Bowlin's Old Crater Trading Post, Former trading post on Route 66 in Bluewater, United States.
Bowlin's Old Crater Trading Post is a former roadside commerce building in Bluewater that features adobe-style construction with wooden beam details and Native American artwork on its exterior walls. The structure was built to serve travelers moving through New Mexico along Route 66.
Claude Bowlin established the first structure at this site in 1936 and built a larger replacement in 1954 to handle the surge in Route 66 traffic. The building's importance declined when the Interstate system rerouted travelers away from the old highway.
The establishment supported Native American artisans by exclusively selling authentic crafts and providing educational materials to help visitors identify genuine pieces.
The location sits along the historic Route 66 corridor and is accessible when traveling through the area. Keep in mind that the building no longer operates as an active business and is now repurposed for other uses.
The building earned a place on the National Register of Historic Places in 2006, acknowledging its role in Route 66 trading history. This recognition honored its position within the broader story of American roadside commerce.
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