Truxton, Arizona – A New Ghost Town – Legends of America
Along the sun-baked stretches of Arizona’s portion of Route 66, where the asphalt ribbon unfurls through the desert landscape, lies a place that whispers tales of a bygone era. This is Truxton, Arizona, a community that once pulsed with the vibrant energy of the Mother Road but now carries the quiet echoes of a near-ghost town. Nestled in the west-central reaches of Mohave County, Truxton serves as a poignant reminder of the transformative power of progress and the enduring allure of a road that defined a generation.
A Land Steeped in History
The story of Truxton begins long before the rumble of engines and the allure of roadside attractions. For centuries, this land was the ancestral home of the Hualapai Tribe, also known as the "Wall-ah-pie." Their deep connection to the landscape predates the arrival of Spanish explorers and the eventual incorporation of the region into the United States following the Mexican-American War.
In the mid-19th century, the U.S. government initiated expeditions to survey the vast, uncharted territories of the Southwest. Captain Lorenzo Sitgreaves traversed through New Mexico and Arizona in 1851, charting the course of the Zuni and Colorado Rivers. Just a few years later, in 1857, Edward Beale embarked on a monumental task: carving a wagon road from Fort Defiance, Arizona, to the Colorado River, which marked the border between Arizona and California. It was Beale who christened the springs in the area "Truxtun," a tribute to his son. This road quickly became a vital artery, channeling a steady flow of travelers and commerce through the region.
The Iron Horse and the Mother Road
The late 19th century witnessed the relentless march of the railroad, forever altering the landscape of the American West. In 1866, the U.S. government granted the Atlantic & Pacific Railroad, later known as the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad, the right-of-way to construct a transcontinental railroad. By 1883, the steel rails had snaked their way through northern Arizona, and a small railroad siding was established in the area, bearing the name Truxton.
As the age of the automobile dawned, a new kind of road began to take shape. In the 1910s, the National Old Trails Highway was built, stretching westward from California and passing through the area that would become Truxton. This highway, with its promise of adventure and opportunity, was later incorporated into the iconic Route 66 in 1926.
The Rise and Fall of a Route 66 Town
Despite its early connections to transportation routes, the town of Truxton didn’t truly emerge until the mid-20th century. In 1951, two entrepreneurs, Clyde McCune and Donald Dilts, recognized the potential for growth when they learned of plans to build a dam on the Colorado River at nearby Bridge Canyon. Anticipating a surge in traffic to the area, they constructed a service station and garage near the head of Crozier Canyon, about 8.5 miles southwest of Peach Springs. Soon after, they added a cafe, creating a haven for weary travelers.
While the anticipated dam never materialized, the business thrived due to the burgeoning Route 66 traffic. The town adopted the name Truxton, a nod to the nearby railroad siding. As the Mother Road’s popularity soared, other businesses flocked to the area, including service stations, motels, restaurants, and garages. One of these establishments was the Frontier Motel and Cafe, built by Alice Wright in the 1950s. Remarkably, both the Frontier Motel and Cafe continue to operate today, serving as living testaments to Truxton’s enduring spirit.
For decades, Truxton basked in the glow of Route 66’s golden age. The town bustled with activity as families embarked on cross-country adventures, salesmen traversed the highways, and dreamers sought their fortunes in the West. Truxton provided a welcome respite, offering gas, food, lodging, and a friendly face to those who traveled the Mother Road.
However, Truxton’s prosperity was not destined to last forever. In September 1978, Interstate 40 opened, bypassing the town and diverting the lifeblood of Route 66. The impact was swift and devastating. Businesses closed their doors, and residents moved away in search of opportunities elsewhere. Truxton’s decline was a stark reminder of the price of progress and the vulnerability of communities that depended on the Mother Road.
Truxton Today: A Glimpse of the Past
Today, Truxton is not a true ghost town, as it is still home to approximately 100 residents. However, it bears the indelible marks of its decline. While a few businesses remain open, including the Frontier Motel and Cafe, a bar, the old Cowgills Market (now known as "Gas & Grub"), and a garage/service station, an equal number of establishments stand abandoned, their weathered facades and boarded-up windows serving as poignant reminders of a bygone era.
Driving through Truxton is like stepping back in time. The remnants of old motels, gas stations, and cafes line the roadside, their faded signs and peeling paint evoking a sense of nostalgia and melancholy. The town’s quiet streets and sparse population create an atmosphere of solitude, allowing visitors to imagine what life was like during Truxton’s heyday.
The Frontier Motel, with its iconic neon sign, stands as a symbol of Truxton’s resilience. After decades of operation, the sign began to show its age, but thanks to the Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program and the Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona, it was rescued and restored to its former glory. The sign now shines brightly, a beacon of hope for future generations of Route 66 travelers.
As travelers continue southwest on Route 66, they will encounter the ghost town of Valentine, located just 9.5 miles away. Valentine, like Truxton, is a testament to the transformative power of the Interstate system and the enduring allure of the Mother Road.
Truxton, Arizona, is more than just a near-ghost town. It is a living museum, a place where the past and present collide. It is a reminder of the dreams and aspirations of those who traveled Route 66, and a testament to the resilience of communities that have faced adversity. As you drive through Truxton, take a moment to reflect on the history that surrounds you, and to appreciate the enduring spirit of this small town on the Mother Road.