Where Honest Abe and Route 66 Meet—Lincoln, IL

Illinois is today widely known as the Land of Lincoln in recognition of the former president’s contributions both to the state and the country. However, one place in Illinois —along Route 66 — has carried the name of Lincoln well before his presidency.

During his break from national politics, Lincoln worked as a lawyer for the Chicago & Mississippi Railroad Co. It was at this job where he earned his nickname “Honest Abe,” by the way. As part of his job, in 1853, he assisted with the founding of a new town along the railroad.

When the time came to christen the town on August 27, there was no champagne on hand. So, Lincoln purchased two watermelons whose juice had to substitute for sparkling wine.

For the help A. Lincoln, Esq., had given them, the townsfolk wanted to name the place after him. To this, the reluctant Lincoln replied: “Nothing bearing the name of Lincoln ever amounted to much.”