Route 66 in Barstow
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Route 66, the Mother Road, passed through a number of cities and towns as it made its way westbound across California: Needles, Amboy, Barstow, Victorville, San Bernardino, Pasadena and Santa Monica.
From the Arizona state line to San Bernardino U.S. Highway 66 followed the old National Old Trails Highway.
Leaving Needles, the road ventured a bit north, through Goffs. This railroad town remained a stop on Route 66 until 1931, when a more direct alignment between Needles and Essex was opened.
The road then headed south, through Chambless and Amboy, and then west to Ludlow, Newberry Springs and on to Barstow.
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The Mojave River was the first artery bringing Native Americans to the Barstow area followed by the American Railroad system. The town soon grew around a railroad depot spurred by the Industrial Revolution. A century later, the automobile paved the way for Route 66, Interstate 40, Interstate 15, Highway 247, and Highway 58, lending to Barstow’s moniker: Crossroads of Opportunity.
Today, the City of Barstow is located in the Inland Empire North region of San Bernardino County, midway between Los Angeles and Las Vegas. Barstow is centrally located in the western Mojave at the entrance to the Mojave National Preserve.
Travelers on Historic U.S. Route 66 will enjoy exploring the Barstow area as the city's connection with the Mother Road remains strong today!
Map showing the location of Barstow, California on Historic Route 66
Lodging, Dining and Attractions in Barstow ... from TripAdvisor
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Barstow Hotel Directory, Traveler Reviews and Reservations Barstow Restaurant Listings and Reviews Barstow Attractions and Things to Do |
Barstow Harvey HouseOriginally built in 1911 as Casa del Desierto, a Harvey House hotel and Santa Fe Railroad depot, it currently serves as an Amtrak station and government building housing city offices, the Barstow Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center. It is also home to two museums: the Western America Railroad Museum and the Route 66 Mother Road Museum. 681 North First Avenue Barstow, CA 92311 |
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Casa del Desierto at the Barstow Harvey House |
Historic Marker at the Barstow Harvey House |
Harvey House in Barstow, California |
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Entrance area at the Mother Road Museum |
Motorcycle exhibit at the Mother Road Museum |
Western America Railroad MuseumThe Museum is dedicated to sharing the history of railroading in the Pacific Southwest. It features both indoor and outdoor displays and is popular with railroad enthusiasts. It is located at 685 North First Street in Barstow, at the Barstow Harvey House. Indoor displays include timetables, uniforms and other railroad memorabilia. Several locomotives and rail cars are located outside. For more information, visit the Western America Railroad Museum website or phone 760.256.9276
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Discovering the Desert at BarstowThe Desert Discovery Center (DDC) is a 7,000 square foot facility surrounded by 12 acres of public land located in the heart of Barstow. The Center houses the “Old Woman Meteorite”, the second largest meteorite found in the United States when discovered in 1975. It is located at 831 Barstow Road. Travelers along Route 66 also enjoy many other desert recreational areas, such as the Coon Canyon Trail, Fossil Canyon Trail, Rainbow Basin Scenic Drive and the Owl Canyon Campground. |
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Calico Ghost TownLocated northeast of Barstow is the Calico Ghost Town and former mining center. It was founded in 1881 as a silver mining town and was home to over 500 mines at its peak. The population grew to 3,500 residents, but by the turn of the century the price of silver fell and Calico became deserted. The site was later converted into a county park and named Calico Ghost Town; it is operated by the San Bernardino County Regional Parks. Along with its history and attractions, Calico Ghost Town has shops, restaurants and offers camping, hiking and off-roading. The official address is 36600 Ghost Town Road, Yermo, CA 92398. |
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Mojave River Valley MuseumThe Museum is dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the scientific, historical, and cultural heritage of the Mojave Desert. Located at 270 E. Virginia Way, Barstow, CA 92311 Website of the Mojave River Valley Museum
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Barstow StationA great place to stop while driving Route 66, Barstow Station features a number of food outlets, including Subway, Dunkin Donuts, McDonald's and more. It also offers WiFi, a liquor store, and restrooms. Located at 1611 E Main St, Barstow, CA 92311
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Earlier Times: Vintage Views along Route 66 in Barstow
We have included below a sampling of our collection of vintage travel postcards dealing with Barstow and Route 66. What was Route 66 like in its earlier years, as visitors drove through and around Barstow? What did all the service stations, motels and public buildings look like when they were new? What did the traveling public experience on the Mother Road? We wonder such things when we travel Route 66 today. Those earlier times in the 1930s, 40s and 50s were not always captured on film. But the use of colorful postcards was common in those decades. These portray the historic road in its prime and help us to visualize, and appreciate, "earlier times" as we drive Route 66 today around Barstow. |
Greetings from Barstow |
Sage Motel |
Cactus Motel |
El Rancho Barstow |
Town & Country Motel |
Casa Loma Motel |
More Information and Resources about Barstow |
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Interactive Map of Barstow, California
MORE CALIFORNIA ROUTE 66
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