Barstow in San Bernardino County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Old National Trails Hwy
Photographed by Craig Baker, December 21, 2024
1. Old National Trails Hwy Marker
When families headed west to California in the early 1920's, they came on the old National Trails Highway through Barstow. "Dusty Rusty" the large rabbit can be seen in each Main Street Mural on Main Street. This was the first mural by the Main Street Murals group and was painted in the 1990's. This mural was completely refurbished in 2017-2018.
original marker text:
In the early 1920s, an emigration to California started from the Midwest. Families packed up and headed West on National Old Trails Hwy., and proceeded right along Barstows Main street. The depression and dust storms of the 1930s sent families to California seeking work. Some ended their journey in Barstow and made it their home. In 1926 the road traveled became Route 66, the Mother Road.
Erected 1998 by Barstow's Main Street Mural Project.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the U.S. Route 66 series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1926.
Location. 34° 53.933′ N, 117° 1.298′ W. Marker is in Barstow, California, in San Bernardino County. It is on East Main Street (Business Interstate 15), on the right when traveling east. Touch for map.
this page online
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 Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: New Rebuilt City (within shouting distance of this marker); Prohibition & Bootlegging in the High Desert (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Harvey House (about 400 feet away); Barstow Route 66 (about 400 feet away); Marine Corps Logistic Base (about 500 feet away); The Beacon Hotel (about 500 feet away); Waterman Junction Becomes Barstow (about 500 feet away); Christiansen Memorial Plaza (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Barstow.
More about this marker. Barstows Main Street murals are intended to illustrate Barstows past and enhance its future. The murals line historic Route 66, the Mother Road. The murals depict aspects of the history of Barstow and the surrounding area. New murals were added annually.
Also see . . . Main Street Murals. (Submitted on December 15, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.)
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, October 16, 2011
2. Original Marker - 2011
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, October 16, 2011
3. Old National Trails Hwy Mural
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, October 16, 2011
4. Old National Trails Hwy Mural
Photographed by Craig Baker, December 21, 2024
5. Old National Trails Hwy Mural
Photographed by Craig Baker, December 21, 2024
6. Adjacent Mural
Old Town Barstow (1915) & New Rebuilt City (1925)
Credits. This page was last revised on December 22, 2024. It was originally submitted on December 15, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 2,618 times since then and 56 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on December 21, 2024, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 2, 3, 4. submitted on December 15, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. 5, 6. submitted on December 21, 2024, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
