Downtown Chenoa

The town of Chenoa, founded on May 13, 1856, has a unique layout because it grew from two rival landowners. Land speculator and farmer Matthew T. Scott anticipated a place where the two-year old Chicago & Alton Railroad would be intersected by the soon-to-be new Toledo, Peoria, and Western Railroad, and plotted the town which he called Chenoa.

This original town, which lies west of the railroad, was built around a central park. However, his rival and former business companion, William Marshall, owned most of the land east of the railroad. On this land, he laid out a competing town named East Chenoa.

The quaint Downtown showcases the Chenoa Pharmacy, one of the longest running businesses in the area, having first opened in 1889. The restored Selz Royal Blue Shoes Mural is a stunning reminder of a vintage outdoor advertisement.

Be sure to stop at the photo op at the corner of Routes 66 & 24 on your way out of town! Chenoa has utilized its retired section of Route 66 by turning it into the Chenoa Route 66 Prairie Trail. This three-mile stretch features exhibits and information about Route 66. One segment off Moorehead and Cemetery roads is even listed on the National Register of Historical Places.

You are encouraged to visit the Chenoa Historical Museum to learn about local Chenoa history, and the Matthew T. Scott Home on the north side of town is well worth a visit.