Part of Our Route 66 Everytown Collection - Godley Edition
Crafted from ultra-soft 100% Airlume combed and ring-spun cotton, this unisex jersey tee blends classic comfort with a tribute to hard-working history. Featuring the slogan "Coal City," this tee celebrates Godley, Illinois: a town built on the coal that helped power America's industrial rise. Perfect for road trippers, history buffs and collectors of our exclusive Route 66 Everytown Collection, this tee is a nod to the grit and determination of the miners who made this town thrive.
Celebrate Godley: where a single discovery of coal transformed a quiet Illinois prairie into one of the Midwest's most productive mining regions, leaving behind a legacy that still shapes the town today.
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About Godley, Illinois: Where Coal Fueled the Road Ahead
Godley, Illinois is a small but historically significant town located partially in Will County and partially in Grundy County, situated along the 1939-1977 alignment of Route 66. Platted in the 1860s and incorporated in 1888, Godley earned its place in history when Thomas Byron discovered coal in 1864, while digging a well. This discovery ignited a mining boom that would eventually support over 5,500 miners across the surrounding region, transforming Godley into a hub of industry and growth.
Though the mines had closed by 1916, the legacy of this era is preserved at the Illinois Route 66 Mining Museum, located on Old Route 66. The museum is marked by a striking rusted steel silhouette of a miner and his donkey, offering a poignant tribute to the men whose labor fueled local industry and powered the Midwest. Inside, visitors can explore exhibits detailing the boom-and-bust cycle of coal mining and its impact on the town.
Today, Godley continues to celebrate its history through participation in the annual Red Carpet Corridor Festival each May, inviting travelers to learn about its unique past and connect with a chapter of Route 66 that goes beyond neon and diners. With its mining heritage, preserved landmarks and dedication to telling its story, Godley stands as a powerful reminder of the towns that built and sustained America's Main Street.
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
