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Historic Standard Oil - First Gasoline Station on the Lincoln Highway in Illinois

Visit the first gasoline station along Illinois' Lincoln Highway, a beautifully restored 1918 Standard Oil landmark in Rochelle.

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Step back in time at the meticulously restored 1918 Standard Oil station in Rochelle, Illinois, the first gas station along the historic Lincoln Highway in the state. This iconic landmark offers a glimpse into the early days of American motoring and the transcontinental highway that shaped a nation.

A brief summary to Historic Standard Oil - First gasoline station along the Lincoln Hwy in Illinois

  • 500 Lincoln Ave, Rochelle, Illinois, 61068, US

Local tips

  • Check the visitor center hours (Saturday and Sunday 1-5pm) before visiting, as they are limited.
  • Take photos! The vintage architecture and restored features make for great photo opportunities.
  • Explore other attractions in Rochelle, such as the Rochelle Railroad Park.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Rochelle Transit Center, head south on 7th Street, then turn left onto Lincoln Avenue. Continue for approximately 1 mile until you reach the Historic Standard Oil station at 500 Lincoln Avenue. There are sidewalks along the route.

  • Public Transport

    Take a local bus to the Rochelle Transit Center. From there, you can walk (approximately 1 mile) or take a taxi to 500 Lincoln Ave. Bus fare is approximately $1 - $3.

  • Driving

    From the center of Rochelle, head east on 1st Avenue toward Lincoln Avenue. Continue straight onto Lincoln Avenue. The Historic Standard Oil station will be on your left at 500 Lincoln Avenue. Free parking is available on-site.

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Discover more about Historic Standard Oil - First gasoline station along the Lincoln Hwy in Illinois

The Historic Standard Oil station in Rochelle, Illinois, marks the beginning of roadside service along the Illinois stretch of the Lincoln Highway. Built in 1918, it stands as a testament to the burgeoning automobile culture and the impact of the Lincoln Highway, the first transcontinental highway in America. Standard Oil of Indiana acquired the property in 1918 for $6,200, choosing the location due to its high visibility on a 90-degree turn along the Lincoln Highway. Restored to its original design in 2001, the station features a canopy over the pumps, an original oval Standard Oil sign, and 1918-era equipment. Today, the filling station also serves as a Visitor Information Center and has Lincoln Highway and filling station memorabilia on display. The station provides an excellent backdrop for photography, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts. Visitors can wander around the site and learn about the countless travelers who stopped to refuel their vehicles and share stories of their journeys. The Lincoln Highway's development through Rochelle transformed the city into the “Hub City”. Today, Rochelle offers a blend of attractions, including the Rochelle Railroad Park, Chicagoland Skydiving Center, and Kennay Farms Distillery.

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