Barstow, California
Barstow is a city in
San Bernardino County,
California,
United States. The population was 21,119 at the 2000 census.
Route 66 ran through Barstow and the town's name is mentioned in the lyrics to the song, "Route 66". Barstow is also mentioned in
Hunter S. Thompson's famous novel
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. The city is a major regional transportation center. Several highways, including
Interstate 15 and
Interstate 40, converge on the city, and it is the site of a large rail
classification yard, belonging to the
BNSF Railway. The
Union Pacific Railroad also runs through town on
Trackage rights on BNSF's Main line to
Daggett, California, where the UP heads off to
Salt Lake City, and the BNSF heads to
Chicago il.
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A Harvey House, Casa Del Desierto in Barstow |
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A Harvey House, Casa Del Desierto in Barstow |
Barstow's roots come from the rich mining history of the
Mojave Desert. Because of the influx of miners coming into Calico and Daggett because of the discovery of Silver in the 1860s, new railroads were being constructed to transport the goods.
The Santa Fe Railroad was built in 1888 and it ran through what is now Barstow. Railroad magnate
William Barstow Strong who owned the Sante Fe is the eponym of the city.
Barstow's history was further cemented with the paving of the major highways and interstates through the city. It can be said that much of Barstow's economy depends on transportation.
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Location of Barstow, California |
Barstow is located at (34.876259, -117.034818).
According to the
United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 87.0
km² (33.6
mi²), all land.
As of the
census of 2000, there were 21,119 people, 7,647 households, and 5,253 families residing in the city. The
population density was 242.8/km² (628.8/mi²). There were 9,153 housing units at an average density of 105.2/km² (272.5/mi²).
The racial makeup of the city was 57.10%
White, 11.60%
African American, 2.41%
Native American, 3.08%
Asian, 0.95%
Pacific Islander, 18.40% from
other races, and 6.46% from two or more races. 36.50% of the population were
Hispanic or
Latino of any race.
There were 7,647 households out of which 36.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.4% were
married couples living together, 17.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.3% were non-families. 25.9% of all households were made up of individuals and 8.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.71 and the average family size was 3.27.
In the city the population was spread out with 30.8% under the age of 18, 10.4% from 18 to 24, 27.4% from 25 to 44, 19.3% from 45 to 64, and 12.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 32 years. For every 100 females there were 99.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.1 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $35,069, and the median income for a family was $40,160. Males had a median income of $37,425 versus $25,380 for females. The
per capita income for the city was $16,132. About 15.6% of families and 20.3% of the population were below the
poverty line, including 30.8% of those under age 18 and 4.3% of those age 65 or over.
In a 2006 state-funded economic survey, Barstow ranks among the 10 poorest cities in California. One third of residents receive public assistance and 4 out of 10 receive welfare and social security funds. Its long distance from major cities and urban centers has created economic problems that Barstow is seeking projects to boost the economy, yet the issue isn't resolved.
* median house price : $115,276 (in 2005), significantly below California state average
* 10.4% unemployment is above state average.
* 9.1% of population have a bachelor's degree or higher, significantly below the state average.
* Crime index : 445.9 (U.S. average is 330.6)
* Temperature : 33 - 102 °F range
The climate is very hot in the summertime, and it normally has above average winds.
The
Goldstone Deep Space Communications Complex (the main instrument being a radio telescope), a part of the
NASA Deep Space Network, is located in the desert near Barstow, on the Fort Irwin military base.
Rainbow Basin Natural Area is designated as an Area of Critical Environmental Concern due to landscape features and paleontological resources in the area. It is known for its multi-colored rock formations and scenic canyons.
Coyote Dry Lake, a 30 square mile
playa, is also nearby.
The
Fort Irwin Military Reservation, located near town, is the national training center for the U.S. Army. The NTC is a world class training center for America's soldiers.
Calico Ghost Town is one of the few remaining original
mining towns of the western United States, now preserved as a museum. It was preserved by Walter Knott (founder of
Knott's Berry Farm).
The fast-food restaurant
Del Taco was founded in Barstow, and the first location is still open for business at 401 N. First Street.
Another attraction in the city of Barstow are the
lava tubes. These are huge caves made out of lava from nearby volcanoes.
The world's busiest
McDonald's franchise is also in Barstow, adding to the grand culture of the city.
The most famous Barstonian in the last 50 years is Woody. He can be seen riding his Bike on main street and Muriel Drive.
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Solar One*
City of Barstow*
Mojave River Valley Museum*
Desert Dispatch Newspaper*
Points of interest in the Barstow area*
paradox: Art, conversation and spirituality
