Along one of the nation’s most iconic highways, Route 66, travelers from far and wide have taken part in Arizona’s history while trekking from Los Angeles to Chicago. Though much of Arizona’s stretch of Route 66 goes widely unused by the average traveler today thanks to the much more modern and efficient I-40 bypass route, the highway is still home to many relics of the past where curious travelers may still make a stop to reflect on the iconic imagery of the past. Two Guns, Arizona is one of many now vacant tourist stops on the trail of Route 66 that represents a small slice of Native American history.
Navajo Conflict
Two Guns, AZ is an offshoot of an existing ghost town called Canyon Diablo, which was home to a major conflict between the Navajo and Apache nations. While you might think that the name Two Guns was chosen to memorialize this old western confrontation, it was actually selected in honor of a local resident named Henry Miller, who preferred the nickname “Two Gun Miller.”
Tourism Empire
The area surrounding Two Guns was settled as travelers discovered that it was the ideal place to pass the canyon by wagon, and later by car. With the development of Route 66 through the early 20th century, Two Guns became a popular tourist stop complete with overnight accommodations, a gas station, souvenir shop, and even a zoo filled with mountain lions, panthers, and bobcats.
Ghost Town Legacy
While Two Guns was a convenient stop for travelers on Route 66, it did not survive the transition to the Interstate Highway System. Some buildings and original structures remain just a short distance from I-40, where drivers still stop to explore the nearly forgotten glory of what was once the nation’s greatest highway.
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This article is part of a series on Arizona’s Amazing Roadside Attractions
