Joseph City, AZ

Joseph City was founded in 1876 by Mormons. It originally was called Allen City, but the name was changed in 1878 to St Joseph after the Mormon profit Joseph Smith. In 1923, the name was changed to Joseph City so it would not be confused with St Joseph, MO. It is the oldest Mormon town in Arizona.

The entrance to Joseph City follows a line of aging pre-fab buildings and even older homes and businesses. There are a bunch of abandoned bars and road houses showing that Joseph City may have Rocked Out in its day.

There is a small building with a Route 66 sign with a local map featuring Betty Boop and a Harley-Davidson shield. It used to be a boutique, and although it is well maintained, it is now closed. Even so, it makes a good photo op.

Next stop is the famous "Here It Is" Jackrabbit Trading Post five miles West of Joseph City on the way to Winslow. It once had billboards all over Route 66 with nothing but a silluette of a giant rabbit. When you get there, you'll find that billboard with "Here it Is" printed beside it. There also is a giant fiberglass rabbit with a saddle that is good for photo ops.

It was founded in 1949 by Jim Taylor and his wife. The Taylors leased the business out for most of the years they owned it. It has changed hands several times.

The Jackrabbit has seen better days. Gas is no longer sold and on my last stop the restrooms were out of order. It doesn't matter: no Route 66 trip is complete without stopping here, at least for a few snap shots.