The original eastern terminus was at the intersection of Jackson Boulevard and Michigan Avenue in downtown Chicago in 1926.
In 1937, the start was moved half a mile east because of the reclaimed land that is now Grant Park. So after 1937, the starting point of RT 66 was the intersection of Jackson and Lake Shore Drive (US Route 41).
In 1937, the start was moved half a mile east because of the reclaimed land that is now Grant Park. So after 1937, the starting point of RT 66 was the intersection of Jackson and Lake Shore Drive (US Route 41).
To confuse matters further, in 1955 Jackson became one way eastbound. So Adams Street, one block north, became the westbound route 66. Adams Street begins at the entrance to the Art Institute of Chicago. Today you can see a sign marking the start.
It remained there until the eastern terminus of Interstate 55 was completed at Lake Shore Drive, then that became the end of Route 66 until I-55 completely replaced Route 66 in Illinois, until Route 66 was decommissioned.
Historic Route 66, and all its realignments, are well marked in Illinois.
Compiled by Neil Gale, Ph.D.
It remained there until the eastern terminus of Interstate 55 was completed at Lake Shore Drive, then that became the end of Route 66 until I-55 completely replaced Route 66 in Illinois, until Route 66 was decommissioned.
How interesting about changing the starting point in the downtown area.
ReplyDeleteAs much as I’m a fly girl, someday I’d love to follow this route. My parents did it once before I was born.
I have a sigh in my office of all the cities. I’ll takeaway photo of it this week.
Thanks Neil!