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Route 66 Association of Illinois

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Francis Marten, Our Lady of the Highways Shrine

June 28, 2021 By Editor Gina

As part of a series on the influential, colorful, historic people, places and things along Illinois Route 66, we present…

Francis Marten, Our Lady of the Highways Shrine

Route 66 Association of Illinois Hall of Fame Class of 1990

22353 W Frontage Rd, Raymond, Illinois

Here’s the story behind this historic landmark:

Located along Historic Route 66 in the panhandle of Montgomery County, Illinois, the Shrine of Our Lady of the Highways has watched over travelers along the Mother Road and Interstate 55 since the late 1950’s. While much of the pavement of Route 66 has been returned to the fields of rural Central Illinois, the Shrine remains as a testament to the weary traveler and Mother Mary’s guidance and protection over the highway and her travelers.

The Carrara Marble Statue of Our Lady of Lourdes from Italy was originally constructed as a high school project. It is inscribed “Mary, Loving Mother of Jesus, Protect us on the Highway.” Also along the road from this site is a trail of Burma Shave type signs of the Hail Mary.

Francis Marten was honored with induction to our Hall of Fame for erecting the monument.

Click to read stories about the ever-growing list of Hall of Fame inductees.

Filed Under: Featured, Hall of Fame Inductees

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Donations Fuel Our Mission!

Your donation to our Association helps support our efforts to preserve, promote, educate and enjoy Route 66 in Illinois. We are a volunteer organization; 100% of donations are allocated to preservation efforts along the Mother Road in Illinois (never to administrative or housekeeping expenses). We thank you for your generous donation toward maintaining our nostalgic slice of Americana.


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Listen to Association member, Route 66 expert and author, John Weiss, describe the allure of the Mother Road. What makes Route 66 a treasure worth preserving? John explains it all.

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