Pomona, CA: Queen of the Citrus Belt

Part of Our Route 66 Everytown Collection – Pomona Edition

Wear the royal legacy of the Mother Road with this ultra-soft unisex jersey tee, expertly spun from 100% Airlume combed and ring-spun cotton. Featuring the classic slogan "Queen of the Citrus Belt," our Pomona design celebrates the California city where agriculture and entertainment converged.

Perfect for nostalgic adventurers, fairground fans, or collectors of our exclusive Route 66 Everytown Collection, honoring Pomona's rich, agricultural legacy and contributing significantly to California's economic prosperity.

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

About Pomona, California: Where Oranges and Fairgrounds Ruled the Road

Pomona, the self-proclaimed "Queen of the Citrus Belt," represents Route 66's journey through Southern California's once-vast agricultural heartland. Named after the Roman goddess of fruit, this City built its identity on endless orange, lemon, and grapefruit groves that made the Pomona Valley synonymous with California's citrus industry. Today, Pomona blends its agricultural heritage with educational institutions, entertainment venues, and preserved Route 66 landmarks.

Citrus Empire Origins

Founded in 1888, Pomona emerged during Southern California's citrus boom when irrigation transformed semi-arid valleys into productive agricultural land. By the early 20th century, Pomona Valley shipped millions of boxes of citrus fruit nationwide via railroad, earning the region international recognition for quality produce. The city's prosperity was built entirely on agriculture: packing houses, citrus associations, and related industries employed thousands and shaped the local economy.

The Mediterranean climate, reliable irrigation from the San Gabriel Mountains, and rich alluvial soil created ideal citrus-growing conditions. At its peak, orange groves stretched for miles in every direction, and the scent of citrus blossoms perfumed the spring air, a sensory experience that captivated Route 66 travelers passing through the valley.

Route 66 Through Pomona

When Route 66 was established in 1926, it followed Garey Avenue and Holt Boulevard through Pomona, bringing the city onto America's transcontinental highway. Unlike desert towns where Route 66 was the primary economic driver, Pomona's economy already thrived on agriculture. The highway complemented rather than created the city's prosperity, bringing motorists through established business districts and past sprawling orchards.

During the 1940s-1950s golden era, Pomona offered cross-country travelers full services, including motor courts, gas stations, restaurants, and entertainment. The city's substantial size (it was already one of Southern California's larger communities) meant travelers found urban amenities within a scenic agricultural setting.

Los Angeles County Fair and Fairplex

Pomona's most enduring attraction is the Fairplex (1101 W McKinley Ave), home to the Los Angeles County Fair since 1922. This massive complex predates Route 66 but became intertwined with Mother Road culture as travelers stopped for the annual fair, one of America's largest county fairs drawing millions of visitors each September. The LA County Fair showcased Southern California's agricultural abundance: livestock competitions, produce exhibits, carnival rides, concerts, and food stands created a spectacle that epitomized mid-century American culture.

For Route 66 travelers, timing a trip to coincide with the fair meant experiencing California at its most celebratory. Beyond the annual fair, Fairplex hosts year-round events including swap meets, car shows (notably the Pomona Swap Meet and Classic Car Show), concerts, and trade shows. The complex remains a major regional destination, continuing its role as an entertainment and community gathering place.

Historic Downtown and Fox Theater

Pomona's historic downtown along Garey Avenue retains architectural gems from its citrus-era prosperity. Notable landmarks include:

• Pomona Fox Theater (301 S Garey Ave): This stunning 1931 Art Deco movie palace, designed by Balch & Stanberry, features a Spanish Colonial Revival exterior and luxurious Art Deco interior. After decades of decline, the theater was restored and reopened in 2006 as a live music venue, hosting concerts and events while preserving its vintage grandeur.
• Pomona City Hall and other civic buildings reflect the city's early 20th-century confidence and wealth
• Antique shops, restaurants, and cultural venues occupy historic storefronts along the Garey Avenue corridor

Route 66 Heritage

While Interstate 10's construction in the 1960s-1970s redirected long-distance traffic, Pomona has maintained connections to its Route 66 past through markers, murals, and historic preservation efforts along Holt Boulevard and Garey Avenue. The city celebrates its Mother Road heritage as part of a broader historical identity that includes citrus agriculture, education (home to Cal Poly Pomona and Western University), and entertainment.

Pomona Today

Modern Pomona (population approximately 151,000) has transformed dramatically from its citrus-belt days. Urban development replaced most orchards decades ago, though the agricultural legacy persists in place names, historical markers, and cultural memory. The city faces contemporary urban challenges while working to revitalize its historic core and celebrate its diverse heritage.

For Route 66 travelers, Pomona offers the Fox Theater's Art Deco splendor, Fairplex events (including the legendary LA County Fair), and downtown historic architecture, making it an important stop where the Mother Road passed through established California prosperity rather than creating it from scratch.

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