Uploaded June 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
What happens when America's most famous president meets America's most famous highway?
This time we're following Abraham Lincoln across Illinois, beginning in Springfield at Lincoln's Home, Lincoln's law office, the Old State Capitol, and the magnificent Lincoln Tomb before heading out onto Historic Route 66 to explore some of the lesser-known towns and forgotten stories that many travelers miss.
Along the way we visit Williamsville, Frank's Service Station, Elkhart, and other hidden Route 66 communities that still preserve the character of the Mother Road. We tour the historic Mill Restaurant, one of Illinois Route 66's most beloved landmarks, and stop at the Postville Courthouse site where Lincoln earned the nickname "Honest Abe" while practicing law on the Eighth Judicial Circuit.
The journey continues to Lincoln, Illinois - the first town in America named for Abraham Lincoln before he became President. We explore downtown, discover Route 66 landmarks, visit Lincoln Station, learn the surprising story behind the town's famous watermelon connection, see the giant bottle of White-Out, admire the restored Tropics neon sign, and uncover the unique history that makes Lincoln one of the most interesting stops anywhere along Route 66.
Finally, we visit the World's Largest Covered Wagon. Except... it's uncovered. Which raises an important question: does that make it the World's Largest Uncovered Wagon?
From presidential history and Route 66 landmarks to neon signs, roadside attractions, forgotten towns, giant roadside oddities, and classic Americana, this Illinois road trip is packed with history around every corner.
Want to help Randomland? Shop randomland.com and consider Patreon patreon.com/justinscarred.
What happens when America's most famous president meets America's most famous highway?
This time we're following Abraham Lincoln across Illinois, beginning in Springfield at Lincoln's Home, Lincoln's law office, the Old State Capitol, and the magnificent Lincoln Tomb before heading out onto Historic Route 66 to explore some of the lesser-known towns and forgotten stories that many travelers miss.
Along the way we visit Williamsville, Frank's Service Station, Elkhart, and other hidden Route 66 communities that still preserve the character of the Mother Road. We tour the historic Mill Restaurant, one of Illinois Route 66's most beloved landmarks, and stop at the Postville Courthouse site where Lincoln earned the nickname "Honest Abe" while practicing law on the Eighth Judicial Circuit.
The journey continues to Lincoln, Illinois - the first town in America named for Abraham Lincoln before he became President. We explore downtown, discover Route 66 landmarks, visit Lincoln Station, learn the surprising story behind the town's famous watermelon connection, see the giant bottle of White-Out, admire the restored Tropics neon sign, and uncover the unique history that makes Lincoln one of the most interesting stops anywhere along Route 66.
Finally, we visit the World's Largest Covered Wagon. Except... it's uncovered. Which raises an important question: does that make it the World's Largest Uncovered Wagon?
From presidential history and Route 66 landmarks to neon signs, roadside attractions, forgotten towns, giant roadside oddities, and classic Americana, this Illinois road trip is packed with history around every corner.
Want to help Randomland? Shop randomland.com and consider Patreon patreon.com/justinscarred.
