Month: December 2023

Mizpah Hotel

/tonopah-nv/

The Mizpah Hotel is a historic hotel located in Tonopah, Nevada. Tonopah is a small town in Nye County, known for its mining history and connection to the silver and gold rushes of the early 20th century.

The Mizpah Hotel was built in 1907 and has a rich history associated with the mining boom in the area. It was a luxurious and modern hotel in its time, catering to the needs of the influx of miners and prospectors drawn to Tonopah’s mining activities.

One of the notable features of the Mizpah Hotel is the “Lady in Red” legend. Legend has it that a woman named Rose, a prostitute who was allegedly murdered in the hotel, haunts Room 502. Some guests have reported paranormal experiences and sightings related to this legend, making the Mizpah Hotel known for its supposed ghostly occurrences.

The hotel underwent restoration efforts and reopened in 2011, retaining its historic charm while offering modern amenities. It has become a popular destination for tourists interested in the history of the area and those intrigued by its reputed haunted reputation.

Tonopah itself is an interesting town to explore, with several historic sites, including the Central Nevada Museum and the Tonopah Historic Mining Park, which provides insights into the region’s mining heritage.

Bagdad Cafe

/route-66/

Sidewinder Cafe - Bagdad Cafe, Newberry Springs, Route 66
Bagdad Cafe (formerly Sidewinder Cafe) Newberry Springs, Ca.


“Bagdad Cafe” refers to a 1987 film and a subsequent television series. The film, originally titled “Out of Rosenheim,” was directed by Percy Adlon. The story revolves around a German tourist named Jasmin Münchgstettner, played by Marianne Sägebrecht, who finds herself stranded in the Mojave Desert. She ends up at a run-down motel and café called the Bagdad Cafe, where she forms an unlikely friendship with the cafe’s owner, played by CCH Pounder.

The film explores themes of isolation, friendship, and cultural differences, and it gained acclaim for its unique characters and quirky charm. The original German title, “Out of Rosenheim,” refers to the character’s departure from her mundane life in Rosenheim, Germany.

The film’s success led to creating a television series titled “Bagdad Cafe,” which aired from 1990 to 1991. The TV series continued the film’s story, featuring some original characters and expanding on the adventures at the Bagdad Cafe.

The film and the TV series have garnered a cult following for their offbeat and heartwarming storytelling. The Bagdad Cafe, located in Newberry Springs, California, along Historic Route 66, has become a popular tourist attraction.

/newberry-springs-ca/

History of Route 66 in the Cajon Pass

/cajon-pass/

In Southern California, the Cajon Pass is a significant geographical feature through which historic Route 66 passes. Here’s a brief overview of the history of Route 66 through the Cajon Pass:

  1. Early Years:
    • The area around Cajon Pass has been a natural corridor for travel for centuries, used by Native American tribes and early Spanish explorers.
    • In the 19th century, as the United States expanded westward, various trails and wagon routes traversed Cajon Pass.
  2. Railroad Era:
    • The construction of the railroad in the late 19th century significantly impacted transportation through the Pass.
    • The railroad became a major mode of transportation, rendering the pass a vital link in the national rail network.
  3. Route 66 and the Automobile Era:
    • In 1926, Route 66 was established, connecting Chicago to Los Angeles. This iconic highway symbolized westward migration, economic development, and the American love for the open road.
    • Route 66 passed through Cajon Pass, providing a direct route for motorists traveling between the Midwest and the West Coast.
  4. Development and Upgrades:
    • Over the years, various improvements and realignments were made to Route 66 through Cajon Pass to accommodate the growing volume of traffic.
    • The pass saw upgrades in terms of road infrastructure and engineering, making the journey more efficient for travelers.
  5. Decline and Bypassing:
    • As the interstate highway system was developed, newer and more efficient roads bypassed sections of Route 66, contributing to the eventual decline of the historic route.
    • In the 1960s, portions of Route 66 through Cajon Pass were bypassed by Interstate 15, which became the primary route for modern transportation.
  6. Recognition and Preservation:
    • In the late 20th century, interest was resurgent in preserving and commemorating Route 66’s history.
    • Today, portions of the historic route, including those through Cajon Pass, are designated as historic byways, attracting tourists interested in experiencing a piece of America’s past.

Amuscupiabit
Gandy dancers
Brown’s Toll Road
Route 66
These guys
National Old Trails Road

Cajon Pass remains a notable landmark along the historic Route 66, and efforts to preserve this iconic highway’s history and heritage continue to interest enthusiasts and historians alike.