Barstow – Crossroads Of Opportunity
Nestled in the vast expanse of the Mojave Desert in California, the city of Barstow stands as a testament to the transformative power of transportation and the enduring spirit of the American West. Founded in 1886, its history is inextricably linked to the arrival of the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad, a lifeline that spurred its initial growth and continues to shape its identity as a crucial crossroads. Even before the railroad’s arrival, the area surrounding Barstow was gaining recognition as a mining hub, thanks to the discovery of silver in the nearby Calico Mountains in 1882, roughly six miles to the north.
The genesis of Barstow is rooted in the ambitious expansion of the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad. Recognizing the strategic importance of the location along the Mojave River, the railroad established a depot and named the emerging settlement in honor of William Barstow Strong, then-president of the railway. The presence of the railroad transformed the nascent community into a bustling center for commerce and transportation, connecting the region to the wider world and facilitating the movement of goods and people.
The discovery of silver in the Calico Mountains provided an initial economic boom, attracting prospectors and entrepreneurs eager to capitalize on the rich mineral deposits. Mining camps such as Calico and Daggett sprang up in the vicinity, contributing to the overall prosperity of the region. While the silver mines eventually dwindled, leading to the decline of these satellite towns, Barstow persevered, buoyed by its strategic location as a major rail hub.
One of the defining features of Barstow’s early development was the presence of a Harvey House, a vital component of the Fred Harvey Company’s chain of restaurants and hotels that catered to railway travelers. Established around 1885, the Harvey House provided weary passengers with a respite from their journeys, offering comfortable accommodations, gourmet meals, and impeccable service. Rail travel in the late 19th and early 20th centuries was a glamorous affair, and the Harvey House played a crucial role in enhancing the experience, solidifying Barstow’s reputation as a welcoming oasis in the desert.
The original Harvey House in Barstow fell victim to a devastating fire on September 20, 1908, leaving a void in the community’s social and economic fabric. However, the Fred Harvey Company recognized the enduring importance of Barstow as a transportation hub and promptly set about rebuilding. In 1911, the Casa Del Desierto, a grand and opulent Harvey House, opened its doors, ushering in a new era of hospitality and refinement. The Casa Del Desierto quickly became a landmark, renowned for its exquisite cuisine, luxurious rooms, and the legendary Harvey Girls, who were celebrated for their friendliness and impeccable service.
The Casa Del Desierto served as a focal point for both travelers and locals, hosting lavish dances, social gatherings, and community events. The Harvey House also became a community center. At one time, Barstow’s Main Street directly faced the train station and the Harvey Hotel. However, the Santa Fe Railroad purchased the street in the 1920s, relocating it to its current location. The grand opening of the "new" Main Street was celebrated on July 4, 1925.
As the automobile gained prominence as a mode of transportation, Barstow found itself at the crossroads of a new era. Route 66, the "Mother Road," traversed the heart of Barstow, bringing a steady stream of motorists seeking adventure and a taste of the American West. The Casa Del Desierto continued to serve as a popular stopping point for travelers along Route 66, offering a glimpse into the bygone era of rail travel and a welcome respite from the long and dusty road.
However, the rise of automobile travel and the advent of onboard dining on trains gradually diminished the importance of the Harvey Houses. The Casa Del Desierto eventually fell into disuse, serving as a machine shop, a cafeteria, and a small Amtrak ticket office before being abandoned altogether. The once-grand hotel stood as a silent reminder of a bygone era, its opulent rooms and bustling hallways fading into memory.
In the late 1980s, the Santa Fe Railway made plans to demolish the historic Harvey House, sparking an outcry from local citizens and preservationists. Recognizing the historical and cultural significance of the building, the City of Barstow intervened, saving the Casa Del Desierto from destruction. Restoration efforts began, albeit after a portion of the building had already been removed. In 1999, the Casa Del Desierto was rededicated, reborn as a cultural center housing several arts groups, the Mother Road Route 66 Museum, and the Western America Railroad Museum.
Today, as travelers journey through Barstow along Route 66, they can still catch a glimpse of the city’s rich history and enduring spirit. The Barstow Station, located on East Main Street, offers a unique experience, featuring gift shops and a McDonald’s restaurant housed in vintage railroad passenger cars, complete with a collection of historic photographs. The historic El Rancho Motel, once a popular lodging for travelers including, purportedly, Marilyn Monroe, stood at 100 E. Main Street. Unfortunately, it burned down in July 2022.
The Route 66 Motel, located at 195 West Main, beckons with its vintage charm. A visit to the Fred Harvey Casa Del Desierto, now home to the Route 66 Museum, is a must for history buffs and Route 66 enthusiasts. Located just north of Route 66 (Main Street) at 681 North First Avenue, the museum can be accessed via an old iron bridge that leads to the railroad depot and the historic Harvey House site.
Barstow‘s strategic location at the intersection of Interstate Highways 15 and 40 continues to make it a vital transportation hub, connecting Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Flagstaff. As California’s "Crossroads of Opportunity," Barstow stands as a testament to the enduring power of transportation, the resilience of the American West, and the importance of preserving our history for future generations.