Beyond Lebanon, Missouri on Route 66
The allure of Route 66, that iconic ribbon of highway that once pulsed with the lifeblood of American travel, extends far beyond the well-trodden paths. Leaving behind the city limits of Lebanon, Missouri, and heading towards Springfield, a different kind of experience awaits. This journey, diverging from the modern convenience of Interstate 44, unveils a nostalgic panorama of semi-ghost towns, weathered barns standing as silent sentinels, and vintage buildings whispering tales of bygone eras. The road itself is a rollercoaster, a symphony of dips and climbs mirroring the undulating landscape of the Ozark hills. This stretch of Route 66, bypassed in 1957 by a more direct four-lane alignment, offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and immerse oneself in the heartland of America.
This quieter segment of the Mother Road provides a captivating glimpse into the past. Imagine yourself cruising along, the sun glinting off the chrome of your classic car (or the paint of your modern one), the air filled with the scent of freshly mown hay and the distant lowing of cattle. Here, history isn’t confined to museums; it’s etched into the very fabric of the landscape. Dilapidated buildings, their paint peeling and roofs sagging, stand as poignant reminders of communities that once thrived. Yet, amidst the decay, there’s a palpable sense of resilience, a testament to the enduring spirit of the people who called this region home. This part of Beyond Lebanon, Missouri on Route 66 is a treasure trove of Americana.
The journey east from Lebanon to Springfield on Route 66 isn’t just a drive; it’s an exploration of forgotten corners of the American dream. It’s a chance to connect with the past, to imagine the lives of those who traveled this road before us, and to appreciate the beauty and resilience of the heartland. As you traverse this path, be prepared to encounter a different pace of life, one where the emphasis is on slowing down, savoring the scenery, and appreciating the simple pleasures.
Our first point of interest along this historic route is Phillipsburg, Missouri. Even a brief stop in Phillipsburg offers a glimpse into the town’s rich past. Keep your eyes peeled for several vintage buildings, frozen in time. A prominent structure is a two-story building that clearly once functioned as a general store, its facade hinting at the bustling trade that once took place within its walls. A large, imposing school building also stands as a testament to the importance placed on education in this small community.
While Phillipsburg maintains a small population, sustained by an active church and a few hardy residents, its dominant characteristic is the presence of these historical structures. They stand as silent storytellers, each brick and weathered board echoing with the voices and memories of generations past. These buildings whisper of an era when Phillipsburg was a vital hub, a place of commerce, community, and connection. The stillness of the town today only serves to amplify the echoes of its vibrant past. The charm of Beyond Lebanon, Missouri on Route 66 is evident.
Leaving Phillipsburg, the road continues its meandering course through the rolling hills, eventually leading to the town of Conway. Conway has arguably fared better than some of its neighbors, due in part to its closer proximity to Interstate 44. This accessibility has allowed it to maintain a more stable population and a greater degree of economic activity.
Conway’s history is deeply intertwined with the arrival of the railroad. The town was named after a railroad contractor, a testament to the transformative impact that the iron horse had on the region. The area was initially settled by farmers in the late 1860s, but it was the arrival of the railroad that truly spurred its growth. The first store opened in 1869, marking the beginning of Conway’s evolution from a small farming community into a bustling town.
By 1874, Conway had established its first school, a humble one-room log cabin that served as a center of learning for the community’s children. As the town continued to grow, so did its educational infrastructure. By 1880, a new two-story building was constructed, providing space for the school, a church, and various area meetings. This building served as a focal point for the community, a place where residents gathered to learn, worship, and conduct the business of the town.
In 1913, a tomato canning factory was built in Conway, further boosting the town’s economy. Trainloads of tomatoes were shipped from the area, providing employment for local residents and contributing to Conway’s growing prosperity. The canning factory became an integral part of the town’s identity, a symbol of its agricultural heritage and its connection to the wider world.
During the heyday of Route 66, Conway boasted a thriving business district, with a variety of establishments catering to the needs of travelers and local residents alike. The Electric Theater provided entertainment, the Stone Motor Company offered automotive services, and a local bank provided financial services. Today, Conway is not a ghost town, but it remains a small community, with a population of just over 600 people. While it may not be as bustling as it once was, it still retains a sense of community and a connection to its rich history. Beyond Lebanon, Missouri on Route 66 continues to offer glimpses into the past.
About six miles west of Conway, a keen eye will spot the remnants of the long-defunct Abbylee Modern Court. Nature has begun to reclaim the property, with vegetation obscuring much of the sign and the individual units. However, the vintage motor court still stands, appearing to be rented out as apartments. This once-popular roadside motel offers a tangible connection to the era when Route 66 was the primary artery of cross-country travel.
Continuing down the road, the tiny town of Niangua appears. Niangua, sometimes pronounced "Niangee" by the locals, clings to life with the support of the surrounding farming community. Like Phillipsburg, Niangua displays a collection of vintage buildings, many of which are no longer in operation. Despite this, the town still supports over 400 residents, a testament to the resilience of its people. These aging structures stand as proud reminders of a more prosperous past.
As you approach Springfield, the landscape gradually transitions from steep hills to gently rolling plains. The highway passes through the crossroads hamlet of Strafford, which has become almost a suburb of the rapidly growing city of Springfield. Strafford’s proximity to Springfield has fueled its growth, transforming it from a rural crossroads into a more suburban community.
Soon, you arrive in Marshfield, the county seat of Webster County. Marshfield was laid out in 1856 and was initially populated by farmers and ranchers. The Civil War touched Marshfield, with the town serving as the site of two Civil War skirmishes. After the war, the arrival of the railroad stimulated the community’s growth as a producer of dairy, poultry, and livestock.
Today, Marshfield is a rapidly growing community with more than 4,500 residents. It’s also known as the former home of Edwin P. Hubble, the renowned astronomer for whom the Hubble Space Telescope is named. The community proudly displays a ¼ scale replica of the Hubble Space Telescope in the town square, a tribute to its famous son. This section of Beyond Lebanon, Missouri on Route 66 brings you to the heart of the Ozarks.
The journey along Route 66 from Lebanon to Springfield, Missouri, is more than just a drive; it’s a journey through time. It’s an opportunity to experience the beauty and history of the American heartland, to connect with the past, and to appreciate the enduring spirit of the communities that have shaped this region. So, the next time you find yourself in Missouri, take a detour from the interstate and explore the wonders that await Beyond Lebanon, Missouri on Route 66. You won’t be disappointed.