The Ash Fork Bainbridge Steel Dam (built in 1898), the first large steel dam in the world and only one of 3 built in the United States, lies less than a mile off a long forgotten Route 66 alignment near Ash Fork, Arizona. A half mile to the east stands Ash Fork Stone Dam, built in 1911. Both were constructed by the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad to create a reservoir used to power steam locomotives. Both dams seem untouched by time, minus the corrugated sheet metal backing on the Steel Dam (designed to keep visitors out) which has, for the most part, deteriorated and fallen away. The dams are accessible on the .35 mi. "Stone to Steel Trail," dedicated in 2016, and marked by charming metal signs created by a welding class and pretty stone benches. The trailhead kiosk has several photographs along with information about the creation of the trail, which was obviously done with a great deal of care and enjoyment by volunteers. The dams are also accessible by rough dirt r