McLean (Home of Dixie) & Atlanta, Illinois
As travelers trace the iconic path of Route 66 through Illinois, a tapestry of small towns unfolds, each holding unique stories and glimpses into a bygone era. Just a short four-mile jaunt from Funks Grove, lies McLean, Illinois, a village steeped in history and home to a legendary truck stop. Further down the Mother Road, approximately five miles from McLean, awaits Atlanta, Illinois, a community brimming with vintage charm and Route 66 pride. This article delves into the historical significance and enduring attractions of both McLean and Atlanta, offering a glimpse into their contributions to the Route 66 narrative.
McLean, Illinois: A Railroad Town Turned Route 66 Stop
With a population hovering around 800, McLean may be small, but its legacy is substantial. The town’s origins trace back to June 1855, when Franklin Price, a man of vision and brother-in-law to a Bloomington real estate developer, meticulously laid out the townsite. Price, who had arrived in Bloomington from Pennsylvania in 1849 and initially worked as a clerk and newspaper writer, was also elected mayor of Bloomington the very year he founded McLean, serving in that capacity from 1855 to 1858. Intriguingly, Price never resided in McLean, viewing the town’s development as a purely business endeavor.
The establishment of McLean coincided with the construction of the Alton and Springfield Railroad through McLean County. The strategic placement of the town along the railway line ensured its initial growth and connection to the wider world. Atlanta, Normal, and Towanda, also owe their establishment to this railroad development.
Prior to McLean‘s founding, a settlement known as Mt. Hope existed about two miles to the east. Established in 1836 by the Providence Farmers and Mechanics Emigrating Society of Rhode Island, Mt. Hope struggled to thrive. When McLean emerged, the Mt. Hope church building was relocated to the new town, symbolizing a transfer of community and purpose. The first structure in McLean was the railroad station, staffed by brothers G.L. and F.A. Wheelock, employees of the Alton and Springfield Railroad. Soon after, a blacksmith shop and a warehouse were added, establishing the foundational infrastructure of the nascent village.
McLean was officially incorporated as a village in May 1866. Despite its promising start, the town remained relatively small, with a population of 532 by 1900. However, the arrival of Route 66 in 1926 would dramatically alter McLean‘s trajectory, transforming it into a haven for travelers seeking respite and refreshment.
The Dixie Truckers Home: An Icon of the Mother Road
The advent of Route 66 spurred the establishment of numerous businesses catering to the growing number of travelers. Among these was the Dixie Truck Stop, a humble enterprise that would eventually become a legendary landmark. Initially conceived as a mechanic’s garage that also sold sandwiches, the business was founded by J.P. Walters and John Geske with minimal resources – a simple counter and six stools. Yet, the Dixie Truck Stop quickly gained popularity, evolving into a full-fledged restaurant by the mid-1930s, complete with cabins for weary travelers.
The Dixie Truck Stop, more than just a place to eat and rest, became a community hub. It drew in locals who enjoyed live entertainment and music on the weekends. However, the festive atmosphere came to an abrupt halt with the onset of World War II. Despite the changing times, the restaurant and gas station persevered, serving travelers for four generations under the stewardship of the Geske family until June 2003. Remarkably, the Dixie Truck Stop operated 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, closing only once due to a fire in 1965.
Today, the Dixie Truckers Home has changed hands and undergone renovations, but it continues to stand proudly along Route 66, welcoming truckers and travelers from all walks of life. It is a testament to the enduring spirit of the Mother Road and the vital role that truck stops played in its history.
Exploring McLean’s Historic Charm
McLean‘s original downtown business district, though somewhat faded, still exists, offering a glimpse into the town’s past. Several historic buildings remain standing, and the restored train depot now serves as an antique shop specializing in model trains and a visitor information center. This revitalized depot is a valuable resource for those seeking to learn more about the town and its place in Route 66 history.
Atlanta, Illinois: Where History and Route 66 Converge
A mere five miles down the road from McLean lies Atlanta, Illinois, another charming Route 66 town that proudly showcases its vintage heritage. Originally established as the settlement of Newcastle in 1854, the village faced a challenge when the railroad bypassed its location by over a mile. Undeterred, the entire town was relocated closer to the railway line, adopting the new name of Atlanta.
Atlanta boasts several notable landmarks that reflect its rich history. The J.H. Hawes Elevator, built in 1903 to serve local farmers, operated until 1976. In 1988, the City of Atlanta acquired the elevator and meticulously restored it in 1993. This wooden grain elevator stands as the only one of its kind in Illinois and is rightfully listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Today, it functions as a museum, showcasing the unique systems used to unload horse-drawn wagons and, later, grain trucks. The museum complex also includes a brick engine house and a wooden scale house/office.
The Atlanta Public Library and Clock Tower, constructed in 1908, is another architectural gem. This octagon-shaped building, also on the National Register of Historic Places, features neo-classic details from the 1840s, such as high ceilings, a domed rotunda, high narrow windows, original solid oak woodwork, and an old-fashioned fireplace. A museum established in the basement in 1973 houses artifacts and exhibits related to local history.
Atlanta embraces its Route 66 identity with a dedicated park in the downtown area. This Route 66 Park celebrates the heritage of the Mother Road and is home to the iconic "Tall Paul," a 19-foot-tall statue of a hotdog man who stood for nearly four decades in front of Bunyon’s Hotdog Stand in Cicero, Illinois. When the restaurant was sold in 2003, the family generously loaned the statue to the town of Atlanta as a permanent fixture in the park. After undergoing extensive renovation, "Tall Paul" now welcomes visitors to Atlanta.
While exploring Atlanta, be sure to admire the numerous murals that adorn the historic buildings, adding vibrancy and character to the town. A vintage-era country market at 107 Vine Street has long served as a beloved mom-and-pop grocery store.
Atlanta is also home to other significant historical landmarks, including The Carriage Shed, where Abraham Lincoln is said to have stayed with the Hoblit family; Turner’s Grove, where Lincoln attended a July 4, 1859, celebration; and Gold Springs, a popular resort area in the 1800s.
Just west of Atlanta, the Eminence Christian Church, built in 1901 (with a predecessor built in 1856), is believed to have one of the oldest congregations in the country, boasting many fifty-year members, some of whom are eighth-generation descendants of the charter members.
Continuing the Journey
As you continue your Route 66 adventure beyond McLean and Atlanta, remember to keep your eyes open and your camera ready. The road ahead leads to other historic cities, each with its own unique stories to tell. Towns such as Lincoln, Broadwell, and Elkhart await, promising further discoveries along the iconic Mother Road.