Chenoa is a town located in the heart of agricultural Illinois that did benefit as a Route 66 stop, but probably didn't need it. Established in 1854 to support the local farming community, it also served as a grain shipping center, purposely located at the crossing of two railroad lines. Both railroads also provided passenger service through the town, and as the years went by and rail traffic faded, Route 66 car and truck traffic was there to replace it. Still in good shape today after the arrival of the interstate, the town supports some small scale manufacturing, several antique dealers, and two long time businesses - a large roofing company active for more than 75 years, and the Chenoa Pharmacy, operating since 1889. Moving forward, Chenoa has plans in the works to build an ethanol factory in town.
For the Route 66 traveler and photographer, Chenoa offers some classic small town architecture and some neat murals painted in the spirit of old 66. Log Book: 110 miles motored on old 66.
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