Early Days of Needles
The modern history of the geographical area known as the Mojave Valley began with the birth of Needles, California, the result of a railroad survey party's decision to ford the Colorado River with bridge and tracks at a point near where the present community is situated.
1980 Santa Fe Federal CalendarUntil that momentous date, the primary inhabitants of the region were American Indian tribes, most notably the proud Mojaves. Living along the banks of the river, these early Californians lived out their lives in the manner of their ancestors. There was little contact with the world of the white men, save a few friendly visits from explorers and an infrequent skirmish with small bands of trappers.
With the coming of the railroad, however, the area underwent a considerable metamorphosis. The completion of the railroad bridge in 1883 allowed throngs of adventurous easterners to travel the Santa Fe Railroad route from Albuquerque, New Mexico to booming Los Angeles via Needles.
Watching the big engines clatter across the bridge pulling their bright yellow rail cars and listening to their high-pitched steam whistles must have been a popular pastime for many a Needles boy. But no doubt their daydreams about catching a ride to the West Coast were punctuated with horse-back riding, fishing and playing in the city's hard-packed dirt streets.
Today Needles is a modern, growing city of 4,000 with an eye toward the future but a strong sense of pride in its rich heritage from the past.
June 1980 - Santa Fe Federal Savings & Loan -- Courtesy Needles Regional Musuem
Needles History
Historic Photos
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Original Colorado River bridge at Needles - 1883 - 1891
ATSF California Limited circa 1899 - W.H. Jackson photo