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Newberry Springs, CA
Newberry Springs is a community and railroad station 20 miles east-southeast of Barstow. On 19 February 1883 when the Southern Pacific Railroad was being built through here, the Watson post office was established at the railroad construction site at present Newberry Springs and discontinued on July 25 1883. The name Watson was for Josiah Watson, the first postmaster here. Meanwhile the railroad named their station Newberry and after the Watson post office closed this became the place name. On 11 March 1899 the post office was reestablished, named Newberry, and discontinued on 15 June 1899. On 12 October 1911 the name was changed to Wagner for Madge Wagner, a land owner, grocer, and the next postmistress. On 9 July 1919 the name was changed to Water. The name Water was given by the Santa Fe because an estimated 300,000 to 600,000 gallons of water per day were pumped for use by the railroad. On 1 February 1967 it was changed to Newberry Springs.
Newberry was named by the Southern Pacific in 1883. There is a story that two brothers named Newberry lived at the springs at what would later become the community of Newberry Springs. One of them was shot and killed during a fight over water rights and is buried at the top of a hill near the springs. A more plausible explanation of the name is that the area was named for Dr. J.S. Newberry, physician to the Lt. Joseph C. Ives expedition in 1857.
Reference: Mojave Desert Dictionary - P. Schoffstall -- Mojave River Valley Museum
Newberry Cave
Troy Lake
Newberry. An historic landmark because it's never failing springs were sought out by pioneer wagon trains, Newberry, also known as "water" in the early days, has afforded the water supply for the Santa Fe, which has transported it to all arid points along the division. In addition to its artificial ponds created for sportsmen, Newberry is fast becoming an agricultural district and its potential for farm crops, fruit trees, cattle raising and kindred development is almost unlimited.
Heritage of the Mojave River Valley
Cliff House
The Cliff House in Newberry Springs is a notable site located along the historic Route 66 in California. Newberry Springs is a small community in the Mojave Desert, and Route 66, also known as the "Mother Road," runs through it, carrying a rich history of American travel and culture.
While specific details about "Cliff House" in Newberry Springs are not widely documented, the area itself is known for its unique attractions and remnants of the mid-20th century Americana, characteristic of Route 66. These include vintage motels, gas stations, diners, and roadside attractions that have been preserved or restored to capture the spirit of the era when Route 66 was the main highway connecting the Midwest to the West Coast.
Newberry Springs also features natural attractions like lakes and volcanic formations, providing a scenic backdrop to the historic route. The community has often been associated with the quieter, more untouched aspects of Route 66, offering a glimpse into the less commercialized side of this historic road.
Bagdad Cafe (formerly Sidewinder Cafe)
