Barstow California Panorama Real Photo Postcard

Barstow, situated in California's Mojave Desert, originated in the late 19th century as Waterman Junction, a critical railroad stop. Renamed in 1886 for Santa Fe Railway president William Barstow Strong, it quickly grew into a pivotal transportation hub, linking the Santa Fe and later the San Pedro, Los Angeles & Salt Lake (subsequently Union Pacific) railroad lines. Its strategic desert location made it indispensable for rail services connecting Southern California with the broader American West.