Upland, CA: The Madonna of the Trail Monument on Route 66

Part of Our Route 66 Everytown Collection – Upland Edition

Celebrate American pioneer spirit with this ultra-soft unisex jersey tee, expertly spun from 100% Airlume combed and ring-spun cotton. Featuring the classic slogan "The Madonna of the Trail," this tee honors Upland, California: home to the iconic historic monument.

It's the perfect shirt for art lovers, American history enthusiasts, or collectors of our exclusive Route 66 Everytown Collection, celebrating Upland's pioneering legacy.

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About Upland, California: Where the Mother Road Honors Pioneer Women

Upland, nestled against the scenic San Gabriel Mountains foothills, holds a special place in Route 66 history as home to California's Madonna of the Trail monument: one of only twelve identical statues erected across America to honor the pioneer women who settled the West. This graceful citrus-growing city combines small-town charm with significant historical landmarks along the Mother Road's Southern California corridor.

From Citrus Groves to the Mother Road

Founded in 1887, Upland developed as a prosperous citrus-growing community in the fertile foothills east of Los Angeles. The city's name reflected its elevated position compared to the surrounding valley, and its mild climate and rich soil made it ideal for orange and lemon groves that defined the region's agricultural economy.

When Route 66 was established in 1926, it followed Foothill Boulevard through Upland, bringing the city onto America's main transcontinental highway. Upland's location made it a natural stop for travelers, with it being close enough to Los Angeles for easy access, yet offering a quieter, more scenic alternative to urban congestion. The tree-lined streets and mountain backdrop provided a picturesque setting that contrasted with the desert stretches motorists would encounter farther east.

Route 66 Era in Upland

During the 1940s and '50s highway boom, Upland served cross-country travelers with motor courts, gas stations, restaurants, and services along the Foothill Boulevard corridor. The city maintained a more refined, residential character compared to commercial highway strips in larger cities, attracting travelers who appreciated its clean, orderly downtown and mountain views.

The Madonna of the Trail Monument

Upland's most significant historical landmark stands at the intersection of Euclid Avenue and Foothill Boulevard: the Madonna of the Trail statue (dedicated on February 24, 1929). This monument is part of a remarkable national project by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), which erected twelve identical statues along the National Old Trails Road (which Route 66 later largely followed) from Maryland to California.

The ten-foot tall monument, sculpted by August Leimbach, depicts a pioneer woman in a long dress and sunbonnet, carrying an infant in one arm while a young child clings to her skirt. A rifle rests in the crook of her arm, symbolizing both nurturing motherhood and frontier determination.

The statue stands on a pink granite base with a bronze plaque dedicating it to "the pioneer mothers of the covered wagon days." California's Madonna of the Trail was the final statue in the series to be dedicated, making Upland the western terminus of this commemorative chain.

The monument honored the countless women who endured the hardships of westward migration, walking alongside wagons, raising children in harsh conditions, establishing homes in wilderness, and building communities that became American towns and cities.

The statue remains at its original location, maintained by the local DAR chapter and the city, serving as both a Route 66 landmark and a powerful reminder of women's essential role in Western expansion.

Upland's Historic Downtown

Beyond the Madonna statue, Upland's historic downtown district along Euclid Avenue retains much of its vintage character. Tree-lined streets, well-preserved early 20th-century buildings, antique shops, and local restaurants create a nostalgic atmosphere that appeals to Route 66 travelers and history enthusiasts. The city has successfully preserved its small-town charm while adapting to modern growth.

Visiting Upland Today

Modern Upland (population approximately 79,000) balances residential growth with heritage preservation. Route 66 travelers can easily visit the Madonna of the Trail monument, explore the historic downtown, and enjoy the scenic mountain backdrop that made Upland appealing to travelers eight decades ago.

The city represents Route 66's quieter, more residential side of the communities that benefited from highway traffic without losing their distinct local character to commercial development. For those interested in women's history, pioneer heritage, and the Mother Road's diverse landscapes, Upland offers a meaningful and accessible stop along California's Route 66 corridor.

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