Retro Route 66 Unisex Jersey Tee | San Bernardino, CA: The Heartbeat of Route 66

Part of Our Route 66 Everytown Collection – San Bernadino Edition

Feel the pulse of the Mother Road with this ultra-soft unisex jersey tee, expertly spun from 100% Airlume combed and ring-spun cotton. Featuring the slogan "The Heartbeat of Route 66," this tee celebrates San Bernardino, California: a pivotal stop where the first highway's spirit still beats strong.

It's the perfect shirt for Mother Road explorers, McDonald's fanatics, or collectors of our exclusive Route 66 Everytown Collection, honoring San Bernardino's pioneering and vibrant legacy.

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About San Bernardino, California: Where the Golden Arches Began

San Bernardino holds a unique place in Route 66 history as both a major California city along the Mother Road and the birthplace of the modern fast-food industry. Located at the western end of Route 66's California desert corridor, San Bernardino served as a crucial urban hub where travelers could rest, refuel, and experience the emerging car culture that would transform American life.

From Mission Town to Railroad Hub

San Bernardino's history predates Route 66 by decades. Founded in 1851 and named after the nearby San Bernardino Mountains, the city grew rapidly as a railroad junction in the 1880s. The Southern Pacific and Santa Fe railroads made San Bernardino a vital transportation crossroads, establishing the infrastructure and commercial base that would later serve the automobile age.

Route 66 Era: California's Desert Gateway

With Route 66's establishment in 1926, San Bernardino became the last major city before travelers faced the challenging Mojave Desert crossing toward Barstow and beyond. The highway followed Foothill Boulevard through the city, creating a bustling corridor of motels, diners, gas stations, and roadside attractions. During the 1940s and '50s golden era, San Bernardino offered everything cross-country travelers needed: automotive services, lodging, entertainment, and dining. The city's Route 66 strip embodied mid-century American car culture, with neon signs, drive-in restaurants, and motor courts defining the urban landscape.

The First McDonald's

San Bernardino's most significant contribution to American culture began at 1398 North E St. in 1940, when brothers Richard and Maurice McDonald opened a drive-in barbecue restaurant. In 1948, the McDonalds revolutionized their operation with the Speedee Service System: a streamlined assembly-line approach focusing on hamburgers, fries, and shakes served quickly and cheaply. This innovation created the template for modern fast food.

Ray Kroc visited the San Bernardino location in 1954, recognized the system's potential, and franchised the concept nationally. The original restaurant operated until 1976 when it was demolished. Today, the Unofficial McDonald's Site & Museum stands near the original site, featuring McDonald's memorabilia, vintage signs, and exhibits celebrating the restaurant's revolutionary impact on American dining and business.

Historic Mitla Cafe

Another San Bernardino culinary landmark, Mitla Cafe (602 N Mt Vernon Ave), has served travelers since 1937. Founded by Lucia Rodriguez, this family-owned Mexican restaurant became a beloved Route 66 stop, famous for its Old Style Tacos and authentic Mexican cuisine. Still operating today under family ownership, Mitla Cafe represents the enduring immigrant contribution to Route 66 culture and remains a must-visit for food-loving highway travelers.

Route 66 Today in San Bernardino

While Interstate 10 and Interstate 215 redirected long-distance traffic in the 1960s-70s, San Bernardino has actively preserved its Route 66 heritage. The city celebrates the Mother Road through several initiatives:

Route 66 Rendezvous: This annual September festival draws over 500,000 visitors for one of America's largest classic car shows, featuring vintage automobiles, live music, vendors, and celebration of car culture along historic Foothill Boulevard
California Theatre: This 1928 Spanish Colonial Revival movie palace (562 W 4th Street) represents the entertainment grandeur of Route 66's golden era
Route 66 Murals and Signage: Throughout downtown and along Foothill Boulevard, murals and vintage-style signs commemorate the highway's history

As a city of over 200,000 residents, San Bernardino faces contemporary urban challenges while working to preserve and promote its significant role in Route 66 and American cultural history. For travelers, the city offers authentic highway heritage alongside the story of how drive-in culture transformed the nation.

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