The small Route 66 town of Atlanta lies midway along the 300 mile long section of Illinois Route 66.
When Route 66 was born, businesses sprang up to serve the needs of new motorists. By the 30,s the Mother Road, attracted growing numbers of cross-country travellers with gas, mechanical service, maps, home-cooked food, & accommodation, So businesses expanded to meet the demand. When a bypass or interstate opened, the trade was lost overnight, & many or most businesses closed, Hence the saying "Wheels of Fortune".
The Town & businesses have been reliant on the Mother Road since 1926, & through the 30's & 40's when the alignment changed, due to a bypass. Business then declined in the town center & grew along the new alignment of Route 66, then they declined again when the Interstate I-55 opened in the Mid 70's. Now the Town is growing again, due to the resurgence of Route 66 trippers, mostly from Europe.
The Wheels of Fortune on 66 info marker is located in a small memorial park/plaza known as:
Atlanta Route 66 Park, located on the Corner of SW Arch Street & Race Street.
The Text from the Historic Marker reads as follows:
"Business followed the Highway:
Atlanta boomed when Route 66 was built in the 1920s. It didn’t last. By 1947 the busy road was rebuilt to bypass town to the east. New businesses flourished on the bypass only to fail again when I-55 replaced the Mother Road in 1977. Recently, a rebirth of interest in historic Route 66 has pumped life back into Atlanta.
Opening in 1934, the Palms Grill attracted travelers on Route 66. Downtown cafes and gas stations did more than serve highway travelers. They were places where townsfolk gathered to share gossip, negotiate deals, and fall in love.
Bright Memories… Faded Dreams:
Opened around 1920, the Deep Rock Station on Arch Street was alive with customers when Route 66 traveled through downtown Atlanta. Businesses were abandoned when Route 66 bypassed downtown Atlanta in 1947.
Waiting for the Greyhound Bus:
As a stop for the Greyhound Bus Line, many journeys began and ended at the Palms Grill. Passengers flipped a switch to light the bottom of the neon sign alerting the bus driver to stop." Internet Text Source: (
visit link)
Address of Icon:
Atlanta Route 66 Park, SW Arch Street/Race St, Atlanta, Illinois, USA.