Route 66 in the Land of Lincoln

You can still get your kicks on Root 66
dwm photo near Atlanta, IL  9/14/2007

The Interstate Highway System suits the need of Americans to get from one place to the next fast.

In doing so the "I" left the communities which comprise the fabric of our country by the exit ramps.

On our journey, we wanted a taste of the most famous road in the United States, following it from tiny Atlanta, Illinois to Springfield.

Big Interstate 55 zooms past.  And we saw a giant lumberjack statue holding a hot dog in Atlanta.

Future blogs will dive deeper into the special places along the way.  This post is about the trip.

It's been a couple years since I last traveled across central Illinois.  I forgot how flat it is and how far it is to the horizon.  My inner biker thought I wouldn't have many hills to climb around these parts. Our part of Wisconsin seems to be an on-going series of hills - but in America's breadbasket only trees break up a horizon of corn and soybeans.

Lincoln's Tomb
dwm photo

Our first stop in Springfield was the tomb of President Lincoln.  I was there once, but only remember it because of a photo in the family album showing a tiny me rubbing Abe's nose.  Before I write more about it, I hope to find that snapshot.

Life on the road is fun as change of pace.  For several years, it was part of my job.  When it is part of your work day it becomes part of it, and at least for me, became routine.

In Springfield, the adventure was just beginning.

It is the state capitol of Illinois - but more important as the place where Abe Lincoln became a man.

Sunset over Lake Springfield
dwm photo

We checked out the city and made plans for the next day.  Then it was time for a little exploring.

After dinner, it was nearly sunset as we drove around Lake Springfield.

The big ball of fire was just over the water when we passed a small park which offering a great view.

The next morning, a store caught our eye with an unusual name, Mal-O-Cream.

It's a donut shop - open from morning to early afternoon.   I had to try to the cream filled with chocolate frosting and a twisted glaze donut with cinnamon that must have been a foot long.  Yum

There are many signs
like this around Springfield.
dwm photo

After the blast of doughy sugar, we ventured deep into Lincoln-land in the center of Springfield.

The rebuilt Old Capitol was where the 16th President served in the legislature and made the landmark "House Divided" speech.  It is where he argued cases before the Supreme Court as a lawyer.  It was his home.

During those 25 years, he did lots of things in a lots of places.  The city seems to have marked each one.

For example, his old law office where he wrote his first inaugural address, and a plaque makes note.  His final speech in the city is noted with a marker and small museum.

His significance is the reason for the memorials, museums, and library.

Judging by the crowds in Springfield, he is still making an impact in the community today.  He is the reason we drove to Springfield.  I'll share more about Honest Abe and his home soon.