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World video travel guide
News • United States • 2012-04-12
Route 66 Gas Station in the Hualapai Tribe’s Capital, Peach Springs, Listed on the National Register of Historic Places
The John Osterman Gas Station on Historic Route 66 in Peach Springs, AZ – the capital of the Hualapai Nation - has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places according to the National Park Service. The Hualapai tribe worked to nominate the building, which is located near the Hualapai Cultural Center and the Hualapai Lodge on the longest remaining stretch of the historic “Mother Road.” The Hualapai Lodge serves as the starting point of the Hualapai River Runners, offering the only one-day Grand Canyon whitewater rafting trip. Tourism – including Grand Canyon West, Hualapai Ranch and Grand Canyon Skywalk – is the Hualapai Tribe’s primary source of income for economic development.
Built by a Swedish immigrant in 1929, this station served gas continuously on Route 66 in Peach Springs until its recent closure. The Hualapai Tribe plans to rehabilitate the building and reestablish fuel service, making it one of few historic Route 66 stations to still supply fuel to travelers and residents. Plans also include using the large garage as a workshop and retail venue for Hualapai artisans.
Historically, Peach Springs has had economic ups and downs but has always been a hub connecting the eastern United States to the west. In 1883, when the Santa Fe Railway came through the reservation, a small settlement was created and named after a small spring near the tracks. Peach Springs was primarily a resupply hub for the railroad workers, but by the 1930’s the railroad technology had advanced and the town was no longer a necessary stop while on the way to California or Nevada. As a result, the small remote town’s economy was devastated. Railroad facilities and supporting businesses shut down and tourism ceased. As the automobile became more popular, especially after World War II, tourism and commerce returned to Peach Springs. Being located on Route 66, then a major east-west artery for the rapidly growing Los Angeles area, the town blossomed once again. However, with the completion of Interstate 40 in 1979, which bypasses Peach Springs by 25 miles, another economic slump had set in. Prior to the Interstate 40 opening, Peach Springs had five gas stations, five hotels, restaurants and trading posts. Currently the small desert town does not have a gas station and the closest place to get gas is dozens of miles away.
