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Fort Churchill Nevada
Fort Churchill is a Civil War era United States Army Fort, Pony Express Station and overland stage stop located in Lyon County, Nevada just West of Buckland’s Station. The station is designated as a home station, where extra horses, firearms, men and provision are kept. The fort was commissioned to protect early settlers from the east from Indian attacks. The garrison was the largest, most elaborate fortification in the Nevada Territory at the time.
The discovery of gold in California caused a massive rush of people across the United States. Some of these early settlers came into the Nevada Territory and setup stage stops and mining operations. The arrival of settlers in their territory threatened the the Northern Paiute people. The increase populations of settlers increased the competition for local resources, such as game. These tensions, along with kidnapping and of rape of two young Paiute girls by prospectors from Williams Station erupted into Pyramid Lake War in 1860.
The U.S. Army fort was build along the Carson River and construction of Fort Churchill started on July 20, 1860. The base was named in honor of Sylvester Churchill who was the Inspector General of the Army. The fort is completed in early 1861 and home to some 200 soldiers charged with protecting settlers and mail routes. The post is abandoned in 1869.
On October 6, 1932, Nevada took control of the 200 acre fort and took steps to preserve the ruins as a state park.
Pony Express
Sources generally agree on the identity of Fort Churchill as a Pony Express stop. Built during the summer of 1860 by Captain Joseph Stewart and his men, the adobe fort housed the Pony Express station in its headquarters building. Construction on the fort began on July 20, 1860, approximately twenty-five miles from Comstock, Nevada, along the edge of the Carson River. When Richard Burton arrived at Fort Churchill on October 19, 1860, he gave it a positive review in his journal and named Captain F.F. Flint as the commander.
Since the Pony Express used Buckland’s as a home station, Fort Churchill probably assumed a similar function when the Pony Express transferred its station from Buckland’s to the fort. The Fort Churchill’s ruins existed as late as 1979, including the headquarters building, and it is a Nevada state park.
Fort Churchill Map
| Name | Fort Churchill |
| Location | Churchill County, Nevada |
| Other Names | Fort Churchill Station |
| NPS Pony Express Station | 153 |
| Next Westbound Station | Fairview Station |
| Next Eastbound Station | Buckland’s Station |
| National Historic Landmark | 66000456 |
References
Stellars Jay ( Cyanocitta stelleri )
The Stellars Jay ( Cyanocitta stelleri ) is a common character found in the forests of the western half of the United States. The bird is an opportunistic omnivore and closely related to the Blue Jay. The Stellars Jay has a black crested head and a vibrant blue body which is commonly about between eleven and twelve inches long. This bird has a lot of variations depending on location.
The Stellars Jay is commonly, mistakenly, called a “Blue Jay” in the Pacific Northwest. The Stellar, however, is a distinct species from the Blue Jay ( Cyanocitta cristata ). The major differentiating characteristic is the Blue Jay does not have a crest.
This bird commonly feeds upon seeds, nuts and acorns. Speaking from first hand information, they also love unsalted peanuts. The will also eat insects and other small invertebrates, including mammals. They are also known to raid other birds nests and can be very aggressive with other birds.
Stellars Jay breed in monogamous pairs and a clutch of eggs is typically 3 – 5 in number. Both parents are active is feeding the young.
Distribution
The Stellar’s Jay is a common bird located primarily in pine-oak woodlands and coniferous forests. The dark blue and black coloring of the species helps aid in camouflage in the shadows of the forest.
The species is fairly bold and aggressive in its behavior and it is quite common to encounter them around campgrounds and picnic areas.
This animal is found across most of the western states. The bird is known to cross breed with the Blue Jay when their ranges overlap.
The range of this bird is as far north as Alaska and to the south in Nicaragua. The Eastern boundary in the United States for this bird is Colorado and New Mexico.
