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In this view facing North, across 66, the rugged foothills of the Grand Wash Cliffs form a dramatic backdrop. The Cliffs - which form part of the Colorado Plateau's edge - stretch away to the Northwest, clear to the Grand Canyon. The store, with its outbuildings & old house, was a typical roadside oasis serving travellers since the 1930's, until this stretch of 66 was left "high & dry" when the Interstate bypassed it in 1978. The tiny village of Hackberry - named for trees at the nearby Hackberry Mine (est. 1870s) is to the South (out of view), just beyond the Santa Fe's double tracks. Before Rt. 66 was constructed, traffic went right through the town, on the old National Trails Road. The store & adjacent property was purchased in 1993 by the Waldmire family of Illinois, & plans are to establish an "International-Bioregional Old Route 66 Visitor Center." |
