Valentine, Arizona – A Broken Heart in the Mohave
Valentine, Arizona, a name that evokes images of romance and affection, stands as a poignant reminder of a bygone era along the historic Route 66. Nestled in the vast expanse of Mohave County, approximately 9.5 miles southwest of Truxton, this unincorporated community is more than just a ghost town; it’s a living testament to the ebb and flow of American history, the complex relationship between cultures, and the enduring spirit of the open road.
From Railroad Siding to Native American Education Hub
The story of Valentine begins in 1883 with the arrival of the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad. A simple siding, initially named Truxton, marked the spot where the iron horse would pause on its journey through the arid landscape. It wasn’t until 1898 that the seeds of a community were sown, when 660 acres were designated for Native American use.
The turn of the century brought a significant development: the establishment of the Truxton Canyon Training School in 1901. This two-story institution was envisioned as a dual-purpose facility, serving as a day school for the local Hualapai Indians and a boarding school for children from a diverse array of tribes, including the Apache, Havasupai, Hopi, Mojave, Navajo, and Papago.
The school’s opening in 1903 coincided with a period of intense focus on Native American assimilation. Education was seen as a tool to integrate indigenous peoples into mainstream American culture. The Truxton Canyon Training School, like many others of its kind, adopted an "industrial training" model. Students would spend a portion of their day in traditional academic classes, but the remaining hours were dedicated to vocational training. Boys learned trades such as carpentry and farming, while girls were instructed in domestic skills like sewing and cooking.
A Name Change and the Allure of Route 66
In 1910, the community underwent a significant change when both the town and its post office were renamed Valentine, in honor of Robert G. Valentine, who served as the Commissioner of Indian Affairs from 1909 to 1912. This name change coincided with the rise of the National Old Trails Highway, which snaked its way through Valentine in the 1910s, bringing a steady stream of travelers and commerce. This vital artery would later become the iconic Route 66 in 1926, forever linking Valentine to the romance and adventure of the open road.
The 1920s saw further developments in Valentine’s educational landscape. In 1924, a separate school, affectionately known as "The Red Schoolhouse," was constructed for the white children in the area, located southeast of the Indian school. That same year, the Truxton Canyon Training School underwent an expansion, with Hualapai students contributing to the construction by manufacturing bricks on-site.
Decline and Tragedy
At its peak, the Truxton Canyon Training School was a self-contained community, boasting a dozen buildings amidst an agricultural landscape. However, its fortunes began to wane in 1937, shortly after a Hualapai day school opened in nearby Peach Springs. The Truxton Training School closed its doors, and many of its buildings were demolished. Today, only the two-story brick schoolhouse remains, a silent witness to the past. Over its 36 years of operation, the school educated approximately 750 students, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of countless individuals.
The Red Schoolhouse continued to serve the local community until 1969. For many years, Valentine thrived as a stopover for travelers on Route 66. Before Interstate 40 bypassed the town in 1978, Valentine was home to several hundred residents. Both locals and tourists frequented Bert’s Country Dancing Bar, a lively establishment where patrons could enjoy two-stepping and a cold beer.
However, tragedy struck Valentine on August 15, 1990, shattering the town’s sense of peace and security. Jacqueline Ann Grigg, a 44-year-old postal worker, was murdered during a robbery at the Valentine post office. The crime sent shockwaves through the small community, and in the aftermath, Jacqueline’s husband bulldozed the building and left the area. The Valentine postmark, once a sought-after souvenir for those seeking a touch of romance, was retired to the Kingman post office, where it can still be obtained today.
Valentine Today: A Glimmer of the Past
Today, Valentine is a mere shadow of its former self, with a population of approximately 36 residents. Yet, despite its diminished size, the town retains a certain charm, a sense of history that lingers in the air. Remnants of Valentine’s heyday can still be seen in the form of abandoned service stations and motels, offering a glimpse into a time when Route 66 was the lifeblood of the American West.
For those traveling along Route 66, a detour to Valentine is a worthwhile experience. It’s a chance to step back in time, to reflect on the stories of the people who once called this place home, and to appreciate the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
From Valentine, travelers can continue their journey westward for about five miles to the old mining town of Hackberry, another fascinating stop along the Mother Road. Valentine may be a "broken heart" in the Mohave, but it’s a heart that still beats with the echoes of the past, waiting to be discovered by those who seek a deeper connection to American history.