Chenoa, Lexington & Towanda – More Small Town Charm
Nestled within the expansive landscape of Illinois, a trio of charming small towns beckon travelers seeking respite from the relentless pace of modern life. Chenoa, Lexington, and Towanda offer a glimpse into a bygone era, where community values, historical significance, and a connection to the legendary Route 66 intertwine to create a unique and captivating experience. These towns, each with its own distinct character and history, invite exploration and offer a refreshing alternative to the homogenized landscapes of contemporary America.
Chenoa, the first stop on this journey through small-town Illinois, emerged in 1856 as a strategic hub at the intersection of the Peoria & Oquawka Railroad and the Chicago and Alton Railroad. This convergence of transportation arteries, further enhanced by the presence of Route 66 and U.S. 24, transformed Chenoa into a bustling center of commerce and travel. Today, this once-thriving village, home to approximately 1,800 residents, rests peacefully off Interstate 55, its existence often overlooked by the hurried travelers who pass by.
The town’s origins are rooted in the vision of Mathew T. Scott, a land developer from Kentucky, who recognized the potential of this fertile region. In 1854, Scott acquired thousands of acres with the intention of establishing a retail and trade center, as well as a grain shipping facility to serve the area’s burgeoning agricultural industry. Drawing inspiration from his Kentucky roots, Scott named the town after "Chenoka" or "Chenoa," a Native American designation for the Kentucky River.
Interestingly, the initial settlement comprised two rival communities: Chenoa and East Chenoa, divided by the railroad tracks. This division eventually dissolved, leading to the unification of the town in 1864. Scott’s promotional efforts played a crucial role in attracting early settlers. His advertisements emphasized the strategic location of the town, highlighting the convergence of the two railroads and promising convenient access to coal and lumber. Furthermore, Scott offered attractive incentives to prospective residents, including interest-free payment plans for those who built homes and donations of land for churches, schools, and a cemetery. Demonstrating a commitment to community values, Scott stipulated that anyone selling liquor within the town would forfeit their property title.
The nascent town initially consisted of rudimentary structures, including half-sod and half-board dugouts that served as a depot, freight house, and shelter for railroad workers. In 1855, a year before the town’s official establishment, J.B. Lenney, a man from Pennsylvania, erected The Farmer’s Store, a frame building that played a vital role in the town’s early development. Lenney’s contributions were so significant that he was often referred to as the "Father of Chenoa." Other early landmarks included the National Hotel, built in 1856.
The town experienced both prosperity and adversity in its early years. In 1891, electric lights illuminated the streets, marking a significant step forward in modernization. A union station was constructed to facilitate passenger traffic on both railroads. However, tragedy struck in July 1894 when a devastating fire consumed the entire business district east of the railroad tracks. Another blow came in November 1918 when the Union Station itself was destroyed by fire. Although a new depot was built, the decline in train traffic eventually led to its deterioration and demolition in 2009.
The construction of Route 66 in 1926 brought renewed vitality to Chenoa, transforming it into a popular stop for travelers traversing the iconic highway. Businesses sprang up to cater to the needs of tourists, further solidifying the town’s connection to the Mother Road.
Today, Chenoa retains glimpses of its rich history. The Matthew T. Scott House, a restored 19th-century home, stands as a testament to the town’s founder. Steve’s Cafe building and the vintage Chenoa Pharmacy, a member of the Route 66 Hall of Fame, evoke the town’s heyday as a Route 66 destination.
Continuing south along the historic Route 66, approximately ten miles from Chenoa, lies Lexington, one of Illinois’ oldest towns, founded in 1828. Named after the famed battleground in Massachusetts, Lexington flourished during the golden age of Route 66, boasting nine gas stations, numerous eateries, and welcoming motels. Unfortunately, a devastating fire in June 1970 destroyed or damaged many of its businesses and buildings, leaving a lasting impact on the town.
Despite the setbacks, Lexington proudly celebrates its Route 66 heritage. Murals adorn buildings, depicting scenes from the town’s past, and a walking trail called "Memory Lane" offers a nostalgic journey along a preserved section of the original Mother Road. This one-mile stretch features vintage billboards and Burma-Shave signs, providing a tangible connection to the iconic highway’s history.
