Desert Center California | Abandoned and Destroyed

Desert Steve is known for founding and operating the small town of Desert Center, that is located between Indio and Blythe in the state of California. In 1921, he decided to move into the Chuckawalla Valley and start a way station for travelers on the rough and sandy road from Indio to Blythe. He called his place Desert Center, since it was about halfway between the two locations at the junction of today's Interstate 10 and State Route 177. Here, Desert Steve began a garage and service station, car towing business, and café, that was operated by his wife Lydia. He purchased a Model T truck and modified it to serve as a tow car. Steve also sold gasoline, that was pumped by hand from a 55-gallon drum. Despite of the remote location that was 50 miles from anything in any direction, the Ragsdale family prospered. The cafe was open 24 hours a day, drawing in customers with the tagline, “We lost our keys, we can’t close!”. Around 1950, Steve Ragsdale left Desert Center, living the rest of his days at his log cabin retreat near the summit of Santa Rosa Mountain. His sons, Stanley, Thurman, and Herbert, took over operations of Desert Center, and Stanley eventually purchased the town from his father. Stanley ran it for decades, adding a hamburger stand and the Stanco gasoline station. Don't forget to LIKE 👍 this video, SUBSCRIBE ❤️ to my channel so you will not miss other great videos that are coming soon! Also, LEAVE A COMMENT 📝 about what you think about this video and what you would like to see next... #desertcenter #ghosttown #driving #abandoned #urbexusa #desertsteve #california