Needles is located at the borders of California and Arizona on the west bank of the Colorado River; once serving as an important transportation hub in California. During the mid-1800s; the steamboat trade flourished here as gold; silver; goods; and passengers were transported along the Colorado River. The Atlantic and Pacific Railroad; now known as the Santa Fe; replaced the steamboats when tracks were laid through the area starting in 1883. The charter city was founded in 1913. America�s �Mother Road;� Route 66; built through downtown Needles in 1926; spurred growth as new businesses opened to serve travelers. Needles was named for its striking rock formations and is famous for its summer temperatures; but it is ultimately known and remembered as a living icon of an early 20th century town on historic Route 66.
#1121199 in eBooks 2011-04-25 2011-04-25File Name: B0099UH93S
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Great overview of Sams Castle from beginning to the present dayBy CustomerRead this for the entire history of Sams Castle in preparation for a visit I did there in early September. This was a great overview of the major events/eras of the people who lived in and visited Sams Castle. The photos are very nice. as they always are in something published by Arcadia. Reading Sams Castle made me want to know more about the region. and thats a sign of a good book. when it spurs me to expand my initial interest.I also had the chance to meet Bridget Oates. She is a very nice person. Congratulations. Bridget. on putting together such a great book! I look forward to reading your future works.5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. Hidden Gems in the Bay Area: Short SweetBy Bluntside ChicAs Ive gotten a little older (older than 25 is all Ill say) and more settled. Ive been interested in the history of San Francisco and surrounding areas. After being in the Bay Area for over 10 years. I thought I heard all the tales of the quirkiness of the area. but I was wrong. Bridget Oates Sams Castle is wonderful read full of the back story of this curious place (that you can rent for special events now. apparently). It makes you want to immediately hop in a car and drive to the place.If youre a fan of folklore and of understanding whats the story of that place up there. get this book. Bridgets writing takes you through time so seamlessly you can smell the Pacific Ocean in Pacifica where Sams Castle is. Its a quick read. perfect for a day at the park or lazy Sunday.The pictures feel authentic (not sure if you can find them anywhere else but in this book) and the level of research that must have gone into this book is apparent by the fluidity of the authors description of the times. It really feels like youre a voyager on a journey back in time.I wish there was a book about more hidden gems in San Francisco written as well as this one.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Explains the Mystery of a Childhood CuriosityBy Deb WongGrowing up in Pacifica. this mysterious fortress loomed on the horizon - what was the story there? We could see it from the highway. and later when I attended Oceana H.S.. I would often hike up the hill during my lunch hour. and peek through the gates of the Castle. I saw enough to be tantalized - statues. glimpses of chandeliers. etc.. but never received any definitive answers about its history. as the castle was uninhabited during that time (late 1960s-70s). "Sams Castle" finally explains so much about "our" castle. and the stories are as wild as I thought they would be. I expected the rum-running and the parties (these had often been reported in our local paper. the Pacifica Tribune. and before that. the News-Call Bulletin). However. there were other surprises that I wont go into. in case you want to read it for yourself. Bridget Oates weaves the story seamlessly. with clear and detailed photos; there were many "Aha!" moments for me. I think that the book will interest anyone who enjoys mysteries and unique Americana. like Sams Castle.
