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Goffs, CA
Blake - 1895
Goffs, originally known as Blake, was a rail junction from 1893 to 1923 serving both a desert shortline and the Santa Fe mainline. In 1902 Santa Fe developed facilities and a depot was constructed and functioned as home to a section crew until 1956.
Goffs, California, is a nearly empty one-time railroad town at the route's high point in the Mojave Desert. Goffs was a stop along famous Route 66 prior to 1931, when a more direct route between Needles and Amboy was built.
Goffs was known as Blake between 1893 and 1902. It was named for Isaac Blake, the builder of the Nevada Southern Railway (later the California Eastern Railway 1895–1923) that commenced here.
General store
An early 20th Century general store is the town's largest building (now abandoned). A historic schoolhouse, built in 1914 and almost totally deteriorated by the early 1980s, has since been renovated to its original plans by the Mojave Desert Heritage and Cultural Association (MDHCA). The schoolhouse and grounds now house a museum primarily specializing in the area's mining history.
source - BLM
History of Goffs, Ca.
East Mojave Mining Towns
Lanfair Valley Ecology
National Old Trails Road
History of Goffs, California Goffs is a small unincorporated community in the Mojave Desert, located in San Bernardino County, California. Its history is closely tied to the development of the Mojave Desert and the various industries that shaped the region.
Early Settlement:
Goffs was originally established as a railroad station in the early 20th century. The nearby rail line played a crucial role in the transportation of goods and people, supporting the mining and ranching activities in the area.Mining Boom:
Like many other communities in the Mojave Desert, Goffs experienced a mining boom in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Mines in the surrounding areas extracted minerals such as gold, silver, and copper, contributing to the economic development of the region.Railroad Hub:
Goffs served as a vital hub for the railroad, particularly during the construction of the Santa Fe Railway's Needles to Los Angeles route. The railroad played a significant role in the transportation of ore from local mines and facilitated the growth of the community.Schoolhouse and Community Center:
The Goffs Schoolhouse, built in 1914, was a central institution in the community. It served as a one-room school until 1937, educating the children of local miners and ranchers. After its closure, the building fell into disuse until efforts were made to restore it as the Goffs Schoolhouse Museum.Route 66:
Goffs is located along the historic Route 66, the iconic highway that connected Chicago to Los Angeles. Route 66 played a significant role in the mid-20th-century American highway culture, and Goffs benefited from its status as a stopping point along this famous route.Goffs Cultural Center and Museum:
The Goffs Schoolhouse Museum, operated by the Mojave Desert Heritage and Cultural Association, preserves and showcases the history of the region. The museum exhibits artifacts, photographs, and documents that highlight the cultural, mining, and railroad history of the Mojave Desert.Modern Era:
Today, Goffs is a quiet desert community with a focus on preserving its historical heritage. The Goffs Cultural Center and Museum continue to educate visitors about the area's past, and the location along Route 66 attracts tourists interested in exploring the history of this iconic highway and the Mojave Desert.Goffs, like many desert communities, has a history shaped by mining, railroads, and the challenges of life in a harsh environment. The efforts to preserve its historic structures and stories contribute to a greater understanding of the Mojave Desert's cultural heritage.