Lexington also boasts the historic Patton Cabin, built in June 1829. This unusual structure, constructed with the assistance of Kickapoo and Delaware Indians, was the home of John Patton, the area’s first settler. The cabin, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, stands as a testament to the early pioneers who shaped the region.
As you drive through Lexington, remnants of Route 66’s former glory can be seen at the Filling Station Café, built in the 1940s, and at the edge of town, the ruins of the abandoned Oasis Drive-In serve as a reminder of the town’s vibrant past.
Another nine miles down the road lies Towanda, a small village with a population of fewer than 500 residents. Before European settlers arrived, the area was home to the Kickapoo and Pottawatomie tribes. In 1819, they ceded much of their land in a "peace treaty," and in 1830, the Indian Removal Act forced those who had not already left to vacate the area.
The first settlers arrived in 1822, finding a landscape of vast prairies interspersed with swamps and ponds and limited timber resources. While some moved on, a few hardy families persevered, draining the swamps, cultivating the soil, and laying the foundation for future development. As more settlers arrived, they built roads and established businesses, transforming the landscape into a thriving agricultural community.
John Trimmer and his family were the first settlers in the Towanda area, arriving in 1826 and settling at a grove that would later be named Smith’s Grove. By 1828, Trimmer operated a blacksmith shop. Frederick Rook arrived soon after but later moved to Livingston County. In 1830, David Smith settled at the grove and began homesteading. The first preacher, John Dunham, arrived at Smith’s Grove in 1832. In about 1837, Elbert Dickason and John Pennell built a sawmill on Money Creek. William Halterman settled on the prairie in 1840, and William Bishop was appointed the first area postmaster on June 7, 1843.
Towanda’s development was spurred by the arrival of the Chicago & Mississippi Railroad. In 1853, several area men decided to establish a village. P.A. Bedeau donated 40 acres to create a downtown area, and Jesse W. Fell, the founder of Illinois State University, donated additional land adjacent to the townsite. The name "Towanda" was likely inspired by Towanda, Pennsylvania, the birthplace of Jesse Fell. Ironically, Mr. Fell was apparently unaware that the word "Towanda" is derived from a Native American term meaning "burial ground."
The railroad arrived in 1854, becoming known as the Chicago, Alton and St. Louis Railroad. The first station was built that same year, marking the first structure in the new townsite. The railway diagonally bisected the village, with the business section located on one side and grain elevators, implements, and lumber on the other. For decades, the railroad played a central role in the lives of residents and local farmers.
Alex Warren built the first house in town, followed by James Alexander’s warehouse, Wesley Bishop’s grocery store, and Frank Henderson’s dry goods store. One of the largest buildings erected on Main Street was Roadnight Hall, owned by Charles Roadnight, treasurer of the Chicago & Alton Railroad. The building housed a ballroom on the upper floor, serving as a community center, and business concerns on the lower floor. However, Roadnight’s dreams of a boomtown never materialized, and Towanda remained a small rural agricultural community. The building was eventually sold and utilized for various purposes until it burned down in 1905.
Towanda also has a colorful history. In the late 1860s, a group of local women, inspired by the temperance movement, attacked the Buena Vista Tavern, one of the town’s three saloons. Armed with hatchets, they destroyed furniture, broke bottles, and damaged barrels, leading to their arrest and a one-dollar fine each.
Duncan Manor, also known as the Duncan Mansion or Towanda Meadows, was built in about 1869 by William R. Duncan, a successful livestock dealer. The house was known for its elegance, featuring chandeliers, porcelain door knobs, marble fireplaces, and a winding walnut stairway. After Duncan’s death in 1876, the building changed hands several times and eventually fell into disrepair. However, it has since been privately purchased and is undergoing restoration.
During the mid-20th century, Route 66 passed through Towanda, providing a significant boost to the local economy. Today, visitors can see the remnants of Eddie’s Pure Oil Truck Stop, which opened in the late 1940s. Other attractions include Kick’s Route 66 Bar and Grill, housed in an old gas station, and Schenks’ Garage, which features Route 66 memorabilia. As you leave Towanda, be sure to look for an old vintage bridge alongside the road before continuing down Route 66.
Chenoa, Lexington, and Towanda offer a captivating glimpse into the heartland of America, where small-town charm, historical significance, and a connection to the legendary Route 66 converge to create a unique and unforgettable experience.