Tag: Owens Valley

Owens Valley, located in eastern California between the Sierra Nevada and the Inyo Mountains, is one of the deepest valleys in the United States. Known for its stark beauty, the valley features desert landscapes, sagebrush plains, and distant snow-capped peaks. It is traversed by the Owens River, once the lifeblood of the valley’s lush wetlands before much of its water was diverted to Los Angeles in the early 20th century. This diversion remains a significant chapter in California’s water history. The valley is home to small towns like Bishop and Lone Pine, and offers stunning outdoor recreation opportunities, including access to the Eastern Sierra for hiking, fishing, and photography.

Mount Whitney Fish Hatchery

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Mount Whitney Fish Hatchery
Mount Whitney Fish Hatchery

Located just outside of Independence, Inyo County, California the Mount Whitney Fish Hatchery has played an important role in the preservation of the Golden Trout.  Beyond the hatchery’s primary purpose, the site makes an excellent location to pull off the highway, relax in the shade and enjoy a picnic lunch.  This is how I was introduced to the hatchery 30 years ago, and it is still much anticipated stop each time I travel the 395 highway.

The fish hatchery began life in 1915, when the town of Independence raised money for and subsequently purchased a 40 acre parcel of ideal land in Oak Creek.  Using foresight not seen in our time, Fish and Game Commissioner M. J. Connell directed he direct the design team “to design a building that would match the mountains, would last forever, and would be a showplace for all time.”  Charles Dean of the State Department of Engineering and the design time team decided upon a “Tudor Revival” architectural style.

Mount Whitney Fish Hatchery Display Pond
Mount Whitney Fish Hatchery Display Pond

Utilizing a budget of $60,000 the hatchery project was started in March 1916 and complete one year later.  The building was built using 3200 tones of  local granite quarried nearby, boasts walls up to three feet thick and features a Spanish Tile roof.  When the facility was brought online in 1917, the hatchery could produce two million fry per year.  

The hatchery’s design, led by Charles Dean of the State Department of Engineering, prioritizes durability and aesthetic integration with the landscape. The grounds, landscaped by a gardener from Golden Gate Park, feature lush vegetation and a large fish-rearing pond framed by the dramatic backdrop of the Sierra Nevada, evoking the feel of an old European estate. The main building includes a visitor center with a gift shop, a fireplace, and interpretive exhibits, while the interior showcases troughs for fingerling fish and historical displays. Additional structures on the 40-acre site include nine small residences and six commercial buildings, contributing to its community-oriented function.

The fish hatchery operated until 2008, when on July 12th a flood and mudslide tore down the Oak Creek watershed which in 2007 was burnt in a wild fire.  The resulting mudslide buried the fish rearing ponds, destroyed four buildings and killed the entire population of Rainbow Trout.

The pond offers some beautiful flowers in the spring.

Currently a restoration project is in process, however the fate of the hatchery operation remains unknown.

Mount Whitney Fish Hatchery Map

References

Camp Independence

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Camp Independence in 1871 — in the Owens Valley, eastern California. A U.S. Army fort/post (active 1862-1877), formerly located below the Eastern Sierra near Independence. The Inyo Mountains are in the distance to the east. - Timothy H. O'Sullivan - U.S. National Archives and Records Administration
Camp Independence in 1871 — in the Owens Valley, eastern California. A U.S. Army fort/post (active 1862-1877), formerly located below the Eastern Sierra near Independence. The Inyo Mountains are in the distance to the east. – Timothy H. O’Sullivan – U.S. National Archives and Records Administration

Camp Independence, later known as Fort Independence, was a significant U.S. Army post in the Owens Valley, Inyo County, California, active from 1862 to 1877. Established during the Owens Valley Indian War, it played a crucial role in the region’s settlement and interactions between settlers, Native Americans, and the military. This report examines the establishment, operations, key events, and legacy of Camp Independence, drawing on historical records and accounts.

