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Wilmington Illinois, RT 66
RT. 66, or the "Main Street of America" takes travelers through eight states. Part of the
national highway system that was started in 1927, by 1937 RT. 66 was completely paved. The road runs through cities large and small from
Chicago, Illinois to Santa Monica, California.
The road served as a quick travel route to the west coast for many travelers. It brought business to the Southwest and provided new ways of earning a living for many people living along it.
During times of war in the 1940s it was used mainly for military traffic. With gasoline being rationed, travel was scarce, effecting the use of the road. By the end of the war, people traveled again for vacations and in search of
new jobs. The 1950s brought the vacation "boom", RT. 66 attracted countless vacationers wanting to see and visit national parks and scenic wonders along its path.
In 1957, President Eisenhower instituted the National Interstate Highway system.
Originally to be completed by 1972, but was not started until 1982. In 1984, Interstate 40 was officially opened and RT 66 was quietly de-certified.
Today, RT 66 runs through the same cities and towns but with new names. IL RT-53, which runs through Wilmington turning into Baltimore St., was RT. 66.
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Launching Pad Drive-In
First opened in 1960 as a Dari Delite, the establishment sold only hot dogs and ice cream. Launching Pad is
the home of the Gemini Giant. Today, the menu has expended and in 2000, the Launching Pad Drive-In was inducted into the Route 66 Hall of Fame. Launching Pad is located at 810 E. Baltimore. web site |
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The Mar Theatre
Located at 121 S. Main St., The Mar Theatre opened for business on June 15th 1937. Standing the test of time,
The Mar is still a first run theatre, playing current films and a limited number of old classic movies 3 to 4 times a year. web site |
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Route 66 Raceway
Races and events everyone can enjoy. web site |
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Polly, Jolly & Johnny
Statue at Rt. 129 & 1-55 |
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Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie
Located off of Exit 241, Midewin is 19,165 acres of natural and cultural history filled land. There is a guest center,tours and exploration for nature seekers and history buffs alike. web site
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