Field Guide Description
“Crested; dark blue and black overall. Some races, including nominate from coast to northern Rockies are darker backed; have blueish streaks on forehead. Central and southern Rockies race, C.s. macrolopha, have long crest, paler back, white streaks on forehead, white mark over eye; largest race, carlottae, resident of Queen Charlotte Island off British Columbia, is almost entirely black above. Where ranges overlap in the eastern Rockies, Stellar’s Jay occasionally hybridizes with Blue Jay. Calls include a series of shack or shooka notes and other calls suggestive of Red-tailed Hawks. Range: Common in pine-oak woodlands and coniferous forests. Bold and aggressive; often scavenges at campgrounds and picnic areas. Casual winter visitor of lower elevations of the Great Basin, southern California and southwestern deserts.”
Field Guide to the Birds of North America, Third Edition, pg 312
Classification
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Corvidae |
| Genus | Cyanocitta |
| Species | cristata |
References
Furnace Creek Campground
Furnace Creek Campground is the premier developed campground in Death Valley National Park and the only National Park Service (NPS) campground that accepts reservations. Located near the Furnace Creek Visitor Center at roughly 190 feet below sea level, it serves as a convenient central base for exploring the park’s iconic landscapes.
Geographic Description
The campground sits on the open valley floor in one of the hottest and driest places on Earth. Terrain is mostly flat and exposed desert with sparse vegetation—some sites have limited shade from scattered trees or palms, but most are unshaded. Wide mountain views stretch east and west, glowing in oranges, reds, and yellows at sunrise and sunset. It is immediately adjacent to the Furnace Creek Visitor Center and a short walk or drive from the Oasis at Death Valley (formerly Furnace Creek Ranch), which offers additional services. The surrounding landscape includes salt flats, colorful badlands, and rugged mountain ranges that define Death Valley’s extreme environment.
Amenities
- Sites: 136 total (reduced to about 41 in summer). Includes standard dry sites for RVs and tents, 18 full-hookup sites (water, sewer, 30/50-amp electric—nine pull-through and nine back-in), tent-only drive-in and walk-in sites, and several group sites. Selected sites accommodate longer RVs (up to ~100 feet on some).
- Facilities: Drinking (potable) water, flush toilets (year-round), picnic tables, fire rings or grills at each site, dump station (year-round), trash/recycling, and a seasonal amphitheater. Staff or campground hosts are present seasonally.
- What’s missing: No showers or laundry in the NPS campground (showers and a spring-fed pool are available for a fee at the nearby Oasis resort). No campground Wi-Fi; cell service is intermittent or limited near the visitor center. Generators allowed 7 a.m.–7 p.m. (unless posted otherwise). Fires only in provided grates; gas stoves OK; charcoal/wood BBQ grills prohibited.
- Nearby conveniences: Camp store, restaurants, gas, general store, and other services at the Oasis/Ranch complex (short walk). Firewood sometimes available for purchase nearby.
- Fees (approximate, subject to change): Standard sites ~$30/night; full-hookup ~$44/night ($30 + $14 utility fee). Senior/Access Pass discounts apply to the site fee. Park entrance fee is separate. Max stay typically 14 days per calendar year at this campground.
Sites are generally level and straightforward, though spacing can feel tight in popular areas. Restrooms are typically clean and well-maintained according to recent reviews. Tent-only walk-in areas offer a quieter, generator-free experience.
Best Times to Visit
November through March (especially November–February) offers the most pleasant conditions: daytime highs often in the 60s–70s°F and cooler nights. Winter and early spring bring clear skies ideal for stargazing (Death Valley is an International Dark Sky Park) and comfortable hiking.
- Reservations (via Recreation.gov, up to 6 months in advance) are available October 15–April 15 and are strongly recommended—sites fill quickly on weekends and holidays.
- From mid-April through mid-October the campground shifts to limited first-come, first-served sites. Extreme heat makes this period unsuitable for most visitors: daytime temperatures frequently exceed 100–120°F, and nights may stay above 90°F. Summer camping is strongly discouraged.
Spring can bring wildflowers after wet winters and higher crowds (March is often the busiest month). Always check current conditions, heat advisories, and road status on the NPS website before traveling.