Establishment and Early Years (1862–1864)

Camp Independence was founded on July 4, 1862, by Lieutenant Colonel George S. Evans of the 2nd California Volunteer Cavalry, at the request of settlers fearing hostilities from local Paiute and Shoshone tribes. Located on Oak Creek, approximately three miles north of present-day Independence, the camp was named in honor of Independence Day. The initial setup was rudimentary, with soldiers living in tents and caves along a nearby ravine due to limited resources. A 50-foot flagpole was erected, and a salute was fired to mark the occasion, though a cloudburst dampened the ceremony.

The camp’s primary purpose was to protect miners and settlers from perceived threats by Native Americans, who were defending their lands against encroachment. Early conditions were harsh, and in September 1862, during Evans’ temporary absence, some troops attempted to abandon the post in a near-mutinous state, only to be intercepted and returned. By late 1862, the camp began to stabilize, with the construction of basic buildings. Hostilities with the Owens Valley Paiute temporarily ceased by December 1864, leading to the camp’s brief abandonment.

Reoccupation and Fort Independence (1865–1877)

Renewed conflicts with the Paiute in early 1865 prompted the reoccupation of the camp by Nevada Volunteers in March, and it was officially designated Fort Independence. The post became a more permanent fixture, with improved infrastructure despite setbacks like the 1872 Owens Valley earthquake, which destroyed many original adobe buildings. By 1875, the fort was described as a healthy post with light duties, pure air, and excellent food, reflecting improved conditions.

A significant and controversial event occurred on July 10, 1863, under Captain Moses A. McLaughlin’s command. Over 1,000 Native Americans were gathered at the camp’s parade ground, where McLaughlin announced their forced removal to Fort Tejon, 200 miles southwest. The operation was executed with troops strategically positioned to prevent resistance, highlighting the coercive tactics used against the Paiute. This event remains a dark chapter in the region’s history, remembered with bitterness by Native American communities.

Military operations continued, including patrols to counter Native resistance. In 1867, First Sergeant F. R. Neale led a 250-mile patrol through a snowstorm, engaging Paiute forces and killing or wounding several. By the late 1860s, a “perfect understanding” was reported between the military and remaining Native groups, though tensions persisted.

Closure and Aftermath (1877–Present)

Fort Independence was abandoned on July 5, 1877, as the need for a military presence diminished. The military reservation was transferred to the Interior Department on July 22, 1884. On November 3, 1883, the fort’s buildings were sold at auction for less than $3,000, despite their original cost of over $50,000. Notable structures, such as the hospital (purchased for $290) and the commander’s quarters ($345), were relocated to Independence and repurposed as residences or historical landmarks.

The land formerly occupied by the fort became part of the Fort Independence Reservation, established in 1915 and 1916 through executive orders, providing 360 acres for the Paiute and Shoshone communities. Today, the reservation is home to approximately 140 members of the Fort Independence Indian Community of Paiute Indians. Little remains of the original camp, but a historical marker on Highway 395, dedicated in 1981 by the Slim Princess Chapter of E Clampus Vitus, commemorates its significance.

The camp’s cemetery, initially reserved for soldiers, also served civilians. After the fort’s closure, soldiers’ graves were relocated to the Presidio in San Francisco, while civilian graves remained. The cemetery, located on private property, is maintained sporadically, with reenactors visiting annually around July 4.

Cultural and Historical Significance

Camp Independence facilitated early white settlement in the Owens Valley by providing security for miners and homesteaders, enabling the growth of communities like Independence, which became the Inyo County seat in 1866. However, its establishment and operations came at a significant cost to the Native Paiute and Shoshone, whose displacement and loss of land reshaped the region’s demographic and cultural landscape.

The Eastern California Museum in Independence preserves artifacts, photographs, and records related to the camp, offering insights into its history. Dorothy Clora Cragen’s book, The Boys in the Sky-Blue Pants, provides a detailed account of the camp’s role in Owens Valley history and is recommended for further reading. The museum holds copies of this out-of-print work.

Conclusion

Camp Independence was a pivotal institution in the Owens Valley, reflecting the complex interplay of military, settler, and Native American histories in 19th-century California. While it enabled the region’s development, it also contributed to the marginalization of indigenous peoples. Its legacy endures through the Fort Independence Reservation, historical landmarks, and ongoing efforts to document and understand its impact.

