Tag: California

California, located on the west coast of the United States, is renowned for its diverse landscapes, vibrant culture, and significant economic influence. From the sun-kissed beaches of Southern California to the majestic Sierra Nevada mountains, the state offers a range of natural beauty. The state is home to iconic cities like Los Angeles, known for Hollywood and the entertainment industry, and San Francisco, famous for its tech innovation and the Golden Gate Bridge. The state’s economy is one of the largest in the world, driven by sectors such as technology, agriculture, entertainment, and tourism. With its rich cultural diversity and pioneering spirit, California continues to be a land of opportunity and innovation.

Cerro Gordo (Images of America)

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Cerro Gordo (Images of America) written by Cecile Page Vargo, Roger W. Vargo
Cerro Gordo (Images of America) written by Cecile Page Vargo, Roger W. Vargo

High in the Inyo Mountains, between Owens Valley and Death Valley National Park, lies the ghost town of Cerro Gordo. Discovered in 1865, this silver town boomed to a population of 3,000 people in the hands of savvy entrepreneurs during the 1870s. As the silver played out and the town faded, a few hung on to the dream. By the early 1900s, Louis D. Gordon wandered up the Yellow Grade Road where freight wagons once traversed with silver and supplies and took a closer look at the zinc ore that had been tossed aside by early miners. The Fat Hill lived again, primarily as a small company town. By the last quarter of the 20th century, Jody Stewart and Mike Patterson found themselves owners of the rough and tumble camp that helped Los Angeles turn into a thriving metropolis because of silver and commercial trade. Cerro Gordo found new life, second to Bodie, as California’s best-preserved ghost town.

About the Author

Roger W. Vargo and Cecile Page Vargo are a husband-wife historian team who photograph, write about, and guide tours to historic areas. They have volunteered and worked in both Bodie and Cerro Gordo. Histories and images have been collected from public, personal, and private archives.

Book Summary

TitleCerro Gordo (Images of America)
AuthorCecile Page Vargo, Roger W. Vargo
PublisherArcadia Publishing
Pages130 Pages

The Twenty Mule Team of Death Valley (Images of America)

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The Twenty Mule Team of Death Valley (Images of America) - Author Ted Faye
The Twenty Mule Team of Death Valley (Images of America) – Author Ted Faye

The image of 20 mules hauling a train of wagons was once as popular as the golden arches are today. Everyone knew what it meant. It was the trademark of Pacific Coast Borax’s most famous product, a laundry additive called Twenty Mule Team Borax. The company’s advertising was dependent on one important fact: the connection between the Twenty Mule Team and America’s most notorious desert, Death Valley. From 1883 to 1888, teams of mules and wagons hauled borax out of the famed valley on the California-Nevada border. During those years, the teams were not famous; they were just a common means of transportation. After all, it was not the first time 20 mules hauled borax and it was not the longest or the most treacherous path. So what happened? How did this common form of transportation (the big-rig truck of its day) become transformed into an American icon? That is the story of this book.

About the Author

Ted Faye is a documentary filmmaker whose company, Gold Creek Films, specializes in stories of the West. Ted develops touring information, including audio CDs, signage, and brochures. He also helps communities to find and tell their stories. Ted was the historian to US Borax, and many images from this book are from the Borax collection at Death Valley National Park.

Book Summary

TitleThe Twenty Mule Team of Death Valley (Images of America)
AuthorTed Faye
PublisherArcadia Publishing
Pages

Rock Creek Lake Campground

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Rock Creek Lake Campground, located in Mono County, California, is a picturesque alpine lake set amidst the breathtaking scenery of the Eastern Sierra Nevada. At an elevation of about 9,600 feet, Rock Creek Lake is tranquil lake is a favorite destination for outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers, and those seeking a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Rock Creek Lake Campground
Rock Creek Lake Campground

Natural Beauty

Surrounded by towering pine trees and rugged mountain peaks, Rock Creek Lake offers stunning views that change with the seasons. In the spring and summer, wildflowers dot the meadows, and the clear blue waters of the lake reflect the surrounding landscape. In the fall, the area is painted with vibrant hues of gold and orange as the aspen trees change color. During the winter, the lake and its surroundings are blanketed in snow, creating a peaceful winter wonderland.

