Winslow, Arizona – Frozen In Time
Winslow, Arizona, a city etched into the American consciousness by the iconic lyrics of the Eagles’ "Take It Easy," stands as a testament to the enduring allure of Route 66 and the spirit of the American Southwest. Located in Navajo County, this city offers a unique blend of historical significance, architectural beauty, and cultural experiences that transport visitors to a bygone era. More than just a roadside stop, Winslow is a vibrant community that has weathered the storms of economic change and emerged with a renewed sense of purpose, preserving its heritage while embracing the future.
The story of Winslow, Arizona, begins with the iron horse. In 1880, the Santa Fe Railway established a division point two miles west of the Little Colorado River, transforming the landscape and setting the stage for the town’s development. A year later, it became a regular railroad terminal, solidifying its importance in the region’s transportation network. Legend has it that a settler known as "Doc" F.C. Demerest was the first to establish a business, operating out of a tent. Soon after, J.H. Breed constructed the first stone building, marking the beginning of a more permanent settlement. The establishment of a post office on January 10, 1882, officially recognized the nascent town, which was named in honor of General Edward F. Winslow, then president of the railroad.
The late 19th century saw the rise of influential figures who shaped the cultural and economic landscape of the Southwest. Among them was John Lorenzo Hubbell, a visionary trader who established a network of Navajo trading posts throughout Arizona and New Mexico. These posts were not merely commercial ventures but served as vital links between the white settlers and the Navajo people, fostering understanding and facilitating trade. Hubbell’s empire extended beyond trading posts to include freight and mail lines, curio shops in California, and agricultural enterprises in New Mexico. In Winslow, Arizona, the building that once housed the Hubbell Wholesale Store, operating from 1924 to 1948, still stands as a reminder of Hubbell’s significant contribution to the region.
The year 1930 marked a turning point in the history of Winslow, Arizona, with the opening of the La Posada Harvey House Hotel on May 15. This grand hotel, the last of the renowned Harvey House chain, was strategically located in Winslow due to its status as the headquarters of the Santa Fe Railway. The railroad anticipated that Winslow would rival Santa Fe, New Mexico, in importance and prosperity. Designed by Mary Colter, the celebrated architect of the Grand Canyon, La Posada was a masterpiece that seamlessly blended Native American and Spanish cultural elements. The hotel’s architecture, decor, and ambiance reflected the rich heritage of the region, creating a unique and immersive experience for its guests.
Despite opening shortly after the Stock Market crash of 1929, La Posada persevered, becoming a haven for railroad passengers and travelers along the burgeoning Route 66. As the nation recovered from the Great Depression, Winslow, Arizona, experienced a surge in growth, with numerous businesses catering to both Dust Bowl migrants and leisure travelers after World War II. The city flourished as a vibrant hub of commerce and tourism, drawing visitors from across the country and beyond.
However, the winds of change began to blow in the late 1950s. The decline of railroad travel led to the closure of the magnificent La Posada Hotel in 1957. Two years later, its exquisite furnishings were auctioned off, marking the end of an era. In the early 1960s, much of the building was gutted and transformed into offices for the Santa Fe Railroad. The demise of La Posada was not an isolated incident; it was a symptom of the broader economic challenges facing Winslow, Arizona. Until the 1960s, the city had been the largest in northern Arizona, but as Interstate 40 bypassed the town in the 1970s, tourism dwindled, and businesses began to shutter their doors.
Amidst the economic downturn, a glimmer of hope emerged in 1972 with the release of the Eagles’ hit single, "Take it Easy." The iconic verse, "standing on a corner in Winslow, Arizona," catapulted the town into the national spotlight, capturing the imagination of a generation. While the song brought attention to Winslow, the downtown area remained largely unchanged, a testament to its "frozen in time" quality.
The 1990s brought a renewed sense of urgency to the preservation of Winslow, Arizona’s heritage. When the railroad announced plans to relocate its operations and the La Posada Hotel faced demolition, the community rallied together to save its historic landmarks. The first priority was to rescue the La Posada, a feat that was successfully accomplished. The second was the revitalization of Winslow’s historic downtown district, an ongoing effort that continues to this day.
Today, the La Posada Hotel has been meticulously restored to its former glory, serving as an oasis in the desert for a new generation of Route 66 travelers. The Old Trails Museum offers a glimpse into the history of Winslow and northern Arizona through its collection of artifacts and memorabilia. And, of course, no visit to Winslow is complete without a stop at the "Standin’ on the Corner" Park, a tribute to the Eagles’ song and a popular photo opportunity for tourists. As of December 2024, you can even catch a live view of the park via Winslow’s Live YouTube stream.
Beyond its historical landmarks and pop-culture references, Winslow, Arizona, offers a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities. Clear Creek Reservoir, located just five miles southeast of the city, is a popular spot for fishing and water sports. The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, approximately 30 miles south of Winslow, provides additional opportunities for water sports and camping. The vast Navajo Reservation, north of Winslow, is home to numerous prehistoric ruins and cliff dwellings, while the Hopi Reservation boasts ancient pueblo villages. The Homolovi Ruins State Park, located just five miles northeast of Winslow, offers a glimpse into the region’s rich Native American history.
Winslow, Arizona, with a population of approximately 9,425, is more than just a roadside attraction; it is a living testament to the enduring spirit of the American West. Its historical landmarks, cultural attractions, and natural beauty make it a worthwhile destination for travelers seeking an authentic and memorable experience. By preserving its heritage and embracing the future, Winslow continues to captivate visitors with its unique charm and timeless appeal. The city’s journey, marked by periods of prosperity and decline, underscores the importance of community, resilience, and a commitment to preserving the past for future generations. Standing on that corner in Winslow, Arizona, one can feel the echoes of history and the promise of a vibrant future, all set against the backdrop of the vast and beautiful Arizona landscape.