Sources

  • Historical Marker Database (hmdb.org)
  • Sierra Nevada Geotourism
  • Owens Valley History (timenspace.net)
  • California Military Museum (militarymuseum.org)
  • California State Parks (ohp.parks.ca.gov)
  • NoeHill in California (noehill.com)
  • MojaveDesert.net
  • FortWiki

Owens Lake Steamships

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Today it is difficult to imagine, but at one time not so long ago, Owens Lake Steamships ferried supplies and silver ore across Owens Lake from the booming silver town of Cerro Gordo, California. Cerro Gordo was a booming silver town located at high elevations in the White Mountains above the tree line. Water and fuel are hauled up the mountain utilizing freight wagons to support the silver mines.

Cerro Gordo overlooking the then full Owens Lake.
Cerro Gordo overlooking the then full Owens Lake.

Owens Lake, nestled in the Owens Valley of California, was once a shimmering gem nestled beneath the towering Sierra Nevada mountains. Spanning over 100 square miles, it was a vital oasis for diverse wildlife and a haven for migratory birds. Its glassy surface reflected the surrounding peaks, creating a picturesque landscape beloved by locals and travelers alike. With its abundant water and fertile shores, it supported Native American communities for centuries. However, as Los Angeles began to grow in the late 19th century, demands for water led to the diversion of the Owens River, gradually desiccating Owens Lake and leaving behind a vast salt flat.

Mortimer Belshaw (1830 - 1899 )
Mortimer Belshaw (1830 – 1899 )

Cerro Gordo was a silver mining town located high in the White Mountains east of Owens Lake. The elevation of the town offered some unique challenges in terms of supplies, such as water and fuel. Infrastructure to support the mines and the community needed to be built by Mortimer Belshaw. These supplies are staged in Keeler, CA and hauled up to the town using teams of wagons and a tramway. It is a natural step to build a ferry system to facilitate the transfer of goods, services and more importantly silver bars produce at Cerro Gordo.

Owens Lake itself faced a significant transformation in the 20th century. The Los Angeles Aqueduct, completed in 1913, diverted water from the Owens River, which fed the lake, to Los Angeles. This diversion caused Owens Lake to dry up, transforming it into a largely dry lakebed with environmental and health issues due to dust storms.

Bessie Brady

1950 Painting by William McKeever of the Bessie Brady is on display at the Eastern California Museum in Independence, CA. This image probably does not resemble the actual appearance of the vessel.
1950 Painting by William McKeever of the Bessie Brady is on display at the Eastern California Museum in Independence, CA. This image probably does not resemble the actual appearance of the vessel.

The Bessie Brady made its maiden voyage on July 4, 1872. Measuring about 85 feet in length with a 19-foot beam, the vessel could carry up to 100 tons of cargo, significantly reducing the time and cost of transporting ore. The ship’s route ran from the town of Swansea, near the western shore of Owens Lake, to Cartago on the southern shore. From Cartago, the ore was transported to Los Angeles. The steamer was actually so efficient in hauling silver ore to Cartago Landing, near Olancha, Ca, that the bullion began to pile up. The teamsters who hauled the Silver Ore from Olancha to Los Angeles, simply could not keep up with the vessel.

The introduction of the Bessie Brady revolutionized transportation in the Owens Valley. It provided a more reliable and faster means of moving ore from the Cerro Gordo Mines to markets, boosting the local economy. The steamship also transported supplies and passengers, further integrating the remote mining community with the rest of California.

The success of the Bessie Brady was relatively short-lived. By the mid-1870s, the completion of the Carson and Colorado Railroad reduced the need for lake transport. The railroad provided an even more efficient means of moving goods and people, leading to a decline in the use of the steamship.

Despite its decline, the Bessie Brady continued to operate for several years, serving various purposes, including transporting salt from the lake’s evaporative salt works.