Facilities

Rock Creek Lake Campgrounds campsites are well-spaced along the lake shore, with several tent-only, walk-in sites overlooking the lake. Boat rentals, educational programs, groceries and showers are all nearby. Firewood is available on-site for a fee. Bears inhabit the area, so bear-proof lockers are provided for campers to store food.

The campsites at Rock Creek Lake sit on a low hill with scattered aspen and lodgepole pine trees overlooking the lake’s crystal blue waters. At an elevation of 9,600 feet, the facility affords visitors excellent mountain views.

The area is home to abundant wildlife, including black bear, mountain lions, mule deer, pine martin, pika and many species of fish and birds.

Recreation

Rock Creek and other waterways in the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains are known for exceptional trout fishing. A catch from the lake may include brook, brown, rainbow and stocked Alpers trout, while anglers may be treated to golden trout in the backcountry. Power boats on the lake are limited to electric motors only.

The area’s majestic scenery and challenging trails are a draw for hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders. The Tamarack Trail begins in the campground and wanders up to several high-elevation, glacially-carved alpine lakes and ponds.

Campground Summary

Campground NameRock Creek Lake Campground
Latitude, Longitude37.4526, -118.7324
Sites25
Elevation9,600 ft
AmmenitiesBear Boxes, Fire rings, Table, Flust Toilets, Shower, Water, Camp host

Rock Creek Lake Campground Map

References

Morgan Seth Earp

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Morgan Seth Earp, born on April 24, 1851, in Pella, Iowa, was a notable figure of the American Old West, primarily recognized for his association with his brothers, Wyatt and Virgil Earp. The Earp brothers are best known for their involvement in the famous Gunfight at the O.K. Corral in Tombstone, Arizona.

Morgan Earp historical photo, 1881. Probably taken by C.S. Fly.
Morgan Earp historical photo, 1881. Probably taken by C.S. Fly.

Morgan grew up in a large family, the son of Nicholas Earp and Virginia Ann Cooksey. His early life was marked by the family’s frequent relocations across the American Midwest and West. By the time Morgan reached adulthood, he had worked various jobs, including as a farmer and railroad worker.

In the late 1870s, Morgan followed his brothers to the boomtowns of the West, seeking opportunity and adventure. His initial ventures included working as a stagecoach driver and lawman in Montana and Wyoming. However, it was in Tombstone, Arizona, that Morgan would make his mark on history.

The Earp brothers arrived in Tombstone in 1880, drawn by the silver boom. Morgan quickly became involved in law enforcement, serving as a deputy U.S. marshal under his brother Virgil, who was the city marshal. The Earps’ presence in Tombstone was marked by increasing tension with a group of outlaws known as the Cowboys, led by Ike Clanton and Curly Bill Brocius.

The culmination of this tension occurred on October 26, 1881, in a vacant lot near the O.K. Corral. Morgan, along with Wyatt, Virgil, and their ally Doc Holliday, faced off against the Cowboys in a gunfight that lasted only 30 seconds but became legendary in the annals of the American West. The Earps and Holliday emerged victorious, but the fight left a lasting impact on the community.

Following the gunfight, the Earp family faced ongoing threats and violence. On the night of March 18, 1882, Morgan Earp was ambushed and shot while playing billiards at Hatch’s Saloon in Tombstone. The assassins, believed to be affiliated with the Cowboys, fired through a window, hitting Morgan in the back. Despite the best efforts of his brothers and local doctors, Morgan died from his wounds, uttering his final words, “I can’t see a damned thing.”

Morgan’s death had a profound effect on his brothers, especially Wyatt, who embarked on a vendetta ride to seek justice for Morgan’s murder. Wyatt and his posse pursued and killed several of the suspected assassins, further cementing the Earps’ legacy as figures of frontier justice.

Morgan Earp was buried in the Earp family plot in Colton, California. His life, though cut short, remains a testament to the turbulent and often violent nature of the American frontier. His story, along with those of his brothers, continues to capture the imagination of historians and enthusiasts of the Old West.

Morgan Earp Newspaper Articles

The Tombstone Epitaph, March 20, 1882

The Tombstone Epitaph, March 20, 1882

The Tombstone Epitaph, March 20, 1882 reports of the murder of Tombstone Resident Morgan Earp while playing pool in Tombstone, Arizona. This event followed the…
The Arizona Historical Newspaper, the Tombstone Epitaph announces the gunfight at the O K Coral.

