Atlanta held a central place on Route 66 in Illinois, lying approximately 150 miles from both Chicago and St. Louis where the road began in the state. In June 2003, Bill Diaz of Pontiac, Illinois, designed a 20' x 6' mural on several large metal panels, which were framed together and mounted, capturing the spirit of Atlanta's place on Route 66. The mural was completed during the "LetterRip on Rt. 66" gathering of approximately 100 Letterheads in Atlanta, a group of sign painters from across the United States and Canada devoted to preserving the art of painting outdoor signs and murals.