NameBessie Brady
Other Names“The Pioneer inland steamer of the Pacific Coast”
Years of OperationJune 27, 1872 – May 11, 1882
Length85 feet
Beam16 feet
Propulsion20 HP Single Cylinder Oscillating Type Steam
10 inch cylinder bore and 10 inch stroke
Propeller54 inches

Molly Stevens

The Molly Stevens was a steamboat built in the late in 1877 and launched on in May of that year by Colonel Sherman Vanderventer Stevens. It was named after Molly Stevens, in honor of his daughter Molly.. The vessel was is smaller than the Bessie Perl, but does boast of more powerful powerplant. A few days after its’ maiden voyage, the steamship is swamped in the heavy wind driven lake waters. She is raised again to the surface with the help of the Bessie Brady.

By 1878, the Molly Stevens is only making the occasional trip across the Lake and spends the majority of her time moored. In 1881, the vessels is hauling from $6,000 in bullion a week, which is produced by nearby mills. Due to lack of hauling efficiency, the Molly Stevens is again moored and eventually scrapped in the spring of 1882.

On May 11th, 1882, during a refitted of the more powerful steam plant from the Molly Stevens to the Bessie Brady a fire breaks. The fire is started spontaneously by a combination of the Oakum, oil, paint and tar. The inferno quickly takes hold and destroys the last of the steamships on Owens Lake.

The Molly Stevens and Bessie Brady played a crucial role in the economic development of the Owens Valley. By transporting ore efficiently across Owens Lake, these vessels helped boost the mining industry, which was the backbone of the local economy. The presence of the two steamships reduced the time and cost associated with overland transport, making mining operations more profitable.

Molly Stevens Characteristics

NameMolly Stevens
Years of operation1877 – 1882

The Lost Treasure of the Bessie Brady

One other incident, which is not documented, is the alleged existence of a lost treasure in Owens Lake. Allegedly, a wagon load of bullion hauled by the Bessie Brady is swept overboard during a high wind storm. The tale is told that the heavy bullion-filled wagon was not correctly chained to the deck and simply swept over the side.

The story could be from a combination of events, such as the swamping and sinking of the Molly Stevens.

Seemingly a rumor, the Lost Treasure of the Bessie Brady seems to always originate from a person who allegedly heard from someone who knew the captain.

References

Manzanar California

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Manzanar Enterance and sign. Photograph by Ansel Adam
Manzanar Enterance and sign. IMAGE: ANSEL ADAMS/LIBRARY OF CONGRESS
Rebuilt Guardtower located an Manzanar Relocation Camp. Photo by James L Rathbun
Rebuilt Guardtower located an Manzanar Relocation Camp. Photo by James L Rathbun

Manzanar, located in California’s Owens Valley, was one of ten internment camps established by the United States government during World War II to detain Japanese Americans and Japanese immigrants. Operational from 1942 to 1945, it became a symbol of a dark chapter in American history, reflecting the impact of wartime hysteria, racial prejudice, and civil rights violations. This report examines the historical context, establishment, life within the camp, its closure, and its legacy.

Historical Context

Following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, fear and suspicion of Japanese Americans grew on the West Coast. Despite no evidence of disloyalty, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066 on February 19, 1942, authorizing the forced removal of approximately 120,000 Japanese Americans—two-thirds of whom were U.S. citizens—from their homes. The War Relocation Authority (WRA) was created to oversee the relocation and internment process. Manzanar was one of the first camps established under this policy.

Establishment of Manzanar

Manzanar, located 220 miles northeast of Los Angeles near the Sierra Nevada, was selected for its remote location and existing infrastructure from a former agricultural community. The site spanned 6,200 acres, with the internment camp occupying 540 acres. Construction began in March 1942, and the camp opened on March 21, 1942, initially as a temporary “reception center.” By June, it was designated a War Relocation Center.

The camp consisted of 36 residential blocks, each with 14 barracks, a mess hall, and communal facilities. Barbed wire and eight guard towers surrounded the camp, emphasizing its prison-like nature. At its peak, the relocation camp housed over 10,000 internees, primarily from Los Angeles, San Francisco, and the Pacific Northwest.

Life in Manzanar

Life in the camp was marked by hardship, resilience, and community-building under oppressive conditions.