The Tombstone Epitaph, October 27, 1881

The following is the original transcript of The Tombstone Epitaph published on October 27, 1881 on the infamous gun fight at the O K Corral…

Tombstone Daily Nugget, October 27, 1881

The Tombstone Daily Nugget, October 27, 1881 described the the infamous Gunfight at the O K Corral between the Earps and the Clanton faction in…

Earp Family

James Cooksey Earp ( June 28, 1841 - January 25, 1926 )

James Cooksey Earp

James Cooksey Earp ( June 28, 1841 - January 25, 1926 ) James Cooksey Earp ( June 28, 1841 - January 25, 1926 ) was…
Morgan Earp historical photo, 1881. Probably taken by C.S. Fly.

Morgan Seth Earp

Morgan Seth Earp, born on April 24, 1851, in Pella, Iowa, was a notable figure of the American Old West, primarily recognized for his association…
Virgil Earp 1843 -1905

Virgil Walter Earp

Virgil Walter Earp ( July 18, 1843 – October 19, 1905) was born in Lincoln County, Kentucky, was a prominent lawman and frontier figure known for his…
Warren Baster Earp ( March 9, 1855 - July 6, 1900 )

Warren Baxter Earp

Warren Baxter Earp ( March 9, 1855 - July 6, 1900 ), the youngest of the Earp brothers, was born into a family that would…
Wyatt Berry Stapp Earp - Aged 39

Wyatt Berry Stapp Earp

Wyatt Berry Stapp Earp (March 19, 1848 – January 13, 1929) was an American lawman and gambler who became a legendary figure of the Old…

California Goldfields ( Lasthenia californica )

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Lasthenia californica, commonly known as California goldfields, is an annual flowering plant belonging to the family Asteraceae. It is native to California and is particularly prominent in the coastal ranges and valleys. This species is well-known for its vibrant yellow blooms that contribute significantly to the wildflower displays in California during the spring.

California Goldfields ( Lasthenia californica )
California Goldfields ( Lasthenia californica )

Taxonomy

  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Clade: Angiosperms
  • Clade: Eudicots
  • Clade: Asterids
  • Order: Asterales
  • Family: Asteraceae
  • Genus: Lasthenia
  • Species: L. californica

Morphology

Lasthenia californica is characterized by its bright yellow, daisy-like flowers. The plant typically reaches heights of 10-50 cm. Key morphological features include:

  • Stems: Erect, slender, and often branched.
  • Leaves: Basal leaves are linear to narrowly oblanceolate, often covered with fine hairs.
  • Flowers: Inflorescences are capitula, composed of numerous yellow ray and disk florets.
  • Fruit: Achene, with each achene being topped with a pappus aiding in wind dispersal.

Habitat and Distribution

Lasthenia californica is commonly found in a variety of habitats including grasslands, coastal prairies, and open woodlands. It thrives in areas with well-drained soils and full sunlight. The plant’s distribution is largely concentrated in California, though it can also be found in parts of Oregon, Nevada, and Baja California.

Ecology

California goldfields play a significant role in their ecosystems. They provide nectar and pollen for various pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and other insects. The plant’s early blooming period helps sustain pollinator populations before other wildflowers and crops bloom.

Reproduction

Lasthenia californica reproduces sexually through seed production. The flowering period extends from February to May, during which pollination occurs primarily via insects. After pollination, seeds develop and are dispersed by wind and gravity. The seeds have a dormancy period that allows them to germinate under favorable conditions in the following year.

Conservation Status

Lasthenia californica is not currently listed as endangered or threatened. However, its habitats are often threatened by urban development, agriculture, and invasive species. Conservation efforts focus on preserving native habitats and controlling invasive species to ensure the continued survival of this and other native wildflower species.

Cultural and Economic Importance

California goldfields are valued for their aesthetic contributions to natural landscapes and wildflower displays. They are also studied for their ecological interactions and adaptability to various environmental conditions. Additionally, they are used in restoration projects aimed at re-establishing native plant communities.

Lasthenia californica is a vibrant and ecologically significant wildflower native to California. Its bright yellow blooms are a hallmark of the spring season in many regions, contributing to the biodiversity and aesthetic value of the areas they inhabit. Understanding the biology, ecology, and conservation needs of this species is essential for preserving its role in native ecosystems.

References