On Thanksgiving Day 1927, Frank and Helen Bagley, along with their three sons, arrived in Twentynine Palms, where they established their homestead on 160 acres of rugged desert land. Their modest 18 x 18-foot garage soon evolved into the town's first general store, as local miners and fellow homesteaders began to rely on the Bagleys for essential supplies and services. Without their store, early residents had to travel at least 60 miles of winding dirt roads for even the most basic needs and the Bagley’s traveled as far as Riverside to purchase supplies to stock it.

This humble store came to be known as Bagley’s Market and became the heart of a growing community. The Plaza that developed around it quickly transformed into the social hub of Twentynine Palms, featuring a general store, gas station, post office, garage, ice plant, jail, blockyard, cafe, and tankhouse.

Bagley's Market was more than just a store; it was the lifeblood of the community, offering everything from apples to dynamite. It also provided notary services, housed the town’s first library, and operated the local telephone switchboard. The Bagleys' dedication to serving their neighbors laid the foundation for what would become the Historic Plaza, a place that continues to be a central part of our community’s identity.

Special thanks to the Twentynine Palms Historical Society for many of the images seen here.