Living Conditions

  • Housing: Internees lived in cramped, poorly insulated barracks divided into 20×25-foot units. Families shared these spaces with minimal privacy, using blankets or makeshift partitions. Harsh weather—scorching summers and freezing winters—exacerbated discomfort.
  • Food and Work: Meals were served in mess halls, often consisting of low-quality food like mutton or rice. Internees worked in roles such as farming, teaching, or medical care, earning $12-$19 monthly. Some cultivated crops like guayule for rubber production.
  • Education and Recreation: Schools were established for children, though resources were limited. Internees organized sports, cultural events, and newspapers like the Manzanar Free Press to maintain morale.

Photographer: Lange, Dorothea -- Manzanar, California. 7/2/42 Identifier: Volume 22 Identifier: Section C Identifier: WRA no. C-837 Collection: War Relocation Authority Photographs of Japanese-American Evacuation and Resettlement Series 8: Manzanar Relocation Center (Manzanar, CA) Contributing Institution: The Bancroft Library. University of California, Berkeley.
Photographer: Lange, Dorothea — Manzanar, California. 7/2/42 Identifier: Volume 22 Identifier: Section C Identifier: WRA no. C-837 Collection: War Relocation Authority Photographs of Japanese-American Evacuation and Resettlement Series 8: Manzanar Relocation Center (Manzanar, CA) Contributing Institution: The Bancroft Library. University of California, Berkeley.

Challenges and Resistance

Internees faced loss of freedom, dignity, and property. Many had been forced to sell businesses and homes at a fraction of their value. Tensions occasionally flared, notably during the Manzanar Riot (December 6, 1942), sparked by the arrest of a popular internee leader. The clash resulted in two deaths and several injuries when military police fired on protesters.

Despite these challenges, internees demonstrated resilience. They created gardens, art, and community organizations, preserving cultural identity and hope.

Closure and Aftermath

As World War II ended, the camp is closed on November 21, 1945. Internees were given $25 and a one-way ticket to return to often-hostile communities. Many faced economic hardship and discrimination, having lost their pre-war livelihoods. The camp’s infrastructure was dismantled, leaving little physical evidence of its existence.

Photo by Ansel Adams

Legacy

Manzanar stands as a stark reminder of the consequences of fear-driven policy and racial prejudice. In 1988, the U.S. government formally apologized through the Civil Liberties Act, providing $20,000 in reparations to surviving internees. The site was designated a National Historic Site in 1992, managed by the National Park Service. Today, it features a visitor center, reconstructed barracks, and exhibits preserving the stories of those interned.

The camp’s history has inspired art, literature, and activism. Works like Farewell to Manzanar by Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston and the photography of Ansel Adams and Dorothea Lange document the internees’ experiences. Manzanar serves as a call to uphold civil liberties and combat discrimination.

Conclusion

Manzanar encapsulates a complex interplay of injustice and human resilience. Its history underscores the importance of safeguarding constitutional rights during times of crisis. By studying the effects of the relocation, we honor the strength of those who endured it and commit to preventing such violations in the future.

Summary

NameManzanar
LocationInyo County, California
Latitude, Longitude36.7283, -118.1544
Elevation3,850 ft
GNIS1659050
Population10,000+
Newspaper Manzanar Free Press (1942 – 1945)
National Register of Historic Places76000484
Manzanar Cemetery Monument. Photo By James L Rathbun
Manzanar Cemetery Monument. Photo By James L Rathbun

Other Japanese Internment Camps:

  • Gila River War Relocation Center, Arizona
  • Granada War Relocation Center, Colorado (AKA “Amache”)
  • Heart Mountain War Relocation Center, Wyoming
  • Jerome War Relocation Center, Arkansas
  • Manzanar War Relocation Center, California
  • Minidoka War Relocation Center, Idaho
  • Poston War Relocation Center, Arizona
  • Rohwer War Relocation Center, Arkansas
  • Topaz War Relocation Center, Utah
  • Tule Lake War Relocation Center, California

