Illinois Route 66 Interpretive Exhibits
  • Home
  • Wayside Exhibits
    • Wayside Exhibits Home
    • Berwyn
    • Countryside
    • Willowbrook
    • Romeoville
    • Dwight
    • Pontiac
    • Normal
    • Bloomington
    • Atlanta
    • Lincoln
    • Williamsville
    • Springfield
    • Virden
    • Carlinville
    • Litchfield
    • Staunton
    • Hamel
  • Experience Hubs
    • Illinois Route 66 Map
    • Berwyn
    • Romeoville
    • Joliet
    • Wilmington
    • Dwight
    • Pontiac
    • Normal
    • Lincoln
    • Springfield
    • Carlinville
    • Litchfield
    • Edwardsville
    • Chain of Rocks
  • Interpretive Statues
    • Pontiac
    • Elwood
    • Godley
    • McLean
    • Elkhart
    • Sherman
    • Benld
    • Gillespie
    • Staunton
  • IL Route 66 Main Page

Circling the Square

Circling the Square
Route 66 in Carlinville

The first hard road connecting Chicago and St. Louis passed through the heart of Carlinville.  In 1926, Route 66 opened from Chicago to Los Angeles and followed Route 4 through Illinois.  The “Mother Road” Circled the Carlinville Square until 1930, when it was rerouted and bypassed Carlinville to the east.

To Move or Stay?


The Ariston Restaurant opened on the Carlinville Square in 1924.  Business boomed when Route 66 was routed through town. When the highway moved to Litchfield in 1929, the Ariston’s owner decided to follow.

Today, the Ariston is still open and serving Historic 66 travelers in Litchfield.

1913

In 1913, Carlinville was in transition from horse and buggy to the automobile.  The Loomis House, a 50 room hotel and Carlinville landmark, was visible to the right of the square.

1838-1869

The Macoupin County courthouse was originally built on the public square.  It was here that Abraham Lincoln represented clients as a circuit court rider.  The famous “million dollar courthouse” was built off the square in 1869 and is still in use today.
About Route 66
Maps and Brochures
Search 66
Events on 66
Where to Stay
Interpretive Exhibits
Newsletter
Resources
About Us
Main Page
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Pinterest
YouTube

Road Ahead

Americas BywaysVisit The USA

Enjoy Illinois

Privacy Policy | Cookies Policy | Terms & Conditions

Selfies on 66
Contact Us
Press Room
Photos
Videos
News From The Road
Stories From the Road
Memberships
Donations
License Plates