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61-737: They are very distinctive historic landmarks. Two of the three surviving motels are located on historic U.S. Route 66 : in Holbrook, Arizona , and in San Bernardino , California. All three of the surviving motels are listed on the National Register of Historic Places : the Wigwam Motel in Cave City, Kentucky , was listed in 1988 under the official designation of Wigwam Village #2; the Wigwam Motel in Arizona

122-463: A Tee Pee Motel. In the 2006 Pixar film Cars , one of the characters Sally Carrera runs a "newly refurbished" neon-lit motel that is clearly inspired by Wigwam Village #6. The motel is called the Cozy Cone Motel, and each room is fashioned as a traffic cone . In 2012 a digitally altered image of Wigwam Village #6 appeared in an advertisement for Microtel Inn and Suites . Wigwam number 1 of

183-408: A cold desert climate ( BWk ) with cold to cool winters and hot summers. Although the mean snowfall is 0.16 metres (6.30 in), the median is zero, so the majority of winters do not have measurable snow. There are high diurnal temperature variations year-round. As of the census of 2000, there were 4,917 people, 1,626 households, and 1,195 families residing in the city. The population density

244-408: A cold desert climate ( BWk ) with cold to cool winters and hot summers. Although the mean snowfall is 0.16 metres (6.30 in), the median is zero, so the majority of winters do not have measurable snow. There are high diurnal temperature variations year-round. As of the census of 2000, there were 4,917 people, 1,626 households, and 1,195 families residing in the city. The population density

305-431: A semicircle . In the center is a much bigger concrete and steel central structure that originally served as a restaurant, plus a common area with playground, recreation space, and pavilion. Each wigwam has a paved pad to accommodate one car. The restaurant is no longer in operation, but the motel is still open. The diameter at the base of each tipi is 14 feet (4.3 m), and they are 32 feet (9.8 m) in height. Behind

366-471: A 10 feet (3 m) wide wagon road. The area was known as Navajo Springs , after a spring a dozen miles northeast of Holbrook. Soon afterwards a store and saloon were established at the confluence of the Rio Puerco and Little Colorado Rivers two miles east of Holbrook, and the area became known as Horsehead Crossing. In 1876, Mormons emigrated from Utah and began settlements near Horsehead Crossing on both

427-403: A base for what seems to be another never-completed wigwam in the back of the property. A central building is currently used as an office, with a lobby that is open 24 hours a day. There is also a swimming pool, a large grass front and palm trees surround the property. The property had become very run down and rooms were rented by the hour, aggravated by a sign advertising "Do it in a Tee Pee" that

488-599: A cow-town. The Hashknife Outfit hired cowboys, many of whom were wanted men hiding from arrest. Rustling of cattle and horses over two million acres plagued the Hashknife Outfit. With cowmen, sheepmen, farmers, rustlers and outlaws competing for the same land, a range war ensued, called both the Pleasant Valley War and the Tonto Basin War. It likely killed as many men as any of the western range wars. Many of

549-406: A franchise. The address of the motel is Rialto, California , but the motel is physically located in San Bernardino . It is on the boundary between the two cities on historic Route 66 , with an address of 2728 East Foothill Boulevard, Rialto, California. Unlike the one arch of wigwams in other surviving villages, Village #7 has a double row of wigwam guest rooms. They total 20 in number, as well as

610-439: A gas station on the complex. The individual units are called "wigwams", not "rooms" or " tepees " or "cabins". The units are numbered from 1 to 16, (there is no 13 ). The base diameter is 14 feet (4.3 m), with each unit 32 feet (9.8 m) in height. Behind the main room of each unit is a small bathroom with sink, toilet and shower. Current rooms contain the original restored hickory furniture, two double beds, satellite TV and

671-602: A half-dozen feet (2 m) away. Owens single-handedly taking on four men made him a western legend rivaling the Earp Brothers and Texas John Slaughter as lawmen of the Old West. Holbrook was known as "the town too tough for women and churches" and in 1914 was said to be the only county seat in the U.S. that didn't have a church (the Mormons had moved 25 miles (40 km) south to Snowflake and Taylor). The original railroad station