Manzanar Map

Photos around Manzanar War Relocation Center

Historical Marker located near the visitor center at Manzanar War Relocation Center. Photo by James L Rathbun
Historical Marker located near the visitor center at Manzanar War Relocation Center. Photo by James L Rathbun
The famous Manzanar War Relocation Center Sign. Photo by James L Rathbun
The famous Manzanar War Relocation Center Sign. Photo by James L Rathbun
A live sized reproduction of a Barracks used for housing at Manzanar. Photo by James L Rathbun
A live sized reproduction of a Barracks used for housing at Manzanar. Photo by James L Rathbun
Manzanar Cemetery Monument. Photo By James L Rathbun
Manzanar Cemetery Monument. Photo By James L Rathbun
Rebuilt Guardtower located an Manzanar Relocation Camp. Photo by James L Rathbun
Rebuilt Guardtower located an Manzanar Relocation Camp. Photo by James L Rathbun

Further Reading

Farewell to Manzanar, by Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston

Farewell to Manzanar

Farewell to Manzanar, by Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston In Farewell to Manzanar, Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston recalls her childhood at a Japanese incarceration camp in this engrossing…
Manzanar (Images of America) by Jane Wehrey

Manzanar (Images of America)

Manzanar (Images of America) by Jane Wehrey Through a collection of vintage photographs, the Images of America series allows readers to explore the history that…

References

Thomas Boland

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Thomas Boland, a notable figure in the history of Cerro Gordo, California. ( April 7, 1835 - January 22, 1902 )
Thomas Boland, a notable figure in the history of Cerro Gordo, California. ( April 7, 1835 – January 22, 1902 )

Thomas Boland, a notable figure in the history of Cerro Gordo, California, was born on April 7, 1835, in County Cork, Ireland. Boland’s early life was marked by hardship and resilience, qualities that would serve him well throughout his career. He immigrated to the United States during the Great Irish Famine, seeking better opportunities and the chance to build a new life.

Upon arriving in America, Boland initially settled in New York City, where he worked various labor-intensive jobs. His strong work ethic and determination soon led him westward, drawn by the promise of the California Gold Rush in the early 1850s. Like many immigrants of his time, Boland was eager to seize the opportunities presented by the rapidly expanding American frontier.

In the mid-1860s, Boland made his way to the Inyo Mountains of California, where he became involved in the burgeoning mining industry. The discovery of rich silver and lead deposits at Cerro Gordo attracted miners and entrepreneurs from all over the country. Boland, with his extensive experience and keen business sense, quickly established himself as a prominent figure in the mining community.

Boland’s contributions to Cerro Gordo were multifaceted. As a mining engineer and manager, he played a crucial role in developing the infrastructure necessary for large-scale mining operations. His expertise in geology and mining techniques helped optimize the extraction processes, significantly increasing the productivity of the mines. Boland was instrumental in implementing innovative technologies and methods that enhanced the efficiency and safety of mining activities.

One of Boland’s most significant achievements was his involvement in the construction of the Cerro Gordo Tramway, an aerial tramway designed to transport ore from the mines to the nearby Owens Valley. This engineering marvel, which spanned several miles of rugged terrain, revolutionized the transportation of ore and greatly reduced the costs associated with its movement. The tramway’s success was a testament to Boland’s vision and ingenuity.

In addition to his technical contributions, Boland was known for his leadership and commitment to the well-being of the mining community. He advocated for better working conditions, fair wages, and safety measures for the miners, earning their respect and loyalty. Boland’s efforts to improve living conditions in Cerro Gordo included the establishment of housing, schools, and healthcare facilities, which helped create a more stable and prosperous community.

Thomas Boland’s impact on Cerro Gordo extended beyond his lifetime. His pioneering spirit and dedication to innovation set a standard for future mining operations in the region. Boland’s legacy is remembered not only through his technical achievements but also through his commitment to the welfare of the people who lived and worked in Cerro Gordo.

Boland passed away on January 22, 1902, leaving behind a legacy of industrial progress and community development. His contributions to Cerro Gordo are a testament to the transformative power of hard work, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to improving the lives of others. Today, Thomas Boland is celebrated as one of the key figures who helped shape the history and success of Cerro Gordo during its most prosperous years.