Pontiac, Illinois – City of Swinging Bridges
Nestled along the historic Route 66 in Illinois, Pontiac, Illinois, extends a warm invitation to travelers and history enthusiasts alike. As a proud member of Route 66’s Red Carpet Corridor Communities, the city offers a unique blend of historical charm and roadside attractions, making it a compelling destination for those exploring the heart of America.
Before European settlers arrived, the fertile plains surrounding Pontiac, Illinois, served as home to the Illinois, Potawatomi, and Kickapoo tribes. While a few European traders traversed the area, permanent settlement began around 1829. In February 1837, the Illinois legislature established Livingston County, and a commission was promptly formed to select a county seat. The commission chose a site owned by three early settlers: Henry Weed, Lucius W. Young, and Seth M. Young.
These three founders played a pivotal role in establishing Pontiac, Illinois. They platted the townsite and committed $3,000 towards constructing public buildings. They also donated land for a public square, a jail, and a pen for stray livestock, ensuring the town’s immediate needs were met. Their most significant promise was to build a bridge across the Vermilion River, a vital step in connecting the burgeoning community. The town was named in honor of the Ottawa Indian Chief, Pontiac. Despite leading a 60-year war against white settlers encroaching on Ottawa territory, Chief Pontiac was admired by both Native Americans and white settlers for his leadership and tenacity.
The nascent Livingston County saw the completion of a two-story frame courthouse in Pontiac in 1842. Situated on the public square, it served as the center of county governance until a new building was erected in 1856. Tragically, this second courthouse was destroyed by fire. Undeterred, the community built a third courthouse, completed in 1875, which stands to this day. It is a testament to the enduring spirit of Pontiac, Illinois, and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Blessed with some of the richest farmland in the nation, Pontiac, Illinois, flourished with an agricultural economy, primarily producing wheat, corn, and other essential crops. Later, the city diversified its economy with the establishment of several manufacturing facilities, further enhancing its prosperity. These included shoe and boot manufacturers and the Allen Candy Company, renowned for its "Lotta Bar." The confectionery’s catchy slogan, "A Lotta Bar for 5 cents," became a familiar jingle for generations.
Pontiac, Illinois, cultivated a rich cultural heritage early on. The Folks Opera House became a prominent venue, hosting artists who toured the circuit from Chicago, Illinois, to St. Louis, Missouri, bringing a touch of metropolitan entertainment to the prairie town.
The city experienced steady growth, but its fortunes soared with the arrival of Route 66 in 1926. The Mother Road brought a surge of travelers seeking services and amenities, which the community readily provided. This influx spurred economic growth and solidified Pontiac’s place on the map as a key stop along the iconic highway.
Today, Pontiac, Illinois, a city of approximately 12,000 residents, boasts numerous historic points of interest that attract visitors from far and wide. The Livingston County Courthouse, a magnificent example of 19th-century architecture built in 1875, stands as a testament to the city’s enduring history. The Jones House, dating back to the 1850s, offers a glimpse into the domestic life of an earlier era. The Old City Hall Shoppes, also listed on the National Register of Historic Places, provides a unique shopping experience within a historically significant structure.
A must-see attraction in Pontiac, Illinois, is the Route 66 Association Museum and Hall of Fame. This museum showcases an impressive collection of Route 66 artifacts, photographs, and literature, vividly capturing the spirit of adventure that defined the Mother Road. Housed within a refurbished firehouse, itself a National Register of Historic Places landmark, the museum also features the bus and van of the late Bob Waldmire, a celebrated Route 66 artist and icon. The museum complex also includes the Old City Hall Shoppes and the Livingston County War Museum, located at 110 W. Howard Street.
Another distinctive landmark is the former Illinois State Police District 6 Headquarters, uniquely designed in the shape of a pistol. This unusual building served as the base for state troopers patrolling the roads from Dwight to McLean. While the headquarters were relocated in 2003, the pistol-shaped building remains a quirky roadside attraction, inducted into the Route 66 Hall of Fame in 2000 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2007. It is located at 15551 Old U.S. 66 on the south side of town.
The Log Cabin Inn, a classic old restaurant with roots dating back to 1926, remains open for business in Pontiac, Illinois. Deeply intertwined with Route 66 history, the inn originally faced the early alignment of the highway. When Route 66 was realigned to the other side of the building, the entire structure was jacked up and turned around. A newer building was later constructed adjacent to the original Log Cabin Inn, which now serves as a residence. The landmark is located at the intersection of Pontiac Road (once two-lane Route 66) and the newer four-lane Route 66 on the north edge of town at 18700 Old Route 66.
The International Walldog Mural & Sign Art Museum is another fascinating attraction in Pontiac, Illinois. Dedicated to preserving and celebrating the outdoor wall advertising signs painted by the "Walldogs" in the pre-electronic mass media era, the museum showcases the artistry and craftsmanship of these often-overlooked painters. It is located at 217 N. Mill Street.
Pontiac, Illinois’s downtown district is a vibrant hub with diverse shopping and dining opportunities. While exploring the area, be sure to admire the impressive murals of cars and trucks painted by local artists, adding a touch of automotive artistry to the cityscape.
Perhaps one of Pontiac, Illinois’s most spectacular features is its three swinging bridges that span the Vermilion River. The first bridge, connecting Riverview Drive and Play Park, was built in July 1898 by the Joliet Bridge Company. Featuring an iron structure 190 feet long and 4 feet wide, it was supported by cables suspended from masonry piers. The current bridge is a wooden structure, maintaining the swinging characteristic of the original. The second bridge, constructed in 1926, connected Play Park and Chautauqua Park. The third bridge links the south side of Play Park and Riverside-Humiston Park, providing pedestrian access and scenic views.
Recognized by the National Main Street program, recipient of numerous Governor’s Hometown awards, and named by Time Magazine as one of the best small towns in the country, Pontiac, Illinois, offers a charming and enriching experience for all who visit.
The surrounding area retains vestiges of old Route 66 alignments, with sections of the road visible but no longer in use. Closed bridges and overgrown asphalt offer a glimpse into the highway’s past.
Pontiac is conveniently located approximately 92 miles southwest of Chicago, making it an easily accessible destination for a day trip or a weekend getaway.
More Information:
Pontiac, Illinois Tourism Bureau
115 W. Howard Street
Pontiac, Illinois 61764
815-844-3396