Chicago, IL: Eastern Terminus of Route 66 Women's Tri-Blend Tee

Part of Our Route 66 Everytown Collection | Chicago Edition

Chicago, Illinois: Eastern Terminus of Route 66

On the shore of Lake Michigan in Cook County, Chicago is where historic Route 66 begins. From the "Begin Route 66" sign across from the Art Institute, 2,448 miles of the Mother Road roll west out of Illinois toward the Pacific.

Start in Chicago, the Eastern Terminus of Route 66, where the Begin Route 66 sign faces the Art Institute and 2,448 miles roll west, with a soft women's tri-blend tee made for every road trip.

Part of the Route 66 Everytown Collection: one tee for every town that ever called the road home. Start with Chicago, then collect the entire route.

T-Shirt Details & Features

• Next Level 6710 women's tri-blend tee with a slim, feminine fit (see size chart in product image gallery)
• 50% polyester, 25% combed ring-spun cotton, 25% rayon for a soft, lightweight drape
• Crew neck with a tear-away label for comfort
• Available in sizes S–2XL
• Printed and fulfilled in the USA
• Free U.S. shipping on orders of $25 or more, applied automatically!

About Chicago, Illinois: Where the Mother Road Begins

Incorporated as a town in 1833 and as a city in 1837, Chicago grew from a trading post on Lake Michigan into America's great crossroads of rail, river and road. When U.S. Route 66 was designated in 1926, the city became the eastern starting line for travelers heading all the way to Santa Monica.

The original 1926 terminus was at Jackson Boulevard and Michigan Avenue. As downtown traffic patterns changed, the official westbound start later shifted to Adams Street, where the well-known "Begin Route 66" sign now stands across from the Art Institute of Chicago.

For a true taste of the old road, Lou Mitchell's has been serving travelers on Jackson Boulevard since 1923. It is known for hearty breakfasts, a classic neon sign and the free donut holes it hands to guests. Many road-trippers make it their first stop before heading west.

Beyond the sign, Chicago's skyline tells its own story. The views from Willis Tower, the architecture along the Chicago River and the shores of Lake Michigan give the start of Route 66 a big-city send-off no other town can match.

Plan the drive with our Illinois Route 66 guide. Head west to Cicero and Berwyn. Prefer a classic fit? Pick up our unisex Chicago tee.

Care Instructions

• Machine wash: cold (max 86°F / 30°C)
• Tumble dry: low heat
• Non-chlorine bleach as needed
• Iron: low heat
• Do NOT dry clean

Bring a piece of Chicago home. Wear a piece of the Mother Road's history. Add this tee to your cart, then explore every Illinois town on Route 66.