Our Story

A Century on Route 66

From a humble roadside gas station in 1915 to a nationally recognized landmark — discover the remarkable journey of the Cucamonga Service Station.

The Early Days

Built in 1915, the Cucamonga Service Station was one of the earliest gas stations along what would become the most famous highway in America. In those early days of automobile travel, roadside stations like this one were lifelines for travelers making the long journey across the American West.

By the 1930s, the station had been transformed into a Richfield Oil Company station, complete with the distinctive architecture that defined the era. The white stucco walls, red tile roof, and arched windows became a familiar and welcoming sight for Route 66 travelers.

Vintage photograph of the Cucamonga Garage Super Service station on Highway 66
The station in its early decades, then known as Cucamonga Garage Super Service.

The Route 66 Era

When U.S. Route 66 was officially established in 1926, the Cucamonga Service Station found itself on the most iconic road in America. For decades, it served countless travelers heading west to California or east toward Chicago, becoming an integral part of the Route 66 experience.

The station witnessed the great American migration westward, the Dust Bowl exodus, post-war prosperity, and the birth of car culture. Each era left its mark on this small but significant roadside landmark.

A restored Model T parked beneath the station's arched entrance
A Model T beneath the arch — a nod to the cars that once lined this stretch of Route 66.

Restoration & Revival

After decades of changing ownership and evolving use, a dedicated group of preservationists recognized the station's historical significance and launched an ambitious restoration effort. The goal: return the station to its original 1930s Richfield-era appearance.

Today, the beautifully restored Cucamonga Service Station stands as a museum and monument to Route 66 heritage, welcoming visitors from around the world who come to experience a tangible piece of American road history.

A visitor with a classic hot rod in front of the fully restored, brightly painted station
The station today — restored to its 1930s glory and open as a museum.

Key Milestones

1915

Station Built

The Cucamonga Service Station is constructed, one of the earliest gas stations in the Inland Empire.

1926

Route 66 Established

U.S. Route 66 is officially designated, putting the station on America's most famous highway.

1930s

Richfield Era

The station becomes a Richfield Oil Company location with its distinctive 1930s architectural style.

2009

City Landmark

Designated as a Rancho Cucamonga City Landmark, officially recognizing its historical importance.

2015

Historic Plaque

Landmark plaque placed by the Native Sons of the Golden West.

2016

CA Preservation Award

Receives the Design Preservation Award from the California Preservation Foundation.

2018

National Register & Governor's Award

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places and receives the Governor's Preservation Award.

2019

Best Museum

Awarded "Best of Rancho Cucamonga — Museum."

Experience History in Person

Visit us Thursday through Sunday and walk through over a century of Route 66 history.

Plan Your Visit