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About Cucamonga Service Station
The Cucamonga Service Station, located in Rancho Cucamonga, California, is a significant historical landmark along the famed U.S. Route 66. Constructed in 1915, this service station predates the official establishment of Route 66 by over a decade, originally serving as a vital refueling and service stop for early motorists and the local agricultural community. Its distinctive Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, characterized by stucco walls and red-tiled roofing, reflects the prevalent design aesthetics of early 20th-century California.
Throughout the 1930s to the 1960s, the station operated under the Richfield Oil Corporation, providing essential services to travelers and locals alike. However, with the evolution of transportation routes and the decline of Route 66, the station ceased operations in the early 1970s and fell into disrepair. Recognizing its historical value, the Rancho Cucamonga city council designated the station as a city landmark in 2009. Subsequent restoration efforts, spearheaded by the Route 66 Inland Empire California Association, culminated in the station's reopening as a museum in 2015.
Today, visitors can explore exhibits showcasing local history, vintage petroleum memorabilia, and the rich legacy of Route 66. The Cucamonga Service Station stands as a testament to the enduring cultural and historical significance of America's "Mother Road."
