Bursting at it seams after the war, the base was expanded with the purchase of 2,000 acres from the Army in 1946. The 5,500 acre installation is now home to the military's largest rail facility, supporting troop rotations at the nearby National Training Center at Fort Irvin and other West Coast bases.
The strip of 66 asphalt there is not the only connection the Corps has with the historic highway, though. Both are linked through that really popular song"(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66," which musician Bobby Troupe wrote shortly after he left the Marines as a captain in 1946 while moving his family to Hollywood.
And, of course, there's the refrain which mentions Barstow.
These days, drivers heading west must get permission to pass through the base's front or back gates on the "highway that's the best."
But, new kiosks have been built by the gates which provide the history to visitors.
Just before veterans Day last month, the ceremony to dedicate the new six foot tall metal sculpture with the modified Eagle, Globe and Anchor (with the 66 shield) is in the middle of the base and civilians can't see it.
Oh Well. --RoadMarine
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