Scottys Castle

Walter Scott (1872 - 1954)

Walter Scott was the youngest of six children. He was born in Cynthiana, Kentucky in 1872 and raised on a horse farm. At age eleven, he ran off to Nevada to join his two older brothers, Warner and Bill. His first job after arriving by train was as a water boy for a survey party along the California-Nevada state line, part of which ran close to Death Valley. When the survey was completed Scott found work with Harmony Borax Works in the valley. Scott was an accomplished horseman and eventually was engaged as one of the rough-riders for the Buffalo Bill Wild West Show. Although his engagement with the show lasted for twelve years, it was only seasonal employement. When not fully engaged with the show, Scott would return to Death Valley and pick up odd jobs. His connection with the area became so well known that eventually Death Valley became his nickname.

Scott left the Wild West Show after a disagreement with Buffalo Bill in 1902. His relationship with Johnson commenced soon thereafter. While Scott traveled frequently, he was regarded as a permanent resident of the castle. Nevertheless, it is evident that his participation in the project was far from direct.

For various reasons, Johnson felt beneficient towards Scott, and in a verbal agreements made specific provisions allowing Scott the right to live out the rest of his life at the Castle. Walter Scott died in January of 1954.