The History of Newberry Springs
Celebrating History
In 2026, Newberry Springs has a few things to celebrate.
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- 250 years since Father Garces first visited the region while it was part of Mexico in 1776 on the Mojave Trail, later becoming the Mojave Road, and Government Road.
- 250 years of American Independence, also in 1776.
- 200 years since Jedediah Smith forged the Mormon Trail in 1826, later to become the Old Spanish Trail. The trail joins the Mojave Trail in Newberry at the Forks in the Road.
- 100 years since our National Old Trails Road was renumbered to Route 66 in 1926.
Coming Soon!
These are a few of the exhibits and collections we are currently working on.
Mrs. Orcutt’s Papers
Our volunteers are currently cataloging the documents from Mrs. Orcutt. See how you can help!
Camp Cady Story
Camp Cady became the first settlement of non-indigenous Americans in Newberry Springs.
100 Years of Route 66
In 1926, National Old Trails Road was still a dirt road in front of the Cliff House when it was named Route 66. Some of the first experiments with Asphalt still exist on the pre 1931 alignment.