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732-445: A half-dozen feet (2 m) away. Owens single-handedly taking on four men made him a western legend rivaling the Earp Brothers and Texas John Slaughter as lawmen of the Old West. Holbrook was known as "the town too tough for women and churches" and in 1914 was said to be the only county seat in the U.S. that didn't have a church (the Mormons had moved 25 miles (40 km) south to Snowflake and Taylor). The original railroad station

793-406: A separate wigwam constructed to resemble a horseshoe shape, with four additional wigwams, likely housing offices and a restaurant. A pool was located in the middle of the lot. Village #4 claimed to be "Orlando's largest and finest Motel." Village #4 was razed in 1974, and replaced with a Days Inn . The only part of the original design that survived was the swimming pool. An attempt to save some of

854-532: A window-mounted air conditioner. In keeping with the authenticity of the restoration, there are no telephones or ice machine. Vintage restored automobiles from the 1960s and earlier are located throughout the parking area. Small green metal benches etched with the words "Wigwam Village #6" are scattered throughout the complex as well. Lewis operated the motel until closing it in 1974 when Interstate 40 bypassed downtown Holbrook. Two years after his death in 1986, sons Clifton and Paul Lewis and daughter Elinor renovated

915-614: Is a city in Navajo County , Arizona , United States. According to the 2010 census , the population of the city was 5,053. The city is the county seat of Navajo County. Holbrook was founded in 1881 or 1882, when the railroad was built, and named to honor the first chief engineer of the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad , Henry Randolph Holbrook. The Holbrook area was inhabited first by the Ancestral Puebloans , then Puebloans , then

976-599: Is located in Holbrook. Greyhound Lines serves Holbrook on its Los Angeles-New York line. White Mountain Connection, operated by the City of Show Low connects Holbrook with Show Low. Holbrook is a junction between Interstate 40 , U.S. Route 180 , and Arizona State Route 77 . Arizona State Route 377 meets Arizona State Route 77 at the southern edge of Holbrook. Holbrook, Arizona Holbrook ( Navajo : Tʼiisyaakin )

1037-580: Is still on site in the back. The complex underwent renovation, for which the National Historic Route 66 Federation awarded the Cyrus Avery Award in 2005. Attention to detail was the main focus during renovation, as the wigwams lost their zigzag pattern. Since 2012, the motel has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places . The Tee Pee Motel in Wharton, Texas near Houston , which

1098-499: The Hashknife Outfit . It leased another million acres of government land and became one of the largest cattle ranches to ever exist. Holbrook became its headquarters and quickly grew into a cow-town. The Hashknife Outfit hired cowboys, many of whom were wanted men hiding from arrest. Rustling of cattle and horses over two million acres plagued the Hashknife Outfit. With cowmen, sheepmen, farmers, rustlers and outlaws competing for

1159-648: The Hopis to the Grand Canyon . After the Mexican–American War ended in 1848 the area was ceded to the United States. From 1851 to 1857 the U.S. Army sent three expeditions along the 35th parallel, the third led by Lt. Beale who created a 10 feet (3 m) wide wagon road. The area was known as Navajo Springs , after a spring a dozen miles northeast of Holbrook. Soon afterwards a store and saloon were established at

1220-486: The Little Colorado some 25 miles (40 km) east of Holbrook and found a wonderland of colors they named "El Desierto Pintada" – The Painted Desert. The expedition was then led by the Hopis to the Grand Canyon . After the Mexican–American War ended in 1848 the area was ceded to the United States. From 1851 to 1857 the U.S. Army sent three expeditions along the 35th parallel, the third led by Lt. Beale who created

1281-569: The Navajo and Apache . In 1540 Coronado searched for the Seven Cities of Cibola and camped some 60 miles (100 km) east of Holbrook. Coronado sent an expedition west to find the Colorado River , and they crossed the Little Colorado some 25 miles (40 km) east of Holbrook and found a wonderland of colors they named "El Desierto Pintada" – The Painted Desert. The expedition was then led by

