Four Miles East of Bagdad, March 22, 2026

It’s a riveting story of 19th century crime, violence, the railroad, racial tension, and injustice in the Mojave Desert of San Bernardino County, California. Steve Reyes has a diverse background that includes work in law enforcement and with courts. That made him the perfect person for unraveling and telling this fascinating story in his book, Four Miles East of Bagdad. Aside from a lively conversation about a desert oasis with a Route 66 connection we found time to talk about ghost towns, forgotten cemeteries in the desert, immigrants and 19th century railroad life in the Mojave Desert.  Today's program is sponsored in part by Roadrunner Lodge Motel, Two Lane America, Deana Nelson State Farm Insurance, Wagon Wheel Motel, Enchanted Trails Trading Post & RV Park, Gilligan's Route 66 Tours, and RouteTrip USA. It is also listener supported through Patreon.  Next week on Coffee With Jim, take the excitement of the Route 66 centennial, add a vintage 1973 Chrysler New Yorker, a passion for road trips, and a desire to honor the memory of an old friend, Hans Granberg, a Finnish Chrysler enthusiast. This is the perfect recipe for an epic once in a life time adventure. And it will make for a lively conversation. Invite your friends and join our conversation with Markku Jaakkola and Jacob Gilbert.