Hackberry, Arizona, is a small, unincorporated community nestled along the historic U.S. Route 66 in Mohave County. Founded in 1874 as a silver mining town, it derived its name from the Hackberry Mine, itself named after a nearby hackberry tree. The town flourished during the mining boom but faced decline as ore deposits dwindled and ownership disputes arose. The arrival of Route 66 in 1926 brought renewed vitality, with Hackberry serving as a popular stopover for travelers. However, the construction of Interstate 40 in 1978 bypassed the town, leading to economic downturn and near abandonment.
Today, Hackberry is renowned for the Hackberry General Store, a nostalgic emblem of Route 66’s heyday. Established in 1934 as the Northside Grocery and Conoco gas station, the store closed in 1978 following the town’s decline. In 1992, Route 66 artist Bob Waldmire revitalized the store, transforming it into a visitor center and souvenir shop that celebrates the spirit of the “Mother Road.” Waldmire sold the store in 1998, but the subsequent owners have preserved its charm.
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