST) |
• Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
Postal code |
60440
|
Area code(s) | 630 |
Welco Corners, Illinois is a small area where people live or work, located in the northern part of Will County, Illinois. It sits right where Interstate 55 and Joliet Road meet. Even though it's now part of Bolingbrook, Illinois, Welco Corners was around before Bolingbrook was founded!
A Look Back: Welco Corners' History
Welco Corners used to be a really important spot for travelers. It was a key meeting point for two parts of the famous historic U.S. Route 66. One part of Route 66 went around Joliet, while another, called Alternate U.S. Route 66, went right through Joliet.
This area was known for its services for people on the road, especially truck drivers. There was a big truck stop and other places where travelers could rest and refuel. The name "Welco Corners" actually came from the "Welco" truck stop itself! Even today, many people who follow the old Route 66 still look for Welco Corners. You might even see it on some maps.
Welco Corners Today
The original Welco truck stop is no longer open for business. When Interstate 55 was built, it made it hard for trucks to easily get to the old truck stop.
However, a truck repair shop is still there. The large parking lot that once belonged to the truck stop is now rented out for trucks to park. The area around Welco Corners has also become a big hub for warehousing (where large amounts of goods are stored) and other light industry (businesses that make smaller, lighter products).
Other interesting places in the Welco Corners area include Montana Charlie's Flea Market. This market can get very busy on weekends when the weather is nice. A little further south, near Romeoville, you'll find White Fence Farm. This restaurant has been serving travelers on historic U.S. Route 66 since the early 1920s!