Chenoa, IL

Chenoa was laid out by Matthew T. Scott in 1856 at the meeting point of two railroads he expected to arrive, turning his farm-land plans into a town with a trade center and grain-shipping role. Today the McLean County city sits where I-55, U.S. 24, and Historic Route 66 cross. The Scott House keeps the founder's name on the map, while the old central-park plan still separates Chenoa from the standard railroad grid. Two competing grain elevators once faced the farm country around town, a reminder of what kept this place busy long before Route 66 brought a different kind of traveler through. Chenoa is rail, grain, road, and prairie in one compact stop.