TRAILS & TALES... OF THE OLD WEST
By Donald J. Cook
Get Your Kicks or Take It Easy in Winslow
Being a historian, “baby boomer” and an avid RV enthusiast, I relish every opportunity to explore nostalgic locales along old Route 66.
Winslow, Arizona is one of the many cities that dot the 2,400-mile highway that is known affectionately as the Mother Road. Winslow is approximately 300 miles from Las Vegas, Nevada, 150 miles from Prescott, Arizona and a mere 58 miles from Flagstaff, Arizona.
Winslow once was the largest city in Northern Arizona. It even boasted an airport designed by legendary aviator Charles Lindbergh. Today, Winslow is home to about 10,000 residents. The two major employers in the area are Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad and Arizona Department of Corrections; both maintain a workforce of around 500 employees. Trade and tourism is the next leading industry in the area, due in great part to Route 66 nostalgia.
As with many of the other towns that dot Route 66, Winslow suffered a dramatic loss of commerce about 25 years ago when Interstate 40 bypassed Route 66 and Winslow. The town still remains a popular destination, thanks in part to the Eagles rock group and their hit song ”Take it Easy.” I simply cannot think about Winslow without hearing those lyrics run through my head:
“Standin’ on a corner in Winslow, Arizona and such a fine sight to see; it’s a girl, my Lord, in a flatbed Ford, slowin’ down to take a look at me.”
The immense popularity of the song and its impact was so great that the city of Winslow purchased a building located on a corner lot and commissioned a mural and statue at that location. Winslow also had a billboard erected on I-40 with the words, “Winslow, Arizona says, Take It Easy.”
Due in part to this keen marketing strategy, Winslow hosts thousands of tourists annually. In addition to the infamous corner, there are several unique sights to see while in the area...
The complete article can be found in the current issue of RV Journal, available at quality campgrounds, RV dealers, parts, and service suppliers. Subscriptions are also available for this quarterly publication.
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