Chambers, Arizona – Small Town Route 66 – Legends of America
Nestled approximately seven miles west of Sanders, Arizona, lies the unassuming town of Chambers, a testament to the enduring spirit of the American West and the iconic Route 66. This small community, though often overlooked by hurried travelers, holds a rich history interwoven with the threads of railroad expansion, Native American trade, and the allure of the open road.
Origins and Early Development
Chambers owes its existence to the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad, which established a siding at this location in the late 19th century. The precise origin of the town’s name remains shrouded in a touch of uncertainty, with two plausible explanations vying for recognition. One account suggests that Chambers was named in honor of Edward Chambers, a prominent vice president of the railroad, acknowledging his contribution to the region’s development. Alternatively, local lore attributes the name to Charles Chambers, an early entrepreneur who established a trading post in the area, predating even the arrival of the railroad. Regardless of its true etymology, the name "Chambers" has become synonymous with this small but resilient community.
In the early days of the railroad, Chambers served as a vital hub for commerce and transportation. J.L. Hubbell, the visionary founder of the renowned Hubbell Trading Post in Ganado, strategically maintained a warehouse in Chambers. This warehouse facilitated the seamless flow of freight, enabling Hubbell to efficiently send and receive goods to and from his trading post, located some 50 miles to the north.
Growth and Transformation
The year 1907 marked a significant milestone in the development of Chambers, with the establishment of a post office. This institution not only provided essential communication services to the growing community but also solidified Chambers’ position as a recognized settlement. The following year, Wells Fargo, the iconic stagecoach and delivery company, established a stage station in Chambers, further enhancing its connectivity and accessibility.
As the early 20th century unfolded, Chambers experienced a period of growth and transformation. In 1913, the town became a crucial stop along the cross-regional road that would later be immortalized as the National Old Trails Highway, and subsequently, Route 66. The allure of the open road drew travelers and settlers alike, transforming Chambers into a vibrant meeting place for homesteaders who flocked to the surrounding area in search of new opportunities. By 1916, the community had established a public school, reflecting its commitment to education and the well-being of its growing population.
During the 1920s, Chambers emerged as a significant railroad shipping point for feeder stock, playing a vital role in the regional agricultural economy. Cattle and sheep from Hubbell’s trading post and other establishments to the north, as well as from local ranchers and homesteaders, were transported through Chambers, connecting the region’s agricultural producers to wider markets.
A Name Change and a Helium Boom
In 1926, Chambers underwent a temporary name change, becoming known as Halloysite. This alteration was prompted by the presence of a nearby clay mine that extracted halloysite, a mineral similar to kaolinite, widely used in the production of porcelain china. However, the name change proved to be short-lived, and on June 1, 1930, the town officially reverted to its original name, Chambers.
From 1960 to 1976, Chambers experienced an unexpected economic boom as wells were drilled to extract helium from beneath the surface. This venture brought temporary prosperity to the town, but ultimately proved to be unsustainable in the long term.
Trading Posts: A Legacy of Commerce
Throughout its history, Chambers has been home to a succession of trading posts, reflecting its pivotal role as a central meeting place and commercial hub. These trading posts initially served as sidelines for ranchers, providing essential goods and services to the local community. As tourism along Route 66 gained momentum, the trading posts evolved to cater to the needs of travelers, offering Indian souvenirs and other mementos of the Southwest.
Location and Accessibility
Today, Chambers remains an unincorporated community, strategically located at the junction of Interstate 40 and U.S. Route 191. This location makes it easily accessible to travelers exploring the region’s natural wonders and historical landmarks.
A Side Trip to Hubbell Trading Post
For those seeking a deeper understanding of the region’s rich trading post heritage, a side trip to the Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site is highly recommended. Situated approximately 47 miles north of Chambers, via US 191, the Hubbell Trading Post stands as a living testament to the enduring legacy of Native American trade in the Southwest. Established in 1878, this historic site is one of the oldest continuously operating trading posts in the region, offering a glimpse into the past while continuing to provide a platform for local Native American artisans and craftspeople to showcase their talents.
Wide Ruins: A Lost Pueblo
En route to Hubbell Trading Post, travelers will pass by Wide Ruins, located about 17 miles north of Chambers. This site was once home to an impressive Chacoan-style pueblo ruin known as Kin Tiel. Tragically, in the late 19th century, the walls of Kin Tiel, some of which stood 12 feet tall, were dismantled to provide building stones for the construction of a trading post.
Archaeological excavations conducted in 1929 revealed that Kin Tiel featured outer walls and terraced dwellings overlooking open courts. Based on the beams found in the kiva roofs, archaeologists estimated that these rooms were built between 1264 and 1285 A.D., indicating occupation during the Pueblo III and early Pueblo IV periods. Regrettably, the trading post that replaced the pueblo was eventually torn down in the 1980s, leaving no trace of this once magnificent ancestral site.
Continuing the Journey
As travelers continue their journey along Route 66, just seven miles east of Chambers lies the community of Navajo, accessible via Exit 325. Each stop along this historic highway offers a unique glimpse into the past, inviting exploration and discovery.
Chambers, Arizona, may be a small town, but its history is rich and its location is strategic. It serves as a reminder of the bygone era of railroad expansion, Native American trade, and the allure of Route 66. As you travel through this region, take a moment to appreciate the stories and legends that have shaped this unique corner of the American West.