The railroad put most of Northern Arizona on the map, and Winslow is no exception. Back in 1880, the town of Winslow, named for the President of the railroad, Edward F. Winslow, became a hub for the Santa Fe Railway opening the doors for enterprising entrepreneurs. Most notably, John Lorenzo Hubbell created a trading empire bridging the gap between the settlers and the Navajo people. He opened Navajo trading posts all over Arizona and New Mexico, and used the railroad to move product. The Hubbell Wholesale Store in downtown Winslow still stands and is home to the Winslow Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center.
Back on the Map
The heyday of Route 66 and the presence of the Santa Fe Railroad kept Winslow as the hub of Northern Arizona until the bypassing of Route 66 in the 1970s. Like so many other Route 66 towns, the death of tourism meant the death of the town. It was around that time that the singing group the Eagles came out with their first hit single, “Take it Easy,” and one little verse… “I was standin’ on the corner in Winslow, Arizona…” put the community back on the map!
Standin' On The Corner Park
It’s a rare person who has not heard the famous line from the Eagles first hit single, Take It Easy. The song has the lyric “standin’ on a corner in Winslow Arizona, such a fine site to see, it’s a girl my lord in a flatbed Ford, slowin’ down to take a look at me.” Many are the visitors who come from far and wide to stand and take advantage of the photo opportunity, on the most famous “corner” of Historic Route 66.
La Posada Hotel
A world renowned American treasure, this special place is considered to be the last of the great track-side hotels. At the time, it was the finest hotel constructed by the Santa Fe Railroad to be a Fred Harvey House. Built in 1929, this legendary oasis is the masterpiece of Mary Jane Colter, chief architect for the Fred Harvey Company and one of America’s most important female designers. A careful restoration has brought the hotel back to its former grandeur. Enjoyed by people from around the world, whether you stay overnight or stop to eat at their restaurant, this beautiful and relaxing resort most definitely a place not be missed.
