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. The Matthew T. Scott Home on the north side of town is preserved as a historic site.

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.

Stop to learn about local Chenoa history in the Chenoa Historical Museum downtown. Hours at publication of this tour are Tuesday and Saturday 1-3pm.

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.