Route 66, also known as the “Main Street of America” or the “Mother Road,” is one of the most famous highways in the United States. Originally established in 1926 this highway served as a major transportation route for travelers heading west, particularly during the Dust Bowl of the 1930s. The route starts in Chicago, Illinois and runs approximately 2,448 miles to Santa Monica, California. There are many attractions along Route 66 that are a huge part of America’s history. These attractions are well documented on thousands of individual social media outlets, but what is not as prominent is locations and photos of a some of the unique water tanks along the route. We here at Water Nuggets believe that water tanks are a piece of Americana just as much as Coca-Cola or Baseball. So come enjoy a little nostalgia with Water Nuggets and the water tanks of Route 66.
Chicago Avenue Water Tower and Pumping Station Chicago, Illinois
We begin in the city of Chicago at the old Chicago Water tower and pumping station. The tower was built in 1869. The water tower was the only public building in the burn zone to survive the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. The water tower and pump station are now an art gallery as well as the Chicago Office as Tourism.
Chicago Avenue water tower and pump station Chicago, Illinois
Smiley Face Water Tower Atlanta, Illinois
Our next stop is in Atlanta Illinois. This small town became a Route 66 destination when it received the, “Hot Dog Muffler Man” from Cicero, Illinois in 2003. There are many muffler men statues along Route 66, but this is one of the best for a photo op as it stands in the middle of Main Street. The town wanted to further stand out by painting its water tower with a bright yellow smiley face. The town has a small population of only 1,618, but has become a must stop for thousands of tourists every year.
Smiley Face Water Tower Atlanta, Illinois
Hot Dog Muffler Man Atlanta, Illinois
World’s Largest Catsup Bottle Collinsville, Illinois
As we continue West, we come across our next unique water tower in Collinsville, Illinois. Boasted as the world’s largest catsup bottle, this water tower served as the water tank for the G.S. Superior Bottling Company starting in 1949. In the 1960’s the plant moved to Indiana. The water tower was due for demolition, but in 1995 it was saved by the, “Catsup Bottle Preservation Group.” In August of 2002 it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Standing at 170ft tall, the water tower is something to behold and worth the stop to see in person.
World’s Largest Catsup bottle Collinsville, illinois
Town of Bourbon Water Tower Bourbon, Missouri
Everyone just calm down. This water tower is for water and nothing else…we checked. The town of Bourbon Missouri is not known as a classic Route 66 stop, but the town’s name gave way to a great photo op of their old water tower. The town was named after the local rail road workers fell in love with a new drink being sold at the local general store called, “Bourbon.” The water tower pictured was built in 1925, and looks like it is in great condition. The town has built a newer water tower that still bears the small town’s name, but this old tower still brings many that pass by to a stop for a quick photo.
Town of Bourbon Water Tower Bourbon, Missouri
Route 66 Tank Sapulpa Oklahoma
This water tank is a new addition to an old Route 66 town. The water tank was blank until 2021 when the town painted this mural on it and it is becoming a staple on old Route 66 in Oklahoma. The tank names the town and has a beautiful mural of the Oklahoma State flower. For years travelers on Route 66 would have missed the blank tank that was hidden by trees. Since painting the 60’ mural on the tank, the city has removed the trees so anyone passing by on Route 66 will be able to enjoy a little extra beauty as they drive thru the historical town.
Water Tank Sapulpa, Oklahoma
Leaning Tower of Texas
In the incredibly small town of Groom, Texas you will find the, “Leaning Tower of Texas.” Along Old Route 66 this water tower was not actually used to provide the town with drinking water. It was used as an advertisement for an old truck stop opened by a man named Ralph Britton. Even though the truck stop burned down and closed many years ago, the water tower still stands today catching the eye of many travelers along the interstate and those traveling the old Route 66.
The Leaning Tower of Texas Groom, Texas
Submit Your Unique Water Infrastructure Photos!
We here at Water Nuggets hope that you enjoyed this unique view of a piece of America’s history. Water tanks and towers are not only an important part of our drinking water infrastructure, but they can be a great way to promote and show pride in our towns and cities. Do you have an interesting water tank or tower to share? Have you seen any on your travels that stick out in your mind? Feel free to share!
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