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1342-582: The Painted Desert ) a National Monument in 1906. Holbrook was incorporated in 1917. Most of the Beale Wagon Road became Route 66 in 1926 and passed through both the Petrified Forest and Holbrook. Tourism started taking over the economy. Arizona is famous for its huge Meteor Crater , but Holbrook also witnessed its own small meteor event. In the evening of July 19, 1912, a smoke trail appeared in

1403-408: The Painted Desert ) a National Monument in 1906. Holbrook was incorporated in 1917. Most of the Beale Wagon Road became Route 66 in 1926 and passed through both the Petrified Forest and Holbrook. Tourism started taking over the economy. Arizona is famous for its huge Meteor Crater , but Holbrook also witnessed its own small meteor event. In the evening of July 19, 1912, a smoke trail appeared in

1464-520: The swastika , at the time a symbol associated with Native Americans or often worn as a good-luck charm. Seven Wigwam Villages were built between 1933 and 1949. The first Wigwam Village was built in 1933 by Frank A. Redford. It was located on the corner of US-31E and Hwy 218 in Horse Cave, Kentucky . The central building and gas pumps are visible on undated postcards. Six more wigwams were built to be used as guest rooms. Village #1 closed in 1935 when

1525-462: The Blevins brothers alone, knowing there would likely be a shootout. He went to the Blevins' house, which still stands, knocked on the door, and when Blevins asked what he wanted, announced he'd come to arrest him. Blevins resisted arrest and a shootout occurred. Blevins, two brothers, a friend, and Blevins' horse were shot; all died, except one brother. Owens emerged unscathed, despite being shot at from

1586-412: The Blevins brothers alone, knowing there would likely be a shootout. He went to the Blevins' house, which still stands, knocked on the door, and when Blevins asked what he wanted, announced he'd come to arrest him. Blevins resisted arrest and a shootout occurred. Blevins, two brothers, a friend, and Blevins' horse were shot; all died, except one brother. Owens emerged unscathed, despite being shot at from

1647-477: The Golden Dream", included in her 1968 collection Slouching Towards Bethlehem . Holbrook, Arizona Holbrook ( Navajo : Tʼiisyaakin ) is a city in Navajo County , Arizona , United States. According to the 2010 census , the population of the city was 5,053. The city is the county seat of Navajo County. Holbrook was founded in 1881 or 1882, when the railroad was built, and named to honor

1708-495: The Holbrook, Arizona, Wigwam Village #6 was featured in the second episode of Oprah and Gayle's Big Adventures on The Oprah Winfrey Show . Wigwam Village #6 is featured in the 1991 movie The Dark Wind , based on the 1982 Tony Hillerman novel of the same name . Wigwam Village #7 is featured in Bobcat Goldthwait 's 2011 black comedy film God Bless America . Joan Didion mentions #7 in her essay "Some Dreamers of

1769-548: The Little Colorado and Rio Puerco rivers. During 1881 and 1882, railroad tracks were laid down and a railroad station was built to supply wood and water and to freight supplies south to Fort Apache . The community was then named Holbrook after the first engineer of the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad . The railroad sold a million acres to a Boston investment group which established the Aztec Land and Cattle Company , better known as

1830-420: The age of 18 living with them, 52.3% were married couples living together, 16.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.5% were non-families. Of all households 22.6% were made up of individuals, and 6.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.93 and the average family size was 3.47. In the city, the population was spread out, with 35.7% under

1891-420: The age of 18 living with them, 52.3% were married couples living together, 16.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.5% were non-families. Of all households 22.6% were made up of individuals, and 6.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.93 and the average family size was 3.47. In the city, the population was spread out, with 35.7% under

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1952-459: The age of 18, 9.3% from 18 to 24, 26.5% from 25 to 44, 19.8% from 45 to 64, and 8.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 30 years. For every 100 females, there were 90.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.7 males. The median income for a household in the city was $ 31,746, and the median income for a family was $ 36,349. Males had a median income of $ 30,797 versus $ 24,088 for females. The per capita income for

