Inside Barstow’s Forgotten History And Route 66 Secrets
Positioned between Los Angeles and Las Vegas, Barstow stands as a desert crossroads with a rich past and a dynamic present. Ghost towns, museums, and Route 66 landmarks make it more than just a stop along the highway. Let’s shine a light on its history and evolving identity.
The Growth Of Barstow
Founded in the late 19th century, Barstow emerged as a railroad town and served as an important station for the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway. By the late 1920s, Barstow became an essential stop on the newly established Route 66. Its status as a key desert outpost was further reinforced with the construction of Interstate 15 and 40 and military bases.
The Impact Of Route 66
With the rise of Route 66, Barstow became a vital stop for cross-country travelers, leading to a surge in diners, motels, and service stations. However, the town struggled when Interstate 40 redirected traffic. Despite this, nostalgia tourism, historic restorations, and Route 66-themed attractions have rekindled interest, preserving Barstow’s legacy as a classic roadside destination.
A Town Built On Rails
Railroads have helped shape Barstow’s economy and identity since the 1880s. In 1995, Santa Fe Railway merged with Burlington Northern Railroad to form the BNSF Railway, which remains active to date. The Western America Railroad Museum preserves this heritage, ensuring Barstow’s deep rail legacy lives on.
Barstow’s Reputation VS. Reality
Many view Barstow as just a gas station stop, but it’s more than that. The remote desert setting of the town may seem unappealing to most. However, its historic, Old Western attractions and military infrastructure make it a cultural destination worth exploring, not just a stop on Route 66.
Surviving Economic Changes
The decline of Route 66 forced Barstow to adapt, shifting its economic focus toward defense and logistics. The Marine Corps Logistics Base and Fort Irwin became key employers, stabilizing the town. Additionally, Barstow leveraged its strategic location as a transportation hub, attracting distribution centers and trade businesses that kept the local economy afloat.
The Artistic Side Of Barstow
For a rough desert town, Barstow has a growing and well-received art scene. Local exhibits at the Desert Discovery Centre and murals depicting Route 66 history color the downtown walls. Barstow challenged its reputation as just a roadside stop on Route 66 and proved that creativity can flourish even in unexpected places.
Barstow’s Desert Climate
Barstow has a harsh desert climate, which is characterized by scorched summers and cool winters. The town experiences minimal rainfall and strong desert winds, with occasional sand storms. Temperatures during summer often exceed 100°F (38°C). The terrain in and around Barstow exemplifies the extreme yet stunning desert environment in the region.
Barstow’s Unique Desert Wildlife Around
The Mojave Desert surrounding Barstow is home to fascinating wildlife. Notable species include the desert tortoise and the kit fox, known for its large ears. The region around Barstow is also home to roadrunners, rattlesnakes, and the bighorn sheep, among others, who have adapted to survive the extreme heat and arid conditions.
Annual Events And Festivals
Every year, Barstow comes alive with festivals that represent the town’s historical culture and its deep connection to the desert. The Route 66 Mother Road Festival celebrates Barstow’s highway heritage, whereas the Barstow Rodeo is a revival of Western traditions. Visitors also get to learn about local geology and wildlife during the Desert Discovery Festival.
The Harvey House Hotel
The Harvey House Hotel is one of the architectural gems of Barstow. It was built in 1911 and served as a luxurious stop for railroad travelers. The Harvey House is no longer a hotel. It hosts the Barstow Route 66 Museum, which demonstrates how the town has repurposed its historic sites for education and tourism.
Barstow’s Unique Geology
The Rainbow Basin Natural Area in Barstow showcases colorful rock layers, which gives insights into millions of years of Earth’s history. Fossils of prehistoric camels, mastodons, and three-toed horses from the Barstovian Age have been discovered here, proving that Barstow was once a lush and thriving habitat.
A Route 66 Road Trip Stop In Barstow
Barstow serves as a respite for the people traveling on Route 66 in the heat. The rustic architecture of the town transports the visitors to the Old West, while landmarks like the Harvey House echo a forgotten era. A meal at a roadside diner and a neon-lit drive complete the nostalgic journey.
Film And Pop Culture References To Barstow
Barstow has left its mark on pop culture. For example, the movie “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas” follows Hunter S. Thompson as his chaotic journey begins in this desert town. Pixar’s “Cars” also takes inspiration from all the nostalgia around Route 66. Even music, like “Barstow” by composer Harry Partch, captures the unique atmosphere of Barstow.
A Sunset Drive Through Barstow
As the sun sets behind rugged hills around Barstow, the town glows with a golden hue. The flickering neon signs at vintage diners start to light up Route 66. A warm desert breeze with dust and a scent of gasoline, along with the rumbling of freight trains in the distance, make the town feel timeless.
The Future Of Barstow
The future of Barstow looks promising with infrastructure projects, a growing logistics industry, and an influx of tourism. The BNSF Railway has announced plans for the Barstow International Gateway (BIG) project, a 4,500-acre railway facility designed to improve logistics and ease traffic bottlenecks near the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.