Nearby Points of Interest
Furnace Creek’s central location puts most major attractions within a short drive:
- Furnace Creek Visitor Center — Exhibits, maps, ranger programs, and trip-planning info (walking distance).
- Harmony Borax Works — Historic borax processing site with an easy interpretive trail (short bike path or drive from camp).
- Zabriskie Point — Classic badlands overlook, excellent at sunrise (about 5 miles).
- Badwater Basin — Lowest point in North America (282 feet below sea level) with vast salt flats (about 17 miles south).
- Artist’s Drive & Artist’s Palette — Scenic one-way drive through colorful mineral hills (south of Furnace Creek; vehicle length limits apply).
- Golden Canyon / Gower Gulch — Popular short-to-moderate hikes through colorful canyons and badlands.
- Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes — Accessible dunes near Stovepipe Wells (about 24 miles north); great for sunset or early morning.
- Dante’s View — High overlook with panoramic views of the valley and Badwater (about 25 miles, cooler elevation).
- Other nearby options include Natural Bridge, Devil’s Golf Course, and the Oasis resort amenities (pool, restaurants, Borax Museum).
Overall, Furnace Creek Campground prioritizes convenience and infrastructure over solitude or lush surroundings. It is ideal as a practical base for first-time visitors or those with RVs who want reliable facilities and easy access to Death Valley’s highlights. Expect an exposed desert experience—bring shade structures, plenty of water, and sun protection—and book early for peak season. Always verify the latest details on the official NPS page or Recreation.gov, as operations and conditions can change.
Campground Summary
| Name | Furnace Creek Campground |
| Location | Furnace Creek, Death Valley National Park, California |
| Latitude, Longitude | 36.463188,-116.8710673 |
| Elevation | -200 feet |
| Number of Sites | 136 |
| Amenties |
Furnace Creek Campground Map
References
- Recreation.gov
- NPS.gov
Buckland’s Station
Buckland Station is a pony express station, stage stop, boarding house and supplier near Fort Churchill in Lyon County, Nevada. The station is designated as a home station, where extra horses, firearms, men and provision are kept.
In 1857, Samual Buckland moved from California to the future site of Buckland’s Station. Buckland, a cattle rancher, improved the property by building a tradingpost, tent hotel, stage stop and toll bridge over the Carson River. A small log cabin was constructed in 1860.
Buckland’s Station served as a stop for the pony express when Buckland contracted with Bolivar Roberts in March 1860 for his ranch to serve as a Pony Express home station. Fort Churchill was established two miles to the west during the summer of 1860 as a result of the Pyramid Lake Indian War. With the establishment of Fort Churchill and its protective bulwarks, the pony express station was relocated.
On October 19, 1860, when Richard Burton visited Buckland’s, he described the station, as usual, in negative terms.
nps.gov
In 1861, Bucklands Station was honored as the county seat of Churchill County. It also served as the county seat for Lyon County Fort Churchill closed in 1869 and Samuel Buckland bought some of its building material and built a large impressive wooded framed house.
Buckland died on December 28, 1884 at 58 years in age. He and his family are buried at the Fort Churchill Cemetery. Today, the large house built by Buckland is restored and
Buckland Station Location Summary
| Name | Buckland’s Station |
| Location | Lyon County, Nevada |
| Latitude, Longitude | 39.2946400, -119.2515470 |
| GNIS | 856483 |
| Elevation | 5000 feet |
| Alias | Barnett, Barrett, Buckland Ranch, Bucklands, Tolles, Tolles Station, Weeks |
| Pony Express Stop No | 152 |
Buckland’s Station Trail Map
References
Diamond Springs Station
Diamond Springs Station is a Pony Express Station number 133 and located in a meadow in Eureka County, Nevada. Today the station is on private land which is believed to be owned by Olive Thompson. The station was described by Sir Richard Burton as the Eden of the Pony Express Trail when he visited the site on October 9th, 1860. He also reported that the site was managed by an unfriendly Mormon couple.
