Iconic Route 66 Gas Station in Arizona Named an Endangered Site

One of the nation’s great landmarks on historic Route 66 is at risk of being lost forever.

Since 1988, the National Trust for Historic Preservation has released a list of the “Most Endangered Historic Places” in America.

The hope is to generate attention and potential funds to help save these locations across the country. In 2022, Camp Naco in Brisbee, Arizona was named and since then over $8 million has been earned in grants and private donations to help restore this notable location.

Of the 350 properties that have been highlighted by the National Trust, only a handful have been lost thanks to the publicity garnered by being included, per Route 66 News.

The Osterman gas station in Peach Springs, Arizona was constructed by hand in 1929 using a concrete block kit from the Sears-Roebuck Catalog.

According to the National Trust, the building was a focal point for the Hualapai Tribal community and many tribe elders used to work and hang out at the gas station when they were younger.

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After the interstate highway system was built, economic development moved away from communities along Route 66 including Peach Springs. The gas station closed and the Hualapai Tribe purchased the building in an attempt to preserve it.

Sadly, extreme weather in the region has further deteriorated the dilapidated structure, including a microburst in 2021 that tore off the roof, and a windstorm in 2023 that collapsed a concrete wall.

Currently, the Hualapai Tribe has plans to revitalize the gas station and bring back businesses to the downtown Peach Springs District.

To help preserve this integral piece of Americana, you can sign the National Trust’s petition and call for a National Historic Trail designation for Route 66 on their website.