Pre-1930 Segment of Route 66 – Chatham to Staunton
The allure of Route 66, that iconic ribbon of road that once connected Chicago to Los Angeles, continues to captivate travelers and history enthusiasts alike. In Illinois, a fascinating chapter of this highway’s story unfolds between Springfield and Staunton, specifically within the pre-1930 segment of Route 66. This stretch offers a unique glimpse into the early days of automobile travel and the evolution of America’s highway system.
Upon departing Springfield, those seeking an authentic experience of Route 66 are faced with a choice: follow the later alignment, which served as the Mother Road until 1977, or venture onto the pre-1930s alignment. While both routes possess their own distinct charm, the earlier path presents a more intimate connection to the highway’s origins, characterized by its meandering course and the tangible remnants of a bygone era.
The pre-1930 alignment of Route 66 winds its way through a series of charming Illinois towns. Beginning with Chatham and Auburn, where a section of brick road still survives, the route continues through Thayer, Virden, Girard, Nilwood, Carlinville, Gillespie, Benld, and Sawyerville before finally reaching Staunton. South of Staunton, this older alignment merges back with the later, more commonly traveled section of the highway. This section of Route 66 provides a unique experience for those willing to explore its rich past.
This particular section of the Mother Road holds a special significance, considered one of the oldest and most scenic segments in Illinois. In fact, portions of this path predate the official designation of Route 66, having served as part of the Pontiac Trail in the early 1900s. Named in honor of Ottawa Chief Pontiac, this trail was a crucial artery connecting Chicago, Illinois, with St. Louis, Missouri. It served as a vital transportation route long before the advent of numbered highways.
The evolution of this route took a significant step forward in 1918 when a bond issue was approved to construct "hard roads" throughout Illinois. The old Pontiac Trail was subsequently designated as SBI-4 (State Bond Issue), marking its transition into a modern roadway.
Completed by 1924, SBI-4 began in Cicero, a suburb just west of Chicago, and roughly paralleled the Chicago & Alton Railroad. This early stretch of pavement represents the first substantial improvement to the route that would eventually become Route 66. It stands as a testament to the nascent interstate highway system and the growing demand for improved infrastructure.
The early years of this roadway were filled with diverse traffic. Returning soldiers from World War I utilized the improved route, seeking to return to their homes and families. Simultaneously, Chicago mobsters found the road convenient for their illicit activities during the Prohibition era. This darker side of the road’s history contributed to its nickname, "Bloody 66," and led to the formation of the Illinois State Police to maintain order.
Within Springfield, the pre-1930 alignment of Route 66 followed a specific path. It entered the city east of the Illinois State Fairgrounds, proceeded south through the heart of the capital, and meandered through downtown streets before following South Grand Street to what is now Chatham Road. From there, it exited the city on the southwest side, continuing its journey toward St. Louis.
Traveling along this pre-1930 segment of Route 66 is like stepping back in time. The route offers a glimpse into the past, featuring stretches of old brick road, sections of original concrete pavement, abandoned alignments, and historic bridges. Numerous small towns dot the landscape, where life seems to move at a more deliberate pace. These towns provide a wealth of historical insights, and the surrounding countryside is adorned with picturesque barns, homesteads, and farms, painting a vivid picture of rural Illinois.
One particularly noteworthy landmark along this route is the bypassed portion of old Route 4, located north of Auburn. This segment, dating from 1921 to 1932, has earned a place on the National Register of Historic Places. It comprises a 1.53-mile brick road constructed in 1932 and a 1,277-foot section of Portland cement road dating back to 1921. These well-preserved examples offer a tangible representation of Route 66’s early years in Illinois, showcasing the construction methods employed during the early highway era.
These sections served as an integral part of Route 66 until 1930 when a significant realignment shifted the route further east, bypassing many of the smaller towns and directing traffic through Litchfield. This change was implemented to expedite traffic flow and reduce travel time.
The concrete section, constructed in 1921, consists of a 16-foot-wide Portland cement slab. Following the 1930 realignment, this segment briefly reverted to its designation as State Route 4 before being abandoned in 1932 due to a relocation of the state road.
The 1.53-mile brick section, now known as the Auburn Brick Road, was incorporated into the 1932 modifications and resurfaced with brick at that time. This segment includes two original single-span concrete bridges over Little Panther Creek, constructed in 1920 and subsequently paved with brick in 1932.
Recognizing its historical significance, this segment was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1998. It is located on Curran and Snell Roads, north of Auburn, Illinois.
To reach the 1,277-foot concrete section, travelers can head south on Highway 4 from Chatham to Alpha Road and turn west. The segment is situated on Alpha Road between Highway 4 and Curran Road. The Auburn Brick Road lies between Chatham and Auburn on Snell and Curran Roads. To access it, head south from Chatham on Highway 4, turn west on Snell Road, curve south, and turn onto Curran Road before rejoining Highway 4.
Another significant section of the pre-1930 Route 66 lies between Girard and Nilwood. Although designated as part of the Mother Road in 1926, this segment was quickly superseded in 1930 by the major realignment to the east. Constructed in 1920 as part of old State Route 4, this short-lived section of Illinois Route 66 exemplifies the engineering and construction practices of the post-World War I era. This period was characterized by a transition in road construction techniques, often combining animal power with state-of-the-art trucks and machinery.
The road’s cross-section consisted of two eight-foot-wide lanes with four to seven-foot-wide gravel shoulders. The Portland cement slab was typically six inches thick. Despite some cracking, the current concrete pavement is original. The road segment retains five original concrete box culverts and a single-span concrete bridge dating back to 1920. An intriguing feature of this section can be observed just south of Nilwood, where turkey tracks were imprinted within the original concrete when it was poured. These tracks remain visible to this day, offering a whimsical reminder of the road’s early construction.
Exploring the pre-1930 segment of Route 66 between Chatham and Staunton is a rewarding experience for those seeking to connect with the history of America’s most famous highway. From the brick roads of Auburn to the turkey tracks near Nilwood, this stretch of road offers a tangible link to the past. It’s a journey through time, revealing the story of a nation on the move.