The Complete Story
Built in 1941, the District 6 Illinois State Police Office is a remarkable example of Art Moderne architecture that reflects the streamlined design of automobiles of its era. The building features curved corners, smooth surfaces, and structural glass bricks - all elements typical of the style. But the most intriguing detail only becomes apparent from above: the floor plan is shaped like a revolver, a whimsical yet appropriate design for a police headquarters.
The 6th District of the Illinois State Police was originally established as District 9, one of the initial five police districts when the State Police were officially founded in April 1922. It was renamed District 6 in 1935. For over six decades, troopers from this building patrolled Route 66, responding to the accidents, crimes, and emergencies that occurred along America's Main Street.
The building was vacated in 2003 when a new facility was constructed, as the old structure had become expensive to maintain and suffered from repeated flooding. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in March 2007 and inducted into the Illinois Route 66 Association's Hall of Fame in 2000. State Representative Dan Rutherford sponsored legislation transferring ownership to Livingston County, calling the building 'part of the heritage of Route 66.' The county plans to develop the site for public use as a park.
Surprising Facts You Didn't Know
→ The building's floor plan is shaped like a revolver when viewed from above
→ Served as State Police headquarters for Route 66 patrol for over 60 years
→ Features Art Moderne design with curved corners and structural glass bricks
→ Inducted into the Illinois Route 66 Association's Hall of Fame in 2000
→ State legislation transferred ownership to Livingston County for future use as a park
Frequently Asked Questions
Visit Illinois State Police District 6 Headquarters
✓ You Can Visit Today
Address: Route 66 South of Pontiac, Pontiac, IL 61764
What's There Now: Vacant building owned by Livingston County. Plans exist to develop the site as a public park. The building retains its distinctive Art Moderne architecture.
GPS Coordinates: 40.8508922, -88.6556708
Photo Tip: Best photographed in early morning or late afternoon when the Illinois light brings out the building's character.
Continue Your Route 66 Journey
These nearby Route 66 stops are just down the road:
Pontiac-Oakland Automobile Museum
One of the world's greatest collections of Pontiac and Oakland automobile artifacts, created to hono...
Livingston County Courthouse
The Second Empire masterpiece where Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas both argued cases, designed ...
Route 66 Hall of Fame & Museum
Home to the official Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame, housed in a beautifully restored 1900 City Hall...