Part of Our Route 66 Everytown Collection – Venice Edition
Celebrate one of Route 66's most resilient river towns with this Venice, Illinois tee, inspired by the nickname "Little Venice." Known for its canal system and its history of preservance in the face of frequent flooding, Venice is a symbol of grit, community and the enduring spirit of the Mother Road. This design is a nod to a town where the Mississippi meets the open highway and where every crossing tells a story.
Crafted from ultra-soft 100% Airlume combed and ring-spun cotton, this unisex jersey tee pairs timeless style with road-trip comfort. Whether you're tracing the 1926-1930 alignment, photographing historic bridges or collecting every town in our exclusive Route 66 Everytown Collection, this t-shirt brings the history of Venice to life.
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About Venice, Illinois: The Flooded Crossroads
Few towns on Route 66 wear their struggles as proudly as Venice, Illinois. Sitting on the banks of the Mississippi River, this small community was once called "Six Mile," but earned its more evocative name in the 1840s as a nod to its watery surroundings and its network of drainage canals. Positioned on the 1926-1930 alignment of the Main Street of America, Venice became a key crossing point for motorists heading west, braving floods and muddy roads to reach the other side.
The town's most enduring symbol is the McKinley Bridge. This bridge holds the distinction of being the very first bridge to carry Route 66 traffic across the mighty Mississippi River. Completed in 1910, this steel truss span connected Illinois to St. Louis and marked the true beginning of the westward journey. Today, it still stands as a testament to early 20th-century engineering and the tenacity of the road builders who made it possible.
Venice's history is written in its roadside relics. The weathered Sinclair Gas Station recalls the roar of passing traffic, while John's Drive-In (originally a 1950s Tastee-Freez) still serves up burgers and shakes, offering a taste of Route 66 nostalgia. In Venice, the hardships of the land shaped a town with an unvarnished, authentic soul, providing a perfect reminder that the road is as much about survival as it is about travel.
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)
- Made responsibly in North America under Fair Labor Association standards
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 dryclean
