Barstow in San Bernardino County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

History of MCLB Barstow & U.S. Route 66

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, September 29, 2025

1. History of MCLB Barstow & U.S. Route 66 Marker

Inscription. Chronicled in the National Register of Historic Places, U.S. Highway 66 or “Route 66” is arguably the oldest, most popular highway in America. Also known as “The Mother Road” and “America's Main Street”, its 2,448 miles first connected Chicago to Los Angeles. It has become a symbol of America's freedom and a tribute to our spirit of adventure and industry.

At the onset of World War II, the Marine Corps Logistics Base in San Francisco was ordered to relocate to Barstow, CA out of range of Japanese naval gunfire. Construction of MCLB Barstow on Route 66 was initiated in 1942 and would provide critical support to transporting troops, equipment and supplies during the single greatest wartime mobilization in the history of our nation. This 1.71 mile long segment of the original Route 66 running through MCLB Barstow was open to the public until construction of Interstate 40 in 1964.

MCLB Barstow takes pride in the fact that it is the only military installation with an original segment of the U.S. Route 66 transiting directly through it. We acknowledge with honor, the achievements of all who sacrificed for the freedom and

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prosperity of the United States of America.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Military • Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the U.S. Route 66 series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1942.

Location. 34° 52.702′ N, 116° 57.906′ W. Marker is in Barstow, California, in San Bernardino County. It is on East Main Street east of Interstate 40, on the left when traveling east. Marker is at the west entrance to Marine Corps Logistic Base-Barstow. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2980 E Main St, Barstow CA 92311, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Greater Los Angeles,

in the Mojave Desert,

in the Peninsular Ranges,

and specifically in the Transverse Ranges.

It is also in the American Southwest.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, September 29, 2025

2. History of MCLB Barstow & U.S. Route 66 Marker

4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Log Cabin (approx. 3.4 miles away); Mojave Riverbed Trail (approx. 3.4 miles away); The Old Spanish Trail (approx. 3.4 miles away); The Beacon Hotel (approx. 3.4 miles away); Marine Corps Logistic Base (approx. 3.4 miles away); Barstow Route 66 (approx. 3.4 miles away); Prohibition & Bootlegging in the High Desert (approx. 3½ miles away); New Rebuilt City (approx. 3½ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Barstow.

Also see . . . The Marine Corps owns part of Route 66, so it made a special Eagle, Globe and Anchor for it. There’s a Marine Corps logistics base in California’s high desert outside Barstow where the service’s Eagle, Globe and Anchor looks unlike those in any other clime or place. (Chad Garland, Stars and Stripes, Dec. 8, 2021) (Submitted on November 14, 2025, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

Credits. This page was last revised on November 14, 2025. It was originally submitted on November 14, 2025, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 107 times since then and 42 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 14, 2025, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.