Meramec Caverns Barn

Pontiac, Illinois

Also known as the Cayuga Barn, this is a restored example of early highway advertising for Meramec Caverns in Stanton, Missouri. This type of advertisement, popular from the mid 1930s into the 1950s, was pioneered by Garnet Carter, founder of Rock City, who launched the innovative marketing campaign along American highways in 1935. A pull-off area from Route 66 was created so travelers could safely exit the road and take photographs. It is one of two remaining advertisement barns along Illinois Route 66. It was restored by the Route 66 Association of Illinois Preservation Committee.