Part of Our Route 66 Everytown Collection - Elwood Edition
Crafted from ultra-soft 100% Airlume combed and ring-spun cotton, this unisex jersey tee blends laid-back comfort with the grit and determination of The Arsenal. Featuring the "Site of the Arsenal on Route 66" slogan, this t-shirt pays tribute to Elwood, Illinois: a historic Mother Road stop that served as a critical link for travelers, defense workers and those shipping out during wartime.
Honor the military heritage of Elwood with this Route 66 tee, celebrating its historic and deep connection to the Joliet Army Ammunition Plant, better known as "The Arsenal," or "The Elwood Ordnance Plant (EOP)."
Once a vital hub of American defense production, Elwood played a crucial role is supporting U.S. efforts during World War II and beyond. THE EOP had a reputation at the time as the world's most advanced weapons production plant. This is the perfect tee for history buffs, Route 66 wanderers or anyone who wants to honor the resilience, courage and sacrifice that shaped the nation.
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About Elwood, Illinois: A Site of Wartime History
Elwood is a small but historically significant community located in Will County along the 1926-1977 alignment of Route 66. Settled in 1854, and later incorporated in 1869, Elwood is widely recognized as the "Site of the Arsenal of Route 66."
In 1940, the U.S. government constructed the Joliet Army Ammunition Plant on 40,000 acres outside Elwood to produce munitions for World War II. While the Arsenal was a lifeline for the war effort, it was also the site of tragedy after a catastrophic 1942 explosion claimed the lives of 48 workers, leaving a permanent mark on the community's history.
Today, the former arsenal grounds have been transformed into sites of remembrance and renewal. The Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery honors U.S. veterans, while the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, the largest island in the archipelago of protected areas that collectively comprise the Chicago Wilderness, restores native prairie land and offers miles of trails for visitors, while also providing a safe home for 27 bison who were introduced as a restoration experiment.
For Route 66 enthusiasts, Elwood features a distinctive Route 66 double-shield marker on Douglas Street, as well as a preserved section of the original Mother Road pavement: a must-see for anyone who wants to quite literally walk on history. Elwood may be small, but its story is powerful, offering travelers a meaningful stop that blends America's wartime with a hopeful, living legacy.
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
