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.
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.
