Desert Center: The Rise and Fall of an Abandoned Desert Pioneer Town

[@WorldCommander]

In mid-late '70s, I'd stop in to the cafe for some coffee and great apple pie when I worked at Eagle Mountain. It was a beautiful, fun little place, great folks.

[@chrisackerley1842]

Thank you for telling the story of Desert Steve Ragsdale and Desert Center. I am familiar with much of the story from having read every issue of the old Desert Magazine, as well as Randall Henderson's books. One minor point that you didn't touch upon is that Desert Steve was a truly gifted yarn-teller, regardless of the truth of the yarn! On a number of occasions he won the liar's contest held yearly at Borrego Springs from the 1940's until the 1970's. Also, in his older years Desert Steve kept the numerous artifacts and documents he had collected throughout his long life in a cabin situated on land he owned at Groendyke Well. Ragsdale's collection, which included many priceless and irreplaceable documents from the pioneer era and even some artifacts from the Jayhawker Expedition, was destroyed in and arson-started fire in the 1960's. What a tragedy.

[@michaelgreen9484]

This location is popular for photo shoots and commercials. I have had the privilege to be there for many commercial shoots, but I didn’t know the history. Thank you for an excellent video.

[@stephenmiller5023]

As I’ve passed through that area many times now I always wondered about the “ behind the scenes story “ of that place. I had heard of “ Desert Steve “ ,and due to the fact that I am also sometimes called that by my buddies , really felt somewhat of a connection . Great Piece of history here , and if anyone who sees this is fortunate enough to visit that area and do some exploration, there’s a pretty awesome stone “ monument” that bears an homage to him out in middle of nowhere . It’s sad to see what has become of all of it though as far as the Cafe & service station & truck stop has all become . 😕. I find it hard to believe most decay has happened in only 10-15 years now , but there’s hope someone with a vision and some serious capital will raise up that town from its “ Ashes “ like a Phoenix bird , and make it great again . Thanks for sharing this story with us . C-ya 😎👍

[@mobiltec]

I remember getting stuck there for a few days becuase we could only buy 5 gallons of gas per day and it was also even/odd day sales. So we each bought 5 gallons and just kinda camped out for a couple of nights. Two days later we were able to buy 5 more gallons and leave. The cafe and market were open then. We used both. I have photos somewhere.

[@JM1701ABCD]

@@mobiltec I love your Mojave Road video from years ago when you started the trip at Motel 6 with your pup!

[@mobiltec]

@@JM1701ABCD We did it again in 2016. And that time I finished the road. Go take a look.

[@1catfishuntermiller753]

Awesome story ❤

[@rrl4245]

Passed it many times driving between Phoenix and LA. Always wondered why it died... Thanks

[@aired-downdisconnected4125]

Great video. 👍 May I recommend "The Teddy Bear" truck stop outside Tooele Utah. Always wanted to know it's history.

[@Jeff-g7m]

I once ran out of gas and had been confident that I could get a refill at Desert Center. To my disappointment, it had just closed permanently. Fortunately, I had enough fumes to make it to Blythe.

[@jamesarnett4129]

Oklahoma to palm spring twice a year, always stop at desert center going and coming

[@dougtodd305]

I used to go there in the 1970s ,I thought it would be a good place to retire.

[@williamtheconqueror2275]

Great video I was just in Desert Center a few months back exploring around the café. I had no idea the history behind it. I would like to see a video on Eagle Mountain the city right next to it Great video I was just in Desert Center a few months back exploring around the café. I had no idea the history behind it. I would like to see a video on Eagle Mountain the city right next to it that Kaiser built. 👍👍

[@Desertusa]

I did one a few years ago and plan to update it soon. Here's a link kzbin.info/www/bejne/o3OZhH-epJV5oa8

[@DT-sb9sv]

Camp Coxcomb was the Military Base North of Desert Center. The Chuckwalla Raceway is on the old WW2 Airfield. The WW2 Field Hospital is just west of Desert Center. They really do need to have a Truck Stop there. I worked on the solar fields that were built there. There is a remote abandoned compound out there that has a sign 'Rancho Manson'. I've been trying to find out if it was one of Charles Manson's hideouts, but can't find any information on it.

[@seelypratt]

If a place has power and water it is not abandoned.

[@Pushyhog]

more maps , and full explanations of where this is, & leave map up (old & current) so we don't hafta go search what u didn't do.

[@davefellhoelter1343]

My wife found some old dishes from the dinner couple years ago, now the whole place is gone. POST office may still be there?

[@bearchow1929]

Nice story. Would be nice to hire a serious professional researcher to do a version of it.

[@GoneRiding2025]

Long time ago I bought a brand new dodge Truck from Brad Ragsdale that could be his ancestor’s?

[@uwantsun]

Another Demon AI video. Is nothing real ever given over anymore?

[@terryballard4674]

I'm afraid AI is taking over everything. You'd think on videos that need narration, the guy who makes it could find one of 340,000,000 humans in the USA to do it!

[@backwoodsnomad1387]

Seems to be an AI account now. Sad. It was great.

[@JH_75]

Great history but I have to say that the tacky AI imagery is obvious and adds nothing to the content.