2013-459: The age of 18, 9.3% from 18 to 24, 26.5% from 25 to 44, 19.8% from 45 to 64, and 8.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 30 years. For every 100 females, there were 90.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.7 males. The median income for a household in the city was $ 31,746, and the median income for a family was $ 36,349. Males had a median income of $ 30,797 versus $ 24,088 for females. The per capita income for

2074-486: The city was $ 13,912. About 16.6% of families and 20.1% of the population were below the poverty line , including 25.7% of those under age 18 and 3.2% of those age 65 or over. The city is served by the Holbrook Unified School District and serves 2324 students. Three elementary schools: Park Elementary School (K–2) and Hulet Elementary School (3–5) serve the city and Indian Wells Elementary (K–6) serves

2135-412: The city was $ 13,912. About 16.6% of families and 20.1% of the population were below the poverty line , including 25.7% of those under age 18 and 3.2% of those age 65 or over. The city is served by the Holbrook Unified School District and serves 2324 students. Three elementary schools: Park Elementary School (K–2) and Hulet Elementary School (3–5) serve the city and Indian Wells Elementary (K–6) serves

2196-449: The confluence of the Rio Puerco and Little Colorado Rivers two miles east of Holbrook, and the area became known as Horsehead Crossing. In 1876, Mormons emigrated from Utah and began settlements near Horsehead Crossing on both the Little Colorado and Rio Puerco rivers. During 1881 and 1882, railroad tracks were laid down and a railroad station was built to supply wood and water and to freight supplies south to Fort Apache . The community

2257-618: The event as the loudest sound she ever heard. The largest piece of the Holbrook Meteorite that has been recovered was found shortly after. It weighs 14.5 pounds (6.6 kg) and resides at Arizona State University in Tempe. The Holbrook meteorite was found to be of the chondrite (stony) type. According to the United States Census Bureau , the city has a total area of 15.4 square miles (40 km ), all land. Holbrook has

2318-440: The event as the loudest sound she ever heard. The largest piece of the Holbrook Meteorite that has been recovered was found shortly after. It weighs 14.5 pounds (6.6 kg) and resides at Arizona State University in Tempe. The Holbrook meteorite was found to be of the chondrite (stony) type. According to the United States Census Bureau , the city has a total area of 15.4 square miles (40 km ), all land. Holbrook has

2379-567: The events that played out during the Pleasant Valley War up to 1887 occurred in and around Holbrook, including the famous Holbrook Shootout . On September 4, 1887, Commodore Perry Owens , the Apache County Sheriff, came to Holbrook to arrest Andy Blevins, a.k.a. Andy Cooper, for horse theft. Blevins had also recently bragged about killing two men and had killed many more, including two lawmen. Sheriff Owens insisted on confronting

2440-409: The first chief engineer of the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad , Henry Randolph Holbrook. The Holbrook area was inhabited first by the Ancestral Puebloans , then Puebloans , then the Navajo and Apache . In 1540 Coronado searched for the Seven Cities of Cibola and camped some 60 miles (100 km) east of Holbrook. Coronado sent an expedition west to find the Colorado River , and they crossed

2501-427: The historic Route 66, at 811 West Hopi Drive in Holbrook, Arizona . Nearby places of interest include Petrified Forest National Park , Meteor Crater (Barringer Crater), and the Grand Canyon . The plans for this motel were based on the original of Frank A. Redford. Lewis first became aware of the distinctive wigwam designs when passing through Cave City in 1938. He purchased the rights to Redford's design, as well as

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2562-450: The main room of each unit is a small bathroom with sink, toilet, and shower. In 2008, the rooms contain the original restored hickory furniture and a window-mounted air conditioner. There are no telephones to maintain the original atmosphere of the motel, but the rooms do have cable TV and internet access. Wigwam Village #2 is listed in the National Register of Historic Places . It achieved this status on March 16, 1988. This wigwam village

