Alexander Zachariah Borden, affectionately known as “Shorty,” was a quintessential Death Valley prospector whose life embodied the rugged spirit of the American West’s mining era. Standing small in stature but immense in endurance, Shorty became a legendary figure in Death Valley National Park through his relentless pursuit of gold, remarkable survival stories, and contributions to the region’s infrastructure. Though he never struck it rich, his discoveries, such as Shorty’s Well, and his hand-built roads left a lasting mark on the arid landscape. Shorty’s hospitality, storytelling prowess, and deep knowledge of Death Valley made him a beloved “last of the old timers” among locals and visitors alike.
Early Life and Military Service
Details about Shorty Borden’s early life are sparse, with no confirmed birth date available in historical records. Based on accounts from the 1930s, when he was reportedly 65 years old while building a road in Hanaupah Canyon, he is estimated to have been born around 1867, likely in the United States. Little is known about his family background or upbringing, but his later life suggests a hardy, adventurous disposition shaped by the frontier.
Before fully committing to prospecting, Shorty served in the U.S. Cavalry during World War I, including duty on the Mexican border. This military experience honed his resilience and survival skills, qualities that would prove invaluable in the unforgiving Death Valley environment. After his service, he transitioned into mining, drawn by tales of riches in the California deserts.
Arrival in Death Valley and Early Prospecting
Shorty first arrived in Death Valley in 1887, enticed by the promise of gold during the late 19th-century mining booms. At a time when the region was sparsely populated and notoriously harsh—with extreme temperatures, scarce water, and treacherous terrain—Shorty roamed the surrounding mountains, including the Panamint Range, in search of strikes. He found several minor gold deposits scattered across the area, but none yielded the fortune he sought. These early efforts gave him an intimate knowledge of Death Valley’s geography, from hidden canyons to remote springs.
In the early years, Shorty partnered with fellow prospector Bud Saylor, whom he met in San Francisco. Together, they explored areas near Anvil Spring and Butte Valley, always hunting for a “mother lode.” Their partnership highlighted Shorty’s collaborative nature, as he often teamed up with others to share the burdens of desert life.
One of Shorty’s notable explorations was in Hanaupah Canyon, where he discovered a secluded valley with a perennial brook, watercress, cottonwood trees, and grass suitable for mules. Nearby Indian caves added to the site’s mystique. He even considered developing it as a tourist attraction, showcasing his entrepreneurial side beyond pure mining.
Survival Stories and Desert Ordeals
Shorty’s life was punctuated by dramatic near-death experiences that underscored his toughness. In one harrowing incident in Hanaupah Canyon, a sudden flash flood destroyed his camp, sweeping away supplies and leaving him stranded. Barefoot and hatless, he trudged through mud and debris toward Furnace Creek, battling dehydration and heat exhaustion. Delirious from thirst, he hallucinated pools of water before being rescued by Monroe Wagnon, a local who found him collapsed near the road.
Undeterred but not fully recovered, Shorty soon attempted another grueling trek to Anvil Spring to check on Bud Saylor. Underestimating his weakened state, he collapsed near the Eagle Borax mill, surviving only because Wagnon discovered him again, hidden among mesquite bushes. Nursed back to health at Anvil Springs, these episodes earned Shorty a reputation as a “durable walker,” capable of traversing dozens of miles despite his peculiar shuffling gait.
Later Mining Ventures and Infrastructure Contributions
By the 1920s and 1930s, Shorty focused his efforts in the Panamint, Emigrant, and Goldbelt Spring regions. In the late 1920s or early 1930s, he discovered promising silver-lead outcroppings in the South Fork of Hanaupah Canyon. Encouraged by positive assays, he single-handedly constructed a nine-mile road from the Death Valley floor to his mine site at Hanaupah Spring, starting in September 1932 and completing it six months later—at the reported age of 65. Using only basic tools like a pick, crowbar, shovel, dynamite, and burro power, this feat demonstrated his extraordinary determination.
During the road-building process, Shorty dug a well at the junction of West Side Road and Hanaupah Canyon Road, which became known as “Shorty’s Well.” This water source, vital in the water-scarce desert, cemented his legacy and appeared on maps as a key landmark.
Shorty partnered with Bill Price on the Hanaupah mine, but the venture failed when ore shipping costs exceeded its value. Despite this, he continued prospecting. In 1942, he relocated original claims with a partner named Thompson, and in 1943, he located additional claims with Bev Hunter, Roy Hunter, and Hellen Kraft—properties later owned by Victor Materials Company.
Personal Characteristics and Later Years
Shorty was renowned for his hospitality and friendliness, often sharing stories of Death Valley’s history with anyone who visited. Described as a “toughened desert veteran,” he possessed a wealth of regional knowledge, from hidden water sources to ancient Native American sites. His small frame belied his endurance, and his slight twisting gait became part of his endearing persona.
In his later years, Shorty lived as one of the last surviving old-time prospectors. A 1958 newspaper article noted him as still alive, residing in a rest home in San Bernardino, California. He eventually passed away in that rest home, though the exact death date remains undocumented in available records. Historical accounts confirm his death occurred after 1958, following a life of quiet perseverance.
Legacy
Shorty Borden’s legacy endures in Death Valley National Park through tangible landmarks like Shorty’s Well, Shorty’s Road, and his mine workings in Hanaupah Canyon. These sites attract hikers, historians, and adventurers, serving as reminders of the prospectors who shaped the region. Though he never achieved wealth, Shorty’s stories of survival and exploration inspire tales of the desert’s harsh beauty. As a symbol of the era’s gritty individualism, he is remembered in park histories, books, and oral traditions as a hospitable guardian of Death Valley’s secrets.
