Chicago moves start of Route 66 to Navy Pier
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A sign depicting the start of US Route 66 in Chicago. Photo: Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Chicago is rewriting history for the 100th celebration of Route 66, the iconic roadway connecting Chicago to Los Angeles.
The latest: The city will formally recognize Navy Pier as the starting point of the iconic American roadway, moving it from its original spot at Jackson Boulevard and Michigan Avenue downtown.
What they're saying: "This move symbolizes how Route 66 continues to evolve while honoring its roots," Chicago mayor Brandon Johnson said in a press release.
The big picture: Chicago's City Council adopted a resolution to change the most eastern spot to Navy Pier to commemorate the big anniversary.
- "Designating Navy Pier as the eastern terminus honors Chicago's historic role while creating a powerful pier-to-pier connection that captures the true spirit of the American journey," Ald. Brendan Reilly (42nd) said.
The intrigue: There have been various start and end spots for the legendary route.
- In Chicago, the easternmost spot has been marked at both Jackson Boulevard and Adams Street at Michigan Avenue. The route traditionally went down Jackson to Ogden Avenue, southwest, exiting the city and passing through suburbs like Cicero, Berwyn and Joliet before exiting our area.
- In Los Angeles, it originally ended downtown. In 2009, the western edge of Route 66 was moved to the Santa Monica Pier.
Zoom in: The adjusted Chicago starting point will be marked with a new sign at Navy Pier, welcoming visitors to the beginning (or end) of the trail.
What's next: The dedication ceremony will take place on March 25. The event will coincide with the annual Toast to Harry Caray at Harry Caray's Tavern on the pier.
- Restaurant owner Grant DePorter, an aficionado of all things Route 66, was instrumental in securing the new site marker.
- "Harry grew up along Route 66 in St. Louis, learned to drive on Route 66, and took Route 66 to Wrigley Field to announce his very first baseball game," DePorter said in a statement.
- "It's incredibly meaningful that the road now begins at Navy Pier, where we gather each year to celebrate him."
The bottom line: The iconic roadway now stretches from sea to shining lake.