Auburn, Illinois – Home of Brick 66
Nestled in the heart of central Illinois, a short distance south of Springfield, lies the charming town of Auburn, Illinois – Home of Brick 66. This community, rich in history and steeped in the lore of the open road, offers a unique glimpse into the past, particularly its connection to the iconic Route 66. More than just a stop along the Mother Road, Auburn provides a tangible link to the early days of automobile travel and the entrepreneurial spirit that defined a nation on the move.
For travelers embarking on a Route 66 pilgrimage after venturing south from Chatham, Illinois, the quest for historical alignments leads to Snell Road. Here, at 5029 Snell Road, stands Becky’s Barn, a multifaceted establishment that serves as a Route 66 snack shop, an informative visitor center, and an antique emporium. Inside, a curated collection of antiques and collectibles awaits, alongside a meticulously recreated vintage-style snack shop evoking the golden age of road trips. Route 66 memorabilia abounds, providing ample opportunities for nostalgia and photographic memories. A highlight of the visit is signing the guest book, an experience made all the more memorable as it is housed inside a repurposed bus affectionately known as the "cool bus."
Directly adjacent to Becky’s Barn lies a treasure trove for Route 66 enthusiasts: a bypassed brick section of the original highway. This well-preserved segment, now proudly listed on the National Register of Historic Places, stands as a testament to the early years of Route 66 in Illinois. It provides a clear illustration of the construction methods employed during the nascent stages of highway development. This section served as an integral part of Route 66 until 1930, when a realignment south of Springfield shifted traffic to the less densely populated eastern side, via Litchfield, to expedite travel by circumventing numerous towns.
The story of this brick road is one of evolution and adaptation. After the 1930 realignment, this section briefly reverted to its designation as State Route 4. However, in 1932, a further relocation of the state road led to its abandonment. Approximately 1.5 miles of this section, fondly known as the Auburn, Illinois – Home of Brick 66 Brick Road, was incorporated into the 1932 modifications and resurfaced with brick during that period, solidifying its place in history.
To access this significant piece of Route 66 history, travelers should proceed south on Highway 4 from Chatham to Snell Road and turn west. The Auburn, Illinois – Home of Brick 66 Brick Road stretches between Chatham and Auburn along Snell and Curran Roads before ultimately reconnecting with Highway 4. For dedicated Route 66 aficionados seeking the purest historical experience, Jim Ross of Ghost Town Press suggests an alternative route. He notes that the original concrete pavement crossed the existing Highway 4 at Snell Road, curving northward. By turning east instead of west at Snell Road, a surviving strip of the original Route 66 can still be observed at the coordinates 39.618656, -89.736675. Furthermore, evidence remains of the 1932 realignment’s curve onto Snell Road, located at coordinates 39.618376, -89.739269.
Having explored this historical section of the Mother Road, visitors can return to Route 4 and continue southward toward Auburn, eager to discover the town’s broader history and attractions.
Auburn History: A Tapestry of Pioneers and Progress
The narrative of Auburn, Illinois – Home of Brick 66 begins in 1818, when pioneers such as Jacob Ellis, James Black, Samuel Vancil, and John Wallace established farms in the area. These early settlers laid the foundation for a thriving community. The region’s initial infrastructure included a grist mill constructed by James Sims, followed by a water mill built by Robert Crow on Sugar Creek in 1825. A tanyard, established by James Patton in 1826, further contributed to the area’s early economic development. Later, Jacob Rauch constructed a second water mill, serving as both a saw and grist mill. Though these early mills have long since disappeared, their presence underscores the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the early settlers.
Education soon followed, with the establishment of the first school in 1828. This log structure, located on James Patton’s property, was known as the Patton School House. Religious life also took root, with the Presbyterians constructing the first church in 1835. This modest frame building was later relocated to the village of Auburn and converted into a residence.
The original village of Auburn was platted in 1835 by brothers Asa and George Eastman, who had acquired land along Sugar Creek. The village, named by their sister Hannah after their hometown of Auburn, Maine, was strategically located on a high elevation, offering panoramic views. The Eastman brothers further contributed to the town’s development by constructing a steam-powered flour mill and the Sugar Creek Tanyard the following year.
Despite significant promotional efforts, the village’s growth remained slow. By 1840, it consisted of only about six houses and a small number of residents. However, it boasted a two-story tavern owned by William S. Swaney, a blacksmith who rented space to John Smith for a blacksmith shop. Swaney’s mysterious absences and rumored gambling activities added a touch of intrigue to the town’s early history. His untimely death in 1843, at the hands of a disgruntled gambler, further fueled local speculation.
Auburn also supported a small nursery, providing fruit trees to local farmers, and a cabinet shop. However, the Eastman brothers’ vision for the town’s development ultimately faltered. They closed their mill in Auburn and relocated to Springfield in 1841. Despite these setbacks, the town persevered, largely due to its role as a stage stop on the route from St. Louis, Missouri, to Springfield, Illinois, and the establishment of the Sugar Creek Post Office in Auburn in 1839.
A turning point arrived with the announcement that the Alton & Sangamon Railroad would build tracks through the area. William Roach and George Organ erected a substantial store building in anticipation of the town’s imminent growth. However, Philip Wineman, who owned nearly 200 acres south of Auburn, offered a free donation of land to the railroad on the west side of Sugar Creek. Wineman also laid out a "paper town" to support the railroad, naming it after himself. A fierce competition ensued between the two factions, but Wineman’s offer ultimately prevailed, securing the railroad’s route through his land.
The consequences were swift and decisive. Most of the businesses in the old townsite relocated to the new town, which was subsequently renamed "Auburn." The original site became known as "Old Auburn." As buildings were lost to fire or demolished, the old site was eventually sold and converted into a cornfield.
The village, now situated on the new railroad line, experienced a period of growth. Ham & Poley established the first merchandise store in 1853. Morse’s Wagon, Carriage, and Agricultural Implement Manufactory, founded in 1856, became a significant employer, providing jobs for 20 men. Auburn officially became a city in 1865.
By 1872, the Auburn Bank was established, and two years later, the Auburn Herald (later renamed Auburn Citizen) began publication, continuing to serve the community today. By the early 1880s, the Auburn Township boasted eight schoolhouses and eight church buildings. The city of Auburn itself featured four grocery stores, two dry goods stores, three saloons, two hardware stores, three restaurants, a furniture store, a brick factory, and numerous other small businesses.
By 1890, the population had grown to 874. By 1900, Auburn boasted nearly 1,300 residents. The town’s economy was primarily supported by manufacturing businesses producing flour, carriages, and farm implements.
Throughout the years, the town continued to evolve, welcoming travelers along Route 66 when it was established in 1926. Today, Auburn, Illinois – Home of Brick 66, a town of approximately 4,500 residents, offers the advantages of small-town living while remaining conveniently close to the state capital.
Several historic buildings remain standing in Auburn’s downtown historic square. Travelers can reach the square by turning east on Jefferson Street from IL-4 and continuing to Fifth Street.
Continuing southward on your Route 66 journey, proceed on IL-4 to Thayer, located approximately 3.5 miles down the road.
Auburn, Illinois – Home of Brick 66 stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Route 66 and the pioneering spirit that shaped the American Midwest. Its rich history, preserved architecture, and welcoming atmosphere make it a must-see destination for anyone exploring the Mother Road.