Route History

A jazz legend you need to know. 🎷✨

Born in Brooklyn, Illinois, Hamiet Bluiett was a groundbreaking saxophonist, composer, and one of the most influential voices in modern jazz. His music and legacy continue to inspire generations around the world.

A celebration of freedom. A legacy of resilience. A history that continues to inspire. Happy Juneteenth! ❤️🖤💚

Davis was a young artist learning from his mentor, Elwood Buchanan, in East St. Louis.

Their story is one of talent, guidance, and the power of community in shaping a musical legend.

Discover how East St. Louis helped influence the life and career of Miles Davis as part of our immersive Virtual Reality Route 66 experience.

Learn more about Miles Davis and Elwood Buchanan at the East St. Louis stop on our virtual reality tour.

📍 Book your visit today!

Its African American Music Appreciation Month!

June is a big month at Route History, because so many Black musicians have made their way through Route 66. Make sure you're following us on here to join us on this musical journey through route history.

You can celebrate with us in person when you book your tour at www.routehistory.net

🇺🇸 Happy Memorial Day!

Today we pause to remember and honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice serving our country. Because of their courage and dedication, we are able to enjoy the freedoms we have today.

We Remember. We Honor. We Thank. 🙏

Wishing everyone a meaningful Memorial Day. Take a moment today to reflect on those who served and the families who carry on their legacy. ❤️🤍💙

Annie Malone was more than a beauty pioneer — she was a visionary who created opportunity, empowerment, and community during a time of segregation and limited access for Black Americans.

Born in 1869 in Metropolis, Annie Malone became one of America’s first Black female millionaires after building a successful beauty and cosmetic empire centered around products designed specifically for Black women. Through her Poro System, tens of thousands of women were trained in beauty culture and entrepreneurship, helping many achieve financial independence and economic stability. Among her most notable students were Madam C. J. Walker and even legendary musician Chuck Berry.

In the 1930s, Malone relocated her business from St. Louis to Chicago, where Poro College operated as a cosmetology school, beauty product factory, and training center. It also became a safe and welcoming space for Black travelers during segregation and was proudly listed in the The Negro Motorist Green Book as a tourist home.

Beyond beauty, Poro College served as a cultural and business hub where Black organizations and leaders could gather when Jim Crow laws denied access to many public spaces. Annie Malone’s legacy lives on through the generations she inspired, empowered, and uplifted through education, business, and community support. ✨

Did you know that long before social media reviews and GPS, black travelers relied on trusted places like Cansler’s Lounge to find safety, community and hospitality on the road? Located in Springfield, Illinois, this Black-owned tavern earned its place in the Black Motorist Green Book during the Jim Crow era, serving as a welcoming stop for travelers navigating Route 66 and segregation in America.

Businesses like Cansler’s Lounge were more than nightlife spots, they were symbols of resilience, culture, and connection within Springfield’s Black community.

Visit Route History Museum to explore more stories that helped shape Springfield’s rich Black history and Route 66 legacy.

Victor Hugo Green turned survival into a roadmap for Black freedom on the open road.

In 1926, as Route 66 promised “mobility for all,” Black travelers navigating Jim Crow and sundown towns faced a very different reality. Victor’s Negro Motorist Green Book (1936–1964) became an essential guide helping Black families safely find food, lodging, gas, and dignity across the country.

Springfield’s Central East neighborhood was one of those crucial stops. At its height, as many as 22 Springfield businesses, hotels, private homes, gas stations, and restaurants were listed in the Green Book, offering refuge and welcome to Black motorists along historic Route 66.

Today, we honor Victor Hugo Green and his Black-owned businesses that made Springfield a lifeline proving that even in the face of segregation, community created safety, opportunity, and movement.

Thank you to our recent visitors for coming to experience the rich history of Historic Route 66 and Springfield Illinois! ✨

We love welcoming visitors from near and far to experience history in a whole new way! Thank you to everyone who recently stopped by Route History Museum and immersed themselves in the stories, culture, and innovation behind our Virtual Reality experiences.

Your support helps us continue preserving and sharing this rich history in a modern and unforgettable way.

Come visit us and be part of history!