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Heart of the Mother Road

Barstow, CA: 200,000 Years Old

Barstow, CA: 200,000 Years Old

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Part of Our Route 66 Everytown Collection – Barstow Edition

Wear a piece of timeless desert history with this ultra-soft unisex jersey tee, expertly spun from 100% Airlume combed and ring-spun cotton. Featuring the slogan "200,000 Years Old," this tee celebrates Barstow, California, a timeless desert oasis on the Mother Road.

This tee makes the perfect gift for historical adventurers, paleontology buffs, or collectors of our exclusive Route 66 Everytown Collection, honoring Barstow's enduring legacy.

Shop now at Heart of The Mother Road and enjoy FREE SHIPPING on all orders over $25.

About Barstow, California: A Timeless Oasis on the Mother Road

Barstow stands as one of Route 66's most significant stops in California's Mojave Desert, where railroad heritage meets Mother Road history. Founded in 1886 as a railroad junction, this desert town became a crucial waypoint for travelers journeying along America's most famous highway.

During Route 66's golden era in the 1940s and '50s, Barstow thrived as an essential desert oasis. The town's strategic location made it an indispensable rest stop for travelers crossing the challenging Mojave terrain. The iconic Casa del Desierto, a Spanish Colonial Revival Harvey House built in 1911, served as a crown jewel of hospitality, offering weary motorists fine dining and comfortable accommodations in the heart of the desert.

Unlike many other California Route 66 towns that declined after Interstate 40 bypassed the Mother Road, Barstow preserved its historic character while adapting to modern times. Today's visitors can check out the Route 66 Mother Road Museum. Housed in the restored Casa Del Desierto, this museum showcases the highway's rich history through photographs, artifacts and other memorabilia. Barstow also showcases numerous classic Route 66 diners, offering authentic eateries serving nostalgic Americana. 

Calico Ghost Town, located a short distance northeast of Barstow, serves as a popular and easily accessible side trip for those traveling the historic alignment of Route 66. This authentic Old West silver mining town began its boom in 1881, yielding over $20 million in silver ore within just 12 years from its 500 working mines. However, when silver was demonetized and its price plummeted in the mid-1890s, the town was quickly abandoned, leaving behind the husks of its buildings to become a true ghost town. 

Today, Calico is a County Regional Park and a State Historical Landmark, drawing Route 66 adventurers to explore the Maggie Mine, ride the Calico-Odessa Railroad, and wander streets once trod by miners dreaming of a silver fortune.

The Barstow area also holds remarkable paleontological significance. The nearby Rainbow Basin and Barstow Fossil Beds contain fossils dating back millions of years, offering a window into prehistoric life in the Mojave Desert region. Whether you're a Route 66 enthusiast, history buff, or desert explorer, Barstow remains an authentic Mother Road destination worth experiencing. 

Product Features:

  • 100% Airlume combed and ring-spun cotton for premium softness
  • Side seams for added structure and durability
  • Tear-away label for comfort
  • Classic crew neckline with a flattering unisex fit - true-to-size for all day comfort (see size chart for details)
  • Fulfilled in the USA

Care Instructions:

  • Machine wash: cold (max 90°F / 30°C)
  • Tumble dry: low heat
  • Non-chlorine bleach as needed
  • Iron or steam: medium heat
  • Do not dry clean
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