With the legal assistance of no less than Abraham Lincoln, this city was founded in 1853 by three local entrepreneurs anticipating a new railroad stop. The steam locomotives of the time required water stops and passenger depots every 30 miles of track, which allowed these gentlemen to predict where one of those stops would fall along the Chicago and Alton Railroad line. They then acquired the land that became Lincoln, Illinois. Located in fertile Logan County, Lincoln has also served as a farm support town through the years, and it became a popular place to retire to when one's farming days were over. Sections of the city also housed immigrant coal miners in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This large combined working class population attracted the professional classes - doctors, lawyers and teachers. Route 66 ran through the town from 1926 to 1978, connecting the farms to Chicago, St. Louis and the state capital of Springfield, while also attracting the tourist trade. Lincoln was as dynamic and energetic an American town as they come. Modern Lincoln is still a farm town, but also hosts three colleges and two prisons.
Lincoln celebrates its Route 66 heritage by promoting its downtown historic district, which includes the domed Logan County Courthouse. There are some colorful murals to be found if you poke around, and you can also check out the classic brick Lincoln Theater. Be sure to pick up a Main Street Lincoln Saver Card before your walkabout in the city, for bargains galore downtown. At Hallie's on the Square, buy one schnitzel while showing the card and get a second schnitzel at half price. Log Book: 166 miles motored on old 66.
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