The town of Goffs was founded in 1883. Originally named Blake after founder Isaac Blake, it was renamed Goffs in 1902 in order to be part of the alphabetical sidings along the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad (Amboy, Bristol, Cadiz, Danby, Essex, Fenner, Goffs, Homer, Isis, Java, etc). Goffs is geographically located on a high point in the transportation corridor, which made it a strategic location until Route 66 bypassed the town in 1931. In fact, the Santa Fe railroad continues to supply water to this town due to their past connections.
The Goffs Schoolhouse, which was built in 1914, was closed in 1937 following the construction of a new school in Essex. The Schoolhouse was restored in 1998 through the efforts of Dennis and Jo Ann Casebier and the Mojave Desert Heritage & Cultural Association, which continues to operate a museum there today. The Schoolhouse was placed on the National Register of Historic Places on October 11, 2001.
By Scott Piotrowski
For more information, contact the Mojave Desert Heritage and Cultural Association at www. MDHCA.org
While you are in Goffs, be sure to visit the remnants of Camp Ibis one of the World War II Desert Training Center Camps. Located east of Goffs just north of Route 66.