Ludlow is a small town in the Mojave Desert. In the 1880s, the Southern Pacific Railroad became involved in a high-stakes gamble to build tracks across the Mojave Desert and connect with the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad at Needles. As the tracks were laid, small stops were established along the route, including Ludlow Siding.
Ludlow served as a water stop for steam engines. Unfortunately, no usable water could be found in the area because the local supply was too mineralized for use in the engines. According to legend, while searching for water, Santa Fe Roadmaster John Suter found gold. The discovery of gold provided an economic boost for the small railroad stop.
Eventually, three railroads served the area. Between 1904 and 1910, the site produced an estimated $4.5 million in gold. By 1907, the town that had grown around the mining sites required a daily delivery of 16 railcars of water (170,000 gallons) for its residents and railroads.
The cost was $65 per railcar. Adjusted for inflation, that would be approximately $20,000 per day in today’s dollars to bring water to Ludlow. By the 1940s, local mining and railroad activity had ceased, but the town continued to serve travelers. When Route 66 was established, Ludlow residents moved the town’s main business district north to be closer to the new highway.
During the heyday of Route 66, Ludlow catered to tired travelers by providing gasoline, oil, meals and a place to rest as they passed through the desert. Today, the town continues its long tradition of serving desert travelers and tourists with two gas stations, a tire and repair shop, a small motel and a restaurant.
The information in this historical feature was originally part of a video series produced by the Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk’s office.
Additional County Update News – June 11, 2026
- Board actions, June 9
- Supervisors approve balanced 2026–27 budget, investing over $273 million in county priorities
- Water Safety Week: County Fire offers life-saving tips
- Protect your health and community as you celebrate the World Cup
- County Library celebrates reopening of Wrightwood Branch Library
- County offers tools to help homeowners add accessory dwelling units
- Learn to save a life: Office of Suicide Prevention expands training efforts
- Get ready to apply: SBC LevelUP Live FAQ session
- County office holiday closure
- Submit your Route 66 photos for a chance to win a San Bernardino County Regional Parks or Big Bear Alpine Zoo annual pass
- SBC Through Your Eyes: Lake Gregory Regional Park
- Submit your photos and videos of the county’s destinations, nature and cityscapes
- Things to do in San Bernardino County
- Pet of the Week: Zeek