2623-469: The motel before reopening it in 1988. The Lewis family continues to run and maintain Wigwam Village #6. Near the registration desk is a small room that contains much of Chester Lewis's memorabilia, including a collection of petrified wood. Wigwam Village #6 has been listed in the National Register of Historic Places since May 2, 2002. Frank Redford built this complex for himself in 1947–49 and not as

2684-468: The nearby Wigwam Village #2 was opened, but operated under different names until it was eventually abandoned; it was razed in 1982. Wigwam Village #2 was built in 1937 on U.S. Route 31W in Cave City, Kentucky , close to Mammoth Cave National Park and a few miles south of the original Wigwam Village #1. The address is 601 North Dixie Hwy, Cave City, Kentucky. ( 37°08'43.0"N, 85°56'43.8"W ) It consists of 15 wigwams used as guest rooms that are arranged in

2745-636: The northern parts of the school district. Holbrook Junior High School (6–8) and Holbrook High School (9–12) serve the city. A portion of Holbrook's land is in the Joseph City Unified School District . One of the four main campuses of Northland Pioneer College community college is located in Holbrook. The other three main campuses are in Show Low , Snowflake , and Winslow , all in Navajo County, Arizona. The Holbrook Public Library

2806-453: The northern parts of the school district. Holbrook Junior High School (6–8) and Holbrook High School (9–12) serve the city. A portion of Holbrook's land is in the Joseph City Unified School District . One of the four main campuses of Northland Pioneer College community college is located in Holbrook. The other three main campuses are in Show Low , Snowflake , and Winslow , all in Navajo County, Arizona. The Holbrook Public Library

2867-460: The right to use the name "Wigwam Village," in a novel royalty agreement: coin-operated radios would be installed in Lewis's Wigwam Village, and every dime inserted for 30 minutes of play would be sent to Redford as payment. The motel is arranged as a square, with 15 concrete and steel wigwams on three sides and the main office on the fourth, flanked by two smaller sized wigwams; there was also originally

2928-611: The same land, a range war ensued, called both the Pleasant Valley War and the Tonto Basin War. It likely killed as many men as any of the western range wars. Many of the events that played out during the Pleasant Valley War up to 1887 occurred in and around Holbrook, including the famous Holbrook Shootout . On September 4, 1887, Commodore Perry Owens , the Apache County Sheriff, came to Holbrook to arrest Andy Blevins, a.k.a. Andy Cooper, for horse theft. Blevins had also recently bragged about killing two men and had killed many more, including two lawmen. Sheriff Owens insisted on confronting

2989-432: The sky and soon after, at 7:15 p.m., a meteorite with an estimated mass of 190 kilograms (419 pounds) exploded high in the atmosphere. An estimated 16,000 or more minor fragments rained down over Navajo County in an area approximately 6 miles (10 km) east of Holbrook. The primary explosion was heard at least 40 miles (60 km) away, and one of the witnesses in Holbrook, then 17-year-old Pauline McCleve, described

3050-432: The sky and soon after, at 7:15 p.m., a meteorite with an estimated mass of 190 kilograms (419 pounds) exploded high in the atmosphere. An estimated 16,000 or more minor fragments rained down over Navajo County in an area approximately 6 miles (10 km) east of Holbrook. The primary explosion was heard at least 40 miles (60 km) away, and one of the witnesses in Holbrook, then 17-year-old Pauline McCleve, described

3111-454: The steel, lath, and plaster of Redford's original design, the Village #5 structures were made of steel, wood, and felt, then covered in canvas and treated with linseed oil. Village #5 went out of business in 1964, and was demolished after falling into ruin, although the restaurant reportedly stood until 1970. Arizona motel owner Chester E. Lewis built this Wigwam Village in 1950. It is located on

