Sites of Latinx Joy, Resistance & Grief on California Rt. 66

Route 66’s creation, redirection, and decommissioning deeply impacted Latinx communities. In California, it divided areas like El Serano, Duarte, and Highland Park, disrupting established neighborhoods. Later, interstates echoed this divide, reshaping these communities again.

Latinx-serving cemeteries along Route 66 hold deep historical significance, preserving the stories of ancestors who built our world. Communities honor their legacy by maintaining these spaces, blending history with care for those who have passed and their families.

Latinx cemeteries hold rich histories, like Daggett Pioneer and Agua Mansa Pioneer  Cemetery in San Bernardino. Despite flooding that sank graves, tech helped locate them. Now landmarks, community and museum efforts preserve these spaces, honoring ancestors and their stories.

In San Bernardino, Día de los Muertos blends grief and celebration. Local events feature food vendors, artisans, and performers, creating spaces to honor ancestors. Ofrendas and unique traditions highlight how Latinx communities preserve history while celebrating life and memory.

"I need to go to my home and invest in the shared identity that we have here in San Bernardino... because it needed it, I saw how the draw of history makes people kind of, come together and, and really steward their place well, right?"

On Olvera Street, Latinx joy and resistance thrive through small businesses and community events. Fitness classes at La Plaza and celebrations uplift the community, showing pride in culture and resilience. Along Route 66, spaces like this honor Latinx history and future.

"Take white privilege out of the way we interpret the criteria for designation so that it makes room to designate places that don't meet those traditional criteria. So we can recognize cultural places that have not been treated well."

We thank the numerous members of our community who let us interview them, speak with them on sites, and share their networks with us. Through the theme of resistance, we’d like to emphasize that there is still work to be done to bring equity to the Latinx community.

There is more work to be done in relation to Latinx Historic Preservation. Here at Latinos in Heritage Conservation, we work to preserve and amplify Latinx heritage through the Abuelas Project. Click here to explore our Route 66 and California StoryMap!