Winslow is in Eastern Arizona . It is in Navajo County. It sits in the Little Colorado River Valley, which skirts the city's eastern edge. The town is located on Interstate 40, just east of Flagstaff. It is 58 miles east of Flagstaff, 180 miles from Phoenix and 270 miles from Tucson.

Overview:
Winslow is known for being a popular city along the famed Route 66, which crossed the country from the east to the west, until Interstate 40 took its place. It is an ideal tourist base with so many outdoor activities and attractions located so close to town. The town began as a railroading center. Today Winslow's population is 11,215. The town sits at an elevation of 4,850 feet. The climate is mild all year round with a winter low Temperature of 19 degrees and a summer high Temperature of 93 degrees. Winslow is a peaceful, small town. It is a community where neighbors know each other by name, and watch out for each other's children. Winslow encourages you to experience a new way of life. Whether you come to live and work, or to relax and play, Winslow has much to offer.

Community Features:
There are so many attractions in Winslow that you just must see. La Posada is the last surviving Fred Harvey Hotel in the west. It was the main point for transcontinental rail and air traffic during the 1930's and 40's. It has been restored to its beauty and in located in downtown Winslow. Tourists will want to walk the gardens on the property and admire the architecture. The Old Trails Museum should be one of your first stops in town. The museum has a collection of artifacts that document the history of Winslow. The “Standin' on the Corner” Park is one place that you will want your camera. This park honors the Eagles first hit single “Take it Easy” and the verse “Standin' on a corner in Winslow, Arizona ”, which put Winslow back on the map. Here you will see a bronze statue and mural showing the story behind the famous song. You can even snap a picture of the famous corner.

You will discover several terrific outdoor activities near Winslow. The Homolovi Ruins State Park is only five miles northeast of Winslow. The park has 4,000 acres, which contain hundreds of archaeological sites. The ruins are of the Anasazi Indians from 1250 A.D. and consist of 800 rooms and 3 plazas. The Anasazi were an ancient people, who are believed to be the ancestors of today's Hopi Indians. There is a visitor center, campground and restrooms available. You won't believe your eyes when you arrive at Meteor Crater, just 21 miles west of town.

This 4,000 foot wide, 600 foot deep hole is believed to been created by a meteor that slammed into earth nearly 40,000 years ago. The Little Painted Desert County Park is known for its wonderful sunsets. It is at this time of day that the colors reflecting off the rocks will dazzle your eyes. It is located 18 miles north of Winslow. There are hiking trails and picnic areas. Clear Creek Reservoir was once an important source water for town. Today it is a wonderful place to go and cool off. Mount Hood Park is located along the waters of Clear Creek. Visitors will find fishing, boating, swimming and picnicking. Families will enjoy spending a day here.

Events:
Family Day and Fireworks July
West's Best Rodeo September
Annual Christmas Parade November
Annual Community Tree Lighting Ceremony December
Annual Festival of Trees

History:
In 1876, Lot Smith arrived in the area near where Winslow is today. Smith was the leader of a group of Mormons searching for a place to build their community. The group decided to build a fort and create irrigation ditches. Their new settlement was named Sunset. After some time, the group left the area for reasons unknown.

The town of Winslow was established in 1882. It was a division terminal for the Santa Fe Railroad. The town was named after General Edward Winslow. Winslow was a railroad executive. The railroad was heading west and Winslow was one of its stops. The U.S. Post Office was also established in 1882 and the town was incorporated in 1900.
Winslow became the location for a Harvey House. Harvey Houses were the idea of Fred Harvey, who saw the need for good food along the Santa Fe Railroad line.

Harvey created a Harvey House approximately every 100 miles along the tracks. A Harvey House had outstanding chefs, who created delicious meals. Harvey Girls served the meals in a quick and orderly manner. Fred Harvey was able to lure young Eastern girls out west with good wages and free board. Many of the girls came with the thought that their lives would be filled the excitement. Harvey Houses became an instant success.

When the train was on its way to a Harvey House, the brakeman would come by and take the orders. The orders would then be wired ahead. As the train neared the stop, it would send off a blast from its whistle. This would indicate that the Harvey Girls should be ready to serve the first course. The entire business was based on efficiency and good food.

La Posada was a part of the Fred Harvey system. In the 1920's, Harvey decided to build a major hotel in Northern Arizona . Winslow was chosen because it was the headquarters for the Santa Fe Railway and continues to be today. It is believed that the construction cost of the hotel was over one million, and that was in 1929.

Mary Colter, the famed Grand Canyon architect, designed the beautiful property. Coulter was the chief designer and architect for the Fred Harvey Company. This was unusual because it was during a period when women weren't even allowed to vote. Colter called La Posada her masterpiece. She designed the buildings, interiors and gardens. She spent lots of time studying the region and culture. She used this information to develop a history for the hotel. It was her hope that the structure would look like it had been there since the 18th century. Unfortunately, railroad travel fell into a slump and in 1954 La Posada closed. Today La Posada is a hotel. The place has been restored to its original beauty. It is a National Historic Landmark.

Not only was the railroad a popular form of transportation, but also air travel was gaining. Charles Lindbergh designed the airport in town. This airport was the midway point between Los Angeles and Chicago. Planes would stop and refuel before heading on the last leg of the trip. Winslow is the last transcontinental airfield.

It was during this same time, in 1926 when the famous Route 66 was near completion. It wasn't until 1937, before the entire stretch was paved. This road linked Chicago to California and went right through Winslow. Route 66 was the Mother Road, until 1954 when President Eisenhower established the President's Advisory Committee on a National Highway Program.

After that, the route was slowly dismantled and the construction of newer and better interstate roads began. Many towns were passed by. This affected Winslow, which was a popular stopover on Route 66. People began bypassing the town.

Soon both the railroad and highway became less popular means of transportation. This caused fewer and fewer people to visit Winslow.
Winslow received a boost in mid 1900's, when the song “Take It Easy” by the Eagles hit the charts. The song had a verse that said “Standin' on a corner in Winslow, Arizona ”. This phrase became a draw to the town. Today, Winslow has built a park in honor of the song. There is also a place where visitors can stand and get their picture standing on the corner in Winslow, Arizona .

Today Winslow has a diversified economy including tourism, manufacturing, trade and transportation. Winslow is using its nostalgia to encourage a trip into town.

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