From the late 1800’s to the 1930’s, rail travel was considered the transportation of choice, and Fred Harvey established a string of dining rooms and boarding houses for Santa Fe passengers. In 1911, he opened the million dollar Casa Del Desierto, which was considered for many years one of the jewels of the Harvey House system. Dining featured gourmet cuisine on fine china and quality drink served in crystal, while comfortable, luxurious rooms gave weary rail travelers a place to rest. The Harvey Girls, the women who served the meals and provided travelers with friendly conversation, gave the Harvey House its renowned reputation.