Route 66 in Illinois
In honor of the 100th anniversary of the Mother Road, our in-depth series, “Route 66 in Illinois”, explores the places, stories, and history connected to the iconic highway.
Illinois Public Media News
In-depth reporting from WILL, NPR, the Associated Press, and other sources
Contact WILL News at willnewsroom@illinois.edu
WILL Newscast
Route 66 in Illinois: The history behind ‘America’s First Black Town’
As we wrap up our trip across the 21st state’s portion of Route 66, we take a look at the tiny Village of Brooklyn, located on the cusp of the Mississippi River in the Metro East, just before Route 66 enters Missouri, to learn about the country’s first Black-majority town and the history that connects it to the Mother Road.
Route 66 in Illinois: Springfield museum restores old road signs from Mother Road
As we continue to tour across the 21st state’s portion of Route 66, we’re making a stop at the Ace Sign Museum in Springfield, which restores and collects signs of all kinds from Route 66’s past.
Route 66 in Illinois: How a small town became a mob hub during Prohibition
A book released earlier this year explores mob activity in the Prohibition era along Route 66 specifically through the lens of Benld, Illinois.
Route 66 in Illinois: American Giants Museum keeps Americana alive
Atlanta, Illinois is the next stop on our Route 66 journey. The American Giants Museum restores iconic large size statues of figures in American culture.
