Barstow Tutors Come To You

Just five miles from the silver rush in the Calico Mountains, Barstow was first put on the map as a stopping point for the impressive 20 mule teams that hauled heavy loads of ore and water from Calico to Draggot. These 20 mule teams were actually 18 mules and 2 horses. The horses were put in the back and used for their brute strength, while the mules were used because they were smarter and better able to handle the desert conditions. Barstow would have been a sight for sore eyes on these torturous journeys. Getting the silver from raw to pure is no easy process, and silver was not as valuable as gold; but the rush in Calico helped establish and support the local area for some time.

By 1888, the silver rush had prompted the building of the Draggott-Calico Railroad (then the Calico Railroad). This made transporting the ore much easier and more direct. That meant no more pit stops in Barstow. Fortunately, the Santa Fe Railroad came to town that same year. The Santa Fe Railroad was instrumental in helping Barstow become a thriving town. In fact, that’s how Barstow got it’s name! The president of Santa Fe was named William Barstow Strong.

After the silver rush was over, the borax rush took its place. Barstow continued its role in supporting mining operations and was a regular stop for the Santa Fe. When the borax ran out, Calico and Draggot began to die down, but Barstow kept growing. By the 1930’s, Barstow found itself on Route 66. Route 66 brought many travelers and immigrants to the area; many of them stayed. This boom was so notable, John Steinbeck wrote about the in his book, “The Grapes of Wrath.” Eventually, Route 66 became arbitrary, just as the 20 mule teams, and the Santa Fe did. The modern world demanded a more efficient freeway system, and many towns were run down or abandoned. But once again Barstow found itself fortunate. Barstow maintained it’s reputation as a good place to stop when the connection for the I-15, I-40, and State Highway 58 ran right through town.

In our nation’s history, towns expand and die based on the innovations of the time. Barstow was able to show its resilience in keeping up. From the 20 mule teams of the 1800’s to today’s freeway system, Barstow kept it’s name on the map. Maybe you yourself are one of the many travelers who found themselves in Barstow and decided to make it home. If you are, you can depend on Barstow tutors who are ready to help you on your academic journey. You may find them to be as flexible as innovative as their town that stood the test of time; and like any journey, a little bit of support and advice can go a long way in getting you to where you want to be. A Barstow tutor could be just the thing to help you on your way.