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Friday, July 21, 2023

The Twenty Mule Teams of Death Valley

Borax was discovered in Death Valley in 1880 by Aaron Winters and his wife Rosie. A prospector staying overnight at the Winters’ home told them about finding borax in Nevada, which intrigued Winters. Consequently, he and Rosie searched for borax in Death Valley. After finding a deposit, Winters contacted William T. Coleman of the borax company Coleman & Smith, who sent two representatives to purchase the site.
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11 comments:

  1. AnonymousJuly 21, 2023 at 9:06 AM

    Very interesting. I actually have a box of 20 Mule Team Borax in my laundry area right now.
    Kari

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnonymousJuly 21, 2023 at 4:02 PM

      Is it a leftover or is it still available for purchase ???? I don't recall seeing it in a store in a long time
      JD

      Delete
    2. AnonymousJuly 21, 2023 at 8:53 PM

      Orchard Supply used to carry it and I think I've seen it at WalMart

      Delete
  2. nonncomJuly 21, 2023 at 10:45 AM

    Did Reagan own part of that?....LOL.....used to love that show narrated by Ronnie sponsored by 20 mule team borax....Death Valley Days....

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousJuly 21, 2023 at 11:06 AM

    I kept a picture of the 20 mule team and wagons in my work area. People would ask why and my answer was, "Just a reminder that we can be part of the team or part of the load. There's nothing else."

    ReplyDelete
  4. Pigpen51July 21, 2023 at 11:49 AM

    I read about half of this on my phone, and had to go get my computer. I had to do more than just skim on my phone.
    Thanks, Wirecutter, for yet another great and informative post on an often overlooked subject. It is why the internet is so useful. Well that and nude pictures of celebrities.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ElmoJuly 21, 2023 at 1:13 PM

      While you had your computer up and running, I hope you opened up this link, which was at the bottom of Ken's link.
      I spent the whole morning yesterday reading these two stories and dreaming about teams of mules, horses and oxen. Super fascinating.

      Delete
    2. ElmoJuly 21, 2023 at 3:40 PM

      https://westernmininghistory.com/4127/heavy-freight-wagons-of-the-american-west/

      Delete
  5. QualitarianJuly 21, 2023 at 12:23 PM

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sLY6p17fzZg

    ReplyDelete
  6. AnonymousJuly 21, 2023 at 3:15 PM

    Engles Coach Shop of Joliet, Montana has made a faithful reproduction of the wagons and water wagon, Dave is on Youtube, look him up.

    ReplyDelete
  7. KurtPJuly 21, 2023 at 10:08 PM

    Engles Coachworks has a You-toob channel that he shows how he builds and rebuilds wagons.
    Here is his series on building those Borax wagons:
    https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3Qu3GIvx73EgVa8dYcN_e9ps2BDMO9j3

    ReplyDelete

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