Amboy, California

Amboy, California, is a small, unincorporated community in the Mojave Desert. Its history is richly intertwined with the development of transportation and industry in the American West.

Early History and Establishment

Founded in 1858:

Amboy was established as a railroad stop by the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad (later absorbed into the Santa Fe Railway).

Named after a town in New Jersey:

The origin of its name is from a town in New Jersey, possibly chosen by the railroad's eastern investors.

Growth and Development

Route 66 Era:

Amboy's significance grew with the establishment of Route 66, the famous highway that facilitated westward migration and tourism.

Roy's Motel and Cafe:

Opened in the 1930s, it became a quintessential stop for travelers on Route 66, offering gas, food, and lodging. The iconic Roy's sign is a symbol of the Route 66 era.

Decline and Changes

Interstate 40:

The construction of Interstate 40 in the 1970s bypassed Amboy, leading to a decline in traffic and business.

Population Decline:

Once a bustling community, Amboy saw its population dwindle as businesses closed and residents moved away.

Preservation and Current Status

Purchased by Albert Okura:

In 2005, Albert Okura, owner of the Juan Pollo restaurant chain, purchased the town. His intention was to preserve its historic Route 66 legacy. Cultural Landmark: Amboy has become a destination for enthusiasts of Route 66 and historic preservation, though it remains largely uninhabited.

Geological and Natural Features

Amboy Crater:

Nearby, the Amboy Crater, a 6,000-year-old volcanic cinder cone, is a significant geological feature and a popular destination for hikers and geologists. Throughout its history, Amboy has reflected broader trends in American history, from the rise of cross-country travel and commerce to the impacts of new highways bypassing old routes. Today, it stands as a testament to the enduring allure of Route 66 and the history of the American West.

Photo of Roy's in Amboy, CA. along California Route 66

Photo of Roy's in Amboy, CA. along California Route 66

Although Amboy was first settled in 1858, the town not established until 1883. Lewis Kingman, a locating engineer for the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad, created the town as the first of a series of alphabetical railroad stations that was being constructing across the Mojave Desert.

In 1926, Amboy became a boom town after the opening of U.S. Route 66. In 1938, Roy's Motel and Cafe opened, which prospered due to its isolated location on the route. By 1940, Amboy's population had increased to 65. Its growth was tied not only to tourists, but also to the Santa Fe Railroad over which high-speed freight trains still run today between Kingman, Arizona and the BNSF Railway Barstow yard.

During the Great Depression and World War II, tourism declined nationally. But the remaining travlers need for lodging, meals, and gasoline kept the town busy. The town remained this way until the opening of Interstate 40 in 1973, which bypassed Amboy as well as other rest stop communities such as; Newberry Springs, Daggett, and Essex.

Amboy, California. (2024, February 8). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amboy,_California

Amboy Cafe - 1948 (photo by Burton Frasher)

National Old Trails Highway, Amboy, Ca., circa 1925

Amboy Weather

Amboy, settled as early as 1858, became a water stop when the Southern Pacific Railroad laid its tracks through the Cadiz Valley in 1883-84. Following the course of the railroad and the National Old Trails Highway, Route 66 was opened in 1926. Amboy soon saw heavy traffic along "The Mother Road" as flivvers, dust bowl emigrants, soldiers and vacationers made their way through the Mojave Desert. Facilities included a cafe, service station, school, motel and post office. Water was hauled by rail from Newberry Springs, 50 miles to the west.

Roy's had served travelers along Route 66 from the beginning. Opened by Roy Crowl and later operated by Roy's son-in-law Buster Burris, Roy's has provided hot food, a cold drink, and gasoline to many a weary sojourner. Motorist could spend the night at the motel while vehicles of all types were serviced at the garage. Even after Interstate 40 bypassed the town in 1973, Roy's has served as a welcome oasis in the lonely stretch of desert.

Erected 2006 by Billy Holcomb Chapter - E Clampus Vitus. (Marker Number 126.)