DEATH VALLEY
Guidebook
1940
NPS Logo

UNITED STATES
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Harold L. Ickes, Secretary

19 DOI logo 40
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
Arno B. Cammerer, Director

CONTENTS

Cover (Telescope Peak Topped by Snow)

History
Indians
Wildlife
Plants
Geology
How To Reach Death Valley
Administration
Rangers
Naturalist Service
Free Public Campground
Accommodations
Rules and Regulations


Historic Events

1844Fremont party, following old Spanish Trail, camped within sight of south end of Death Valley.
1849Jayhawkers, Georgians, Bennett party, and others entered valley through Furnace Creek on Christmas Day.
1856First General Land Office survey of Death Valley.
1860Darwin French and S. G. George prospecting parties explored Panamints and parts of valley, giving many place names still in use.
1861Lieutenant Ives explored region for California Boundary Commission, using camels as pack animals. Prospecting parties active.
1864Jacob Breyfogle lost the famed Breyfogle mine.
1870Bellerin Tex Bennett started Furnace Creek Ranch.
1871Further explorations for Government by Wheeler and Lyle.
1872Panamint mines discovered. Panamint booms in 1874.
1873First borax discovered in valley.
1875Further exploration by Lt. Rogers Birnie.
1880Aaron Winters sold borax claims for $20,000. Borax industry in valley started.
1891Biological expedition by Merriam, Palmer, Coville, and others.
1904-08Goldfield mining boom, resulting in mining camps of Rhyolite, Skidoo, Greenwater, etc.
1926-27Stovepipe Wells and Furnace Creek Inn established. Eichbaum toll road built from Darwin. Beginning of tourist traffic to valley.
1933Death Valley National Monument established.
1937Boundaries of monument extended.


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Last Updated: 20-Jun-2010