Amboy, California: A Ghost Town on Route 66

Amboy is a ghost town in San Bernardino County, California, United States. It is located on the old Route 66, halfway between Barstow and Needles. The town was founded in 1858 as a mining camp, and was named in 1883 when the first railway tracks were being built through this part of California. Amboy had a population of 200 people in the 1930s and 1940s, and was a popular stop for travelers on Route 66. The town had 13 businesses, including three service stations, two cafes, three motor courts, four garages, a post office, a church, and a school.

History

Amboy was founded in 1858 by a group of prospectors who were looking for gold in the Mojave Desert. The town was originally called “Amboy Wells” after the nearby Amboy Springs. The town grew slowly in the early years, and by 1883 it had a population of about 50 people. In 1883, the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad built a line through Amboy, and the town became a stop on the railroad. This helped to increase the town’s population and economy.

In the early 1900s, Amboy was a popular stop for travelers on the Lincoln Highway, which was one of the first transcontinental highways in the United States. The town had several hotels, restaurants, and shops that catered to travelers. Amboy also had a small airport, which was used by private pilots and by the military during World War II.

Amboy’s fortunes declined after the construction of Interstate 40 in the 1960s. The interstate bypassed Amboy, and the town’s businesses began to close. The town’s population dwindled, and by the 1990s, there were only a few people living in Amboy.

Present day

Today, Amboy is a ghost town. The town’s buildings are abandoned, and the streets are empty. However, Amboy is still a popular destination for tourists who are interested in Route 66 history. The town is also a popular spot for photographers and filmmakers.

Roy’s Motel and Café

One of the most iconic buildings in Amboy is Roy’s Motel and Café. The motel was built in 1938 by Roy Crowl, and it quickly became a popular stop for travelers on Route 66. The motel had 16 rooms, and it also had a café, a gas station, and a garage. The café was known for its delicious food, and it was a popular place for travelers to stop for a meal.

Roy’s Motel and Café continued to operate until the 1990s, when it closed down. The motel has been abandoned ever since, but it is still a popular tourist destination. Visitors can explore the abandoned motel and café, and they can also learn about the history of Route 66.

The Amboy Crater

The Amboy Crater is a volcanic cinder cone that is located about 2 miles south of Amboy. The crater was formed about 12,000 years ago, and it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Amboy. Visitors can hike to the top of the crater, and they can also explore the crater’s interior.

The Amboy Crater is a unique and interesting place to visit. The crater is a reminder of the geological history of the Mojave Desert, and it is also a popular spot for photographers and filmmakers.

Conclusion

Amboy is a unique and interesting place to visit. The town is a reminder of the history of Route 66, and it is also a popular spot for photographers and filmmakers. If you are interested in history, photography, or film, then Amboy is a place that you should definitely visit.