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3172-864: The taxes on the property were not paid. Then, in July 2003, Bryon Woods, a diesel mechanic , won the Texas Lottery . At his wife's urging, Woods bought the property. Modern conveniences were added, and the Tee Pee Motel reopened for business in October 2006. In March 2012 the motel was the site of a large drugs seizure. It closed in 2017, due to flood damage from Hurricane Harvey . Similar motels also stood in San Antonio , Port Neches , and Corsicana , Texas. The motels and their imitators have been parodied many times. Rockstar's 2004 Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas game contains

3233-474: The tipis by using a helicopter to airlift them to a YMCA Summer Camp failed, as they were too heavy to move. A 330-room Vacation Lodge now sits on the site. The Wigwam Village #5 was built in 1940 in Bessemer, Alabama . It was located 4 miles (6.4 km) north of downtown Bessemer, on U.S. Route 11 , and included 15 guest cabins, arranged in a semicircle around the restaurant, restrooms, and offices. Rather than

3294-442: Was 318.4 inhabitants per square mile (122.9/km ). There were 1,906 housing units at an average density of 123.4 per square mile (47.6/km ). The racial makeup of the city was 59.3% White, 24.0% Native American, 2.4% Black or African American, 1.0% Asian, 8.4% from other races, and 4.9% from two or more races. 23.4% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. There were 1,626 households, out of which 40.7% had children under

3355-442: Was 318.4 inhabitants per square mile (122.9/km ). There were 1,906 housing units at an average density of 123.4 per square mile (47.6/km ). The racial makeup of the city was 59.3% White, 24.0% Native American, 2.4% Black or African American, 1.0% Asian, 8.4% from other races, and 4.9% from two or more races. 23.4% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. There were 1,626 households, out of which 40.7% had children under

3416-538: Was built in 1940, on U.S. Route 61 in Metairie , a suburb of New Orleans, Louisiana. It included a restaurant, cocktail bar, souvenir shop, and Esso service station. Village #3 went out of business in 1954, leaving little documentation behind. Wigwam Village #4 was built in 1948, and was located at 700 S. Orange Blossom Trail . The builder, Jerry Kinsley, later served as mayor of Edgewood, Florida . This relatively large wigwam village consisted of 27 guest rooms, each in

3477-541: Was built in 1942 by George and Toppie Belcher; George Belcher had the idea while on vacation in Wyoming . It is not of the same design nor heritage as the Wigwam Motels; each of the tipis at the Tee Pee Motel are of different shapes, and line up in a straight line. The Belchers sold the motel in 1955, and it had been in disrepair for decades. A man named Dan Ryan bought it in 1995, but subsequent attempts to locate him failed, and

3538-516: Was listed as Wigwam Village #6 in 2002; and the Wigwam Motel in California was listed in 2012 as Wigwam Village #7. Frank A. Redford developed the Village after adding tipi-shaped motel units around a museum-shop he had built to house his collection of Native American artifacts. He applied for a patent on the ornamental design of the buildings on December 17, 1935, and was granted Design Patent 98,617 on February 18, 1936. The original drawing includes

3599-573: Was replaced by the Santa Fe Depot in 1892. Navajo County was divided off of Apache County in 1895 and Holbrook became the county seat. Many lawmen and cowboys from the area became Rough Riders with Theodore Roosevelt in the late 1800s. But by 1902, The Hashknife Outfit was bankrupt and the land was sold to the Babbitt brothers. President Roosevelt named the Petrified Forest (including part of

3660-409: Was replaced by the Santa Fe Depot in 1892. Navajo County was divided off of Apache County in 1895 and Holbrook became the county seat. Many lawmen and cowboys from the area became Rough Riders with Theodore Roosevelt in the late 1800s. But by 1902, The Hashknife Outfit was bankrupt and the land was sold to the Babbitt brothers. President Roosevelt named the Petrified Forest (including part of

3721-412: Was then named Holbrook after the first engineer of the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad . The railroad sold a million acres to a Boston investment group which established the Aztec Land and Cattle Company , better known as the Hashknife Outfit . It leased another million acres of government land and became one of the largest cattle ranches to ever exist. Holbrook became its headquarters and quickly grew into

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