Located half way between Chicago and St Louis you will find a little town called Atlanta.

History of Atlanta

In 1846 the town of New Castle was laid out by Timothy B. Hoblit and James Allen. The town was located on the old stage coach line between Springfield and Bloomington. Later, in 1853 the town of Xenia was laid out about a mile and a half from New Castle. Richard Gill knew the Alton & Sangamon RR was going to build from Springfield to Bloomington. The town of Zenia was surveyed and platted, May 22, 1853 the railroad was completed and in the fall of 1853 the people and businesses moved into Zenia. The town continued to be called Zenia until 1855, until it was discovered that the name Zenia had already been used in the state of Illinois. The name Atlanta was suggested and the name has been used ever since. Atlanta was a boom town by 1855 the population was 1,500 people, there where many stores and businesses. Unfortunately the panic of 1857 was a hard blow on Atlanta. Many families moved and many businesses closed their doors. By 1860, Atlanta's population was 1,140 people and has not grown much for the next few years. Later the Route 66 "The Mother Load" came though Atlanta IL. The route 66 is still commemorated in Atlanta. Presently Atlanta, IL is located on Route 66 and just off of Interstate 55. The population has grown much since. It is located half way between Chicago and St. Louis. The town is a small rural town.

Restaurants

The Palms Grill

The Palms Tree Grill was open from 1934 to the late 1960"s. Palm trees were first placed in the cafe by Atlanta resident Robert Adams, who opened the eatery in August 1934. Adams was inspired by palms he saw in California. The restaurant served as the Greyhound bus stop along Route 66. The Palms Grill Cafe was just recently restored after 49 years of sitting empty. Customers now get a taste of yesteryear from menu offerings that include fried bologna and grilled Spam sandwiches. The setting is a 1940's diner with the popular blue plate specials which consist of meat and two or three side dishes on a divided blue plate. There are also more typical offerings such as roast beef, turkey, hamburgers and hot dogs. Most lunches cost $5 to $7.

Homemade pies, including peach, blueberry, banana cream and coconut cream are popular. The Palms Grill Cafe also features other homemade desserts.

Chubby's Bar and Grill

Chubby's is located just down the street from Palms Grill. The side of the building features a mural advertising Reisch's beer. The mural says Reisch's beer gives you strength. Chubby's can be found in an old building that served as an outlet for Reich's Brewing Company. Chubby's serves the best hamburgers in town.

The Country Aire

The Country Aire is right off the interstate by the FS Fast Stop once you fill up with gas then you can go enjoy a Jumbo porkey a pork tenderloin or the broasted chicken. Before your meal you can enjoy an ice-cold drink as well as homemade soup or a cold salad.

Sites to visit in Atlanta

The Atlanta Public Library and Clock Tower

The Atlanta Public Library was listed on the National Register of Historical Places in 1979. The Atlanta Public Library is a rare example of public construction in Illinois. It combines two architectural styles, the Octagon Mode and New-Classical revival. The red tiled roof is equally unique. The library was completed in l908. It has been in continuous use since March 28, 1908 and is presently used as the town library. Next to the Atlanta Library is a clock tower. The clock mechanism is an l909 vintage Seth Thomas clock. Originally this was the clock tower at the Atlanta High School.

Paul Bunyon Statue

The Paul Bunyon Statue, otherwise known as the "Hot Dog Man," stands 19 feet tall and is holding a giant hotdog. The statue was made by International Fiberglass in Venice, California their company designed the original Paul Bunyon statues carrying an ax. The Stephen family had the statue at their restaurant in Cicero, Illinois. Atlanta bought the statue in 2003 and it was moved to a location across the street from the Palms Grill Cafe. Paul Bunyon statues were familiar sights on Route 66.

Atlanta Museum

Next door to the Palms Grill Cafe is the Atlanta Museum. The annex is still a work in progress. The building was originally a bank and the brick walls, and the roof and bank vault are still in the building.

J.H. Hawes Elevator

The J. H. Hawes Elevator was built by Mr. John Hardin Hawes in l904. The J. H. Hawes Elevator is 60 feet tall and is one of very few wooden elevators still standing. Inside the elevator a vertical conveyor system takes the grain from the lower pit up to the top of the elevator and drops it into one of the storage bins. The elevator was in business for 73 years. Restoration on the elevator began in l987 and the community has continued to preserve it.