Within the stark, beautiful expanse of Death Valley, a landscape forged by extreme conditions, countless individuals left an indelible mark. These pioneers, prospectors, and unique personalities shaped the region’s history, transforming its barren reputation into a saga of human endeavor and discovery. The very spirit of these hardy souls is captured in the words of a driver for the legendary 20-mule teams: “I’m a muleskinner, proud to be one, and good at my job. I don’t skin mules–I drive ’em, that’s what muleskinner means. Right here haulin’ borax outta Death Valley. Ain’t no other place I want to be, no other job I want to be doin’. “ This sentiment echoes the grit and determination found among the many remarkable people who called Death Valley home, even if only for a season.
The Borax Kings and the Legendary 20-Mule Teams
The history of Death Valley is inextricably linked with borax, a mineral that sparked significant industrial activity and gave rise to iconic figures. The arduous task of extracting and transporting this valuable resource brought innovation and a unique set of characters to the forefront.
William Tell Coleman (1824-1893), a prominent shipping magnate, merchandiser, and leader of San Francisco’s Vigilante Committees, was a pivotal figure in Death Valley’s borax industry. As the owner of the Harmony Borax Works, he pioneered the use of the famous Twenty-mule teams, which hauled borax from 1883 to 1889. These teams, an engineering marvel of their time, became synonymous with the harsh yet lucrative operations in the valley. Coleman’s foresight established the infrastructure for large-scale mining operations.
Following Coleman, Francis “Borax” Marion Smith (1846-1931) emerged as “The Borax King.” Smith founded the Pacific Coast Borax Company in 1890, consolidating borax interests and aggressively promoting the iconic 20-Mule-Team Borax brand. His business acumen propelled borax into households nationwide, making him a household name in the mining world.
Christian “Chris” Brevoort Zabriskie (1864-1936), a businessman from Wyoming, served as vice president of the Pacific Coast Borax Company. His significant contributions to the company and the region are commemorated by Zabriskie Point, a renowned geological feature in the Funeral Mountains east of Death Valley. This scenic overlook stands as a testament to the lasting legacy of these industrial pioneers.
Even the individuals involved in the day-to-day operations left their mark. James Dayton (????-1898), the long-time caretaker of the Furnace Creek Ranch, worked as a prospector alongside Shorty Harris and also served as a swamper for the 20 Mule Team wagons. His direct involvement highlights the demanding nature of borax hauling and the diverse roles individuals played in this challenging environment.
The Stalwart Prospectors and Mining Pioneers
Beyond borax, the allure of gold and other minerals drew a determined breed of prospectors to Death Valley. These tenacious individuals faced extreme conditions, driven by the dream of striking it rich, and their discoveries shaped the mining landscape of the American West.
Among the most famous were Pete Aguereberry (1874-1945) and Frank “Shorty” Harris (1856-1934). Born in France, Aguereberry found his fortune in Death Valley. Along with Harris, a colorful and well-known prospector, he established the town of Harrisburg, California, and developed the Eureka Mine. Harris was particularly instrumental in discovering the ore of the Bullfrog Mining District in Nevada, further cementing his reputation as a keen eye for valuable deposits.
Ernest L. “Ed” Cross, a quiet and sober newlywed, partnered with Shorty Harris in the summer of 1904 to become one of the discoverers of the rich Bullfrog Mining District. Their combined efforts led to a significant boom, attracting countless others to the region.
Arthur Kunze, another dedicated prospector, founded the original Greenwater townsite, initially known as Kunze. His interest lay primarily in copper, showcasing the diverse mineral wealth sought within the valley.
Ernest Alexander “Bob” Montgomery (1863-1955) was a self-made capitalist and mine operator whose persistence paid off after years of prospecting. His discoveries at Johnnie and Bullfrog, Nevada, brought him considerable wealth. Montgomery continued his mining investments and development throughout his life, also becoming involved in major mining hubs like Goldfield, Nevada, and Skidoo, California, demonstrating a sustained commitment to the industry.
Hailing from Tennessee, Andrew Jackson “Jack” Longstreet (1834-1928) made his way to Death Valley, earning the moniker “Last of the Desert Frontiersmen.” His life embodied the rugged individualism and adventurous spirit characteristic of the valley’s early inhabitants.
Colorful Characters, Financiers, and Visionaries
Death Valley also attracted a remarkable array of other personalities, from town founders and transportation innovators to eccentric millionaires and cunning con artists, each adding a unique thread to the valley’s rich tapestry of tales.
Montillus Murray “Old Man” Beatty (????-1908) is remembered as the namesake of the town of Beatty, Nevada. He established a ranch in the Oasis Valley in 1896, laying the groundwork for what would become an important gateway to Death Valley’s mining districts.
During the mining heydays, William F. “Alkali Bill” Brong provided crucial transportation services. He operated a steam-powered auto tour car, ferrying people and supplies from the railheads to the remote mining communities, showcasing an early form of mechanized transit in a challenging environment.
Patrick “Patsy” Clark (1852-1915), an Irish immigrant, was a truly successful mining magnate, making millions and investing in numerous mines across the American West. His story is one of immense ambition and entrepreneurial spirit in the rugged frontier.
Perhaps no story is more emblematic of Death Valley’s colorful character than that of Walter Edward Perry Scott (1872-1954), famously known as “Death Valley Scotty.” A prospector, performer, and masterful con man, Scott achieved widespread fame through his elaborate gold mining scams and his association with the iconic mansion in Death Valley, popularly known as Scotty’s Castle.
Scotty’s antics were largely financed by Albert Mussey Johnson (1872-1948), an eccentric millionaire and president of the National Life Insurance Company. Johnson became Scotty’s partner, friend, and, at times, his unwitting dupe. Together, their unusual relationship led to the construction of Scotty’s Castle, a lavish retreat in the middle of the desert that remains a popular attraction and a testament to their extraordinary connection.
The steel industry giant Charles M. Schwab (1862-1939) also played a role in Death Valley, investing heavily in its mining ventures. Despite making a fortune in steel, Schwab lived a lavish lifestyle that, combined with the stock market crash of 1929, eventually led to his death in poverty, a stark reminder of the financial risks associated with grand ventures.
Even the darker side of speculation saw figures like James R. Davis and J.P. Loftus (1856-????), both Nevada mining men involved in the infamous Gold Bar Swindle in the Bullfrog Mining District. Their stories illustrate the blend of legitimate enterprise and frontier trickery that sometimes characterized the boom-and-bust cycles of the era.
Conclusion: Enduring Legacies in a Land of Extremes
The people of Death Valley, whether they were the titans of the borax industry, the tireless prospectors seeking their fortune, or the unforgettable personalities who defied convention, collectively forged the unique identity of this extraordinary region. Their struggles, triumphs, and sometimes dubious exploits are woven into the fabric of its history, leaving behind legacies that continue to fascinate. From the sweat and toil of the muleskinners to the grand visions of industrialists and the wild dreams of con men, each individual contributed to the enduring legend of Death Valley, ensuring their stories resonate through the canyons and across the salt flats for generations to come. Their determination in the face of extreme conditions reminds us of the profound impact individuals can have on shaping a landscape and its lore.
