Cajon Pass & San Bernardino – Gateway to Southern California

San Bernardino, California

<< Previous 1 2 Next >>

The early days of San Bernardino, California,

By 1910, the population of San Bernardino had doubled to more than 12,000 residents.

Having been chosen as the headquarters as the headquarters for the Santa Fe Railroad's Pacific Coast Locomotive Works, a grand new depot was completed In 1918. Designed in the Mission Revival style, the magnificent structure served as both a passenger transportation center as well as the railroad's administrative offices. The oppulent structure, complete with polished tile walls and floors, also included dining areas, a telegraph office and a Western Union office.

Just a few years later, the depot was expanded to make room for a Harvey House Restaurant, which opened in 1921. Neatly dressed in starched black uniforms with crisp white bibbed aprons and starched white caps, the Harvey Girls began to serve hot meals, bakery goods and strong coffee to travelers and locals alike.

In 1926, Route 66 was completed through San Bernardino and the town quickly responded with motels, gas stations and other services for the many travelers, several of which can still be seen today.

Unfortunately, due to the many new automobile travelers, rail travel began to decline and by the 1950's the Harvey House Restaurant was closed. Before long, the historic depot began to fall into disrepair. However, in the mid-1990's, the San Bernardino Associated Governments and the City of San Bernardino began to work together to bring the depot back to life. Today, it has been fully restored and serves the Metrolink, a commuter rail service, Amtrak, and the offices of the San Bernardino Associated Governments.

As San Bernardino continued to grow into the large metropolitan city that it is today, many other treasures from the past were also preserved. There were two alignments of the Mother Road through San Bernardino, the latter one now called Business 66. Here you can see the first McDonalds Restaurant, which now houses the McDonalds Route 66 Museum at 14^th and E Streets. Also along this route is the California Theatre of Performing Arts, a landmark since 1928, and the place of Will Rogers’s last performance. The theatre now displays a mural of Mr. Rogers.

Along the older alignment, several motels and cafes can be found tucked between the newer buildings, one of which is the Mitla Café at 602 N. Mt. Vernon Avenue. Established in 1937, this historic restaurant is a family owned business that’s been serving up great Mexican cuisine since the early days of Route 66.

While in the San Bernardino area, you will surely notice the well-known natural landmark of the Arrowhead that sits high on the mountainside. Clearly visible long before white settlers came to the area; the phenomenon was created by the natural uplifting of the soil and can be seen from as far away as 30 miles on a clear day. Many legends surround the Arrowhead, but the most popular is an Indian story that the Great Spirit created the arrow to guide them to where they were to live. The Arrowhead, measuring 1,360 feet long and 450 feet wide was once believed to be man-made, so perfect are its proportions.

Beyond San Bernardino, Route 66 fades into the suburbs of Rialto, Rancho Cucamonga, Upland, and several others before reaching the city of Pasadena, where you will know you have reached the Los Angeles sprawl.

Free eNewsletter

Our eNewsletter features articles on the Old West, travel destinations, ghostly legends, and subscriber only specials from our Rocky Mountain General Store. Sent directly to your inbox, grab a cup of coffee and travel the historic paths of the American West. Sign up today!

Book Your San Bernadino Lodging HERE!

California Historic Route 66 Association Museum

The California Historic Route 66 Association Museum is located at 1398 North "E" Street. Photo courtesy

County of San Bernardino

<< Previous 1 2 Next >>

To the Urban Sprawl

Return to Route 66

To Victorville

From the Rocky Mountain General Store

66 Basics - You can travel Route 66 with just these basics, you will know where to go, where to grab a bite to eat, and where to sleep as you travel the historic Mother Road. The EZ66 Guide For Travelers provides maps in addition to tons of information on Route 66 icons and "must sees." The Route 66 Dining & Lodging Guide will give you those places that you "need" to stop to fortify yourself for the journey. Retailing for $32.90, you can save on not only retail costs but also on shipping. Ships Priority mail.