Part of Our Route 66 Everytown Collection - Braceville Edition
Crafted from ultra-soft 100% Airlume combed and ring-spun cotton, this unisex jersey tee blends road trip comfort with rugged, small town character. Featuring "The Diamond in the Rough" slogan, this t-shirt celebrates Braceville, Illinois: a coal-mining boomtown turned Route 66 hidden gem. Perfect for travelers who love uncovering forgotten history, this tee reminds us that some of the best treasures on the Mother Road are the ones just waiting to be rediscovered.
Celebrate Braceville: where prairie roads, coal mining history and a quiet Route 66 charm create a stop worth seeking out.
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About Braceville, Illinois: The Prairie State's Diamond in the Rough
Braceville, Illinois is a historic village in Grundy County located along the 1926-1977 alignment of Route 66. Settled in 1834, and later incorporated in 1861, Braceville grew rapidly during the coal boom of the 1870s, with its population swelling to over 3,500 residents. The town's nickname, "The Diamond in the Rough," is a nod to both its mining roots and its enduring small town resilience after the coal industry collapsed.
Coal production ceased following a 1910 strike at the Braceville Coal Company, but reminders of the town's past still dot the landscape. Nearby Mazonia-Braidwood State Fish and Wildlife Area preserves the reclaimed strip-mined land, offering outdoor enthusiasts opportunities for fishing, hiking and even fossil hunting - one of the area's most unique draws.
While some of its more recent Route 66 landmarks, such as the Wicked Cricket Bar and Grill, have faded into memory, their sites remain points of nostalgic interest for travelers seeking to connect with the road's past. Each May, Braceville proudly participates in the Red Carpet Corridor Festival, welcoming visitors to come and rediscover the town's unique history and its quiet charm.
Braceville may be a small dot on the map today, but its coal-era grit and Route 66 spirit ensure it remains a true hidden gem along the Mother Road.
Product Features:
- 100% Airlume combed and ring-spun cotton for premium softness
- Side seams for added structure and durability
- Tear-away label for comfort
- Classic crew neckline with a flattering unisex fit - true-to-size for all day comfort (see size chart for details)
- Fulfilled in the USA
Care Instructions:
- Machine wash: cold (max 90°F / 30°C)
- Tumble dry: low heat
- Non-chlorine bleach as needed
- Iron or steam: medium heat
- Do not dry clean
