Mount Olive Illinois (Route 66)

Mount Olive Illinois is a small town located in Macoupin County, Illinois, and it has a rich history that spans back to the 19th century. Here’s an overview of its history:

Early Settlement and Incorporation: Mount Olive Illinois was originally settled by European immigrants in the mid-1800s. The town’s name is said to have been derived from the biblical Mount of Olives. It was officially incorporated in 1867. The early settlers were mainly of German descent, and their influence can still be seen in the town’s culture and architecture.

Route 66 Attraction in Mount Olive Illinois

1. Soulsby Service Station Museum: This museum is located in Mount Olive Illinois and features a restored 1926 Standard Oil gas station. It offers a glimpse into the early days of roadside service stations and provides information about the history of Route 66.
2. Mother Jones Monument: Mount Olive is famous for being the burial site of Mary Harris “Mother” Jones, a prominent labor and community organizer in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Her monument and burial site can be visited in the Union Miners Cemetery in Mount Olive.
3. Hank’s Conoco Station: this restored gas station is another example of the types of businesses that lined Route 66. It’s a great photo opportunity and a way to experience the roadside culture of the past.