Remember all we’ve learned about mule teams in part 2 of the Death Valley series? The Laws Railroad and History Museum just outside of Bishop had a barn featuring recreated wagons and new information that we found fascinating. We’ll see the rest of the museum in the next post, but for now, let’s take another look at these mules and the wagons they pulled.
just like the old ones later on in this post
building the original wagons
the new-for-us description of how they created the route is amazing—sledgehammering by hand to create a trail
than other transportation wagons being used;
they were made in Mojave and cost about $900 to build
Mojave railroad junction; what a change in elevation!
driving the teams
about the role the original teamsters played (marketing)
(and downhill again after filling the wagons with a heavy load)
that in the 5 years of their use, they hauled more than 15 million pounds
of borax without breaking down
transition to next phase—marketing
the teams became a trademark
sponsor. We pulled up one on YouTube and found it slow watching
since we’re now used to fast-paced shoot-em-ups. Maybe we should
give it a second chance.
promotion to preservation
2 ore wagons were completed in 2016, and water wagon
was completed in 2019
In the restroom at the museum was this soap for washing hands.
for the reminder to moisten hands before using!
We’ve come to so appreciate those who have come before and conquered the land that were such challenges to them. Hope future generations say the same about us.
