Articles – Notes

Trivia Peddling

For generations, history classes have been bogged down by rote memorization-names, dates, and events drilled into students’ heads with little thought given to why any of it matters. Even today, many history teachers and local historians lean too heavily on disjointed facts instead of using them to build meaningful narratives that explain historical significance.

History isn’t just a giant list of trivia; it’s a web of interconnected stories shaped by social, political, and economic forces. A single event doesn’t exist in isolation—it has context, causes, and consequences. Without these connections, history is reduced to a collection of random tidbits, stripped of its power to help us understand the past, present, and future.

This is where public historians—whether in classrooms or local museums—have a real responsibility. Their job isn’t just to present facts but to interpret them, to connect the dots, and to explain why something matters. Trivia peddling is easy; real historical work is harder. It demands analysis, evaluation, and critical thinking. It also requires acknowledging complexity, contradictions, and uncomfortable truths.

And here’s a tough one: not everything that’s old is historically valuable. Sometimes, old stuff is just junk. Not every weathered building or faded document holds significance. Just because something has been around for a long time doesn’t mean it shaped history in a meaningful way. The real test is simple: So what?

That’s the question local historians should always ask. Why does this story, this place, or this artifact matter? How does it fit into the larger historical picture? If we can’t answer that, we aren’t doing history—we’re just collecting trivia.

Spirit

The Mojave is a proving ground and gathering place, changing those who move through it alone and in community. It boils life down to its essence—heat, wind, rock, and sky—compelling individuals to face themselves in ways they never have before. In conflict, some individuals discover definitive answers, others find questions, and most sense a connection to something greater than themselves.

To the Indigenous people, the land is sacred, with spirits and tales. Springs, rock etchings, and ancient trails indicate sites for ceremony and connection, where individuals sought visions and where the community reinforced common beliefs. Treasure hunters, travelers, and outlaws found their own beliefs later–whether in luck, omens, or the promise of vast fortune. The desert has always been a place where people feel their faith, shaped by the quiet and the open space that appears to go on forever.

Socially, the Mojave has brought together people who are seeking diverse things. From campfire stories to new-age spiritual retreats, from the alien ambiance of the Integratron to the shared awe of a meteor shower over Joshua Tree, individuals have congregated to experience something unspoken but profoundly sensed. Even in solitude, there is community–rock circles, roadside shrines, and invisible footprints signal that someone else has passed through, leaving their own faint imprint.

In its nature, the Mojave is a mirror. It reflects back what a person has inside–hope, desire, belief, or fear. Some see a wasteland, and some see a haven. Some leave the same, and some are transformed. Whether contemplating alone or together, the desert is the same: a place where meaning is created, where faith and doubt are tried, and where the silence, in its own voice, speaks.

El Gobernador

El Gobernador was a steam locomotive built for the Union Pacific in 1885. It was one of the largest locomotives of its time, designed specifically to handle heavy trains on difficult terrain.

Key facts about El Gobernador:

It was a 4-10-0 type locomotive, featuring four leading wheels and ten driving wheels.
The design aimed to provide greater traction for hauling freight trains over steep grades on the Union Pacific network.
Due to its size and weight, it encountered operational problems, such as excessive rail wear and difficulty navigating curves.
Despite its power, the locomotive was not a success and was retired after only a few years of service.

El Gobernador is an example of 19th-century railroad companies’ efforts to build more powerful locomotives to accommodate increasing rail traffic. However, not all innovations proved practical in the long run.

El Gobernador proved a few important things about locomotive design and rail operations in the 19th century:

Bigger Isn’t Always Better – The locomotive was built to be powerful, but its massive size and weight caused operational issues, like excessive rail wear and difficulty navigating curves. This showed that simply adding more wheels and power wasn’t always the best solution.
Engineering Limits – The locomotive highlighted the mechanical and structural limitations of railroad technology at the time. The tracks and infrastructure couldn’t always support such a heavy locomotive, leading to inefficiencies.
Experimentation Leads to Progress – Even though El Gobernador wasn’t a long-term success, its design contributed to later improvements in locomotive engineering. Railroads learned from its flaws and refined locomotive designs to balance power, efficiency, and practicality.
Specialization is Key – Instead of using oversized locomotives for all tasks, railroads moved toward specialized locomotives designed for specific terrains and train types, improving overall efficiency.

In short, El Gobernador was an ambitious experiment that demonstrated the need for balance between power and practicality in locomotive design. It helped shape the future of rail technology by showing what worked—and what didn’t.

The Mormon War

The Mormon War (Utah War) of 1857–58 was a conflict between the U.S. government and the Mormons in Utah Territory, though it never escalated into full-scale fighting. President Buchanan, concerned that Brigham Young was prioritizing church laws over U.S. laws, replaced him as territorial governor and sent a military force led by Colonel Albert Sidney Johnston to enforce federal authority. In response, Young declared martial law, mobilized the Mormon militia, and recalled Mormon settlers from surrounding regions. Harsh winter conditions delayed the U.S. Army’s arrival, allowing time for negotiations, which ultimately resolved the dispute peacefully.

During this period, tensions were high, especially following the Mountain Meadows Massacre in 1857, which contributed to fears of conflict and influenced emigrant routes. Meanwhile, the Mormons were also exploring and attempting to expand their influence along the lower Colorado River. They hoped to establish an outlet to the sea for trade, increase missionary efforts among Native American groups, and prepare for possible military threats.

In Las Vegas, Nevada, Mormon missionaries established a mission in 1855 at Las Vegas Springs and explored the Colorado River’s navigability. Early expeditions, such as those led by Rufus Allan and later groups, scouted the river and surrounding lands but found the river largely unnavigable. With the rising tension between Mormons and the U.S. military, Jacob Hamblin and other Mormon scouts, including Ira Hatch and Dudley Leavitt, conducted reconnaissance on U.S. Army activities, believing an invasion was imminent. One Mormon spy, Thales Haskell, was caught aboard the military survey steamer Explorer but provided misleading information about alternative California routes.

Fearing a federal attack from the south, Apostle Amasa M. Lyman led an expedition in 1858 to identify a defensive site near Pyramid Canyon, though no battle materialized. They concluded that Eldorado Canyon was the furthest feasible point for navigation. Ultimately, the anticipated invasion never came, and tensions eased.

Lake Manix

Lake Manix – Coyote Arm

The Coyote Arm of Lake Manix refers to a western extension of the ancient lake, reaching into what is now the Coyote Basin area. During the lake’s high stands, this arm would have been a shallow extension of the main body of water, influenced by the surrounding topography and hydrology.

As Lake Manix formed during the Pleistocene, its extent fluctuated with climate changes. At its peak, it covered over 90 square miles and was fed by the Mojave River. The Coyote Arm, like other sections of the lake, would have played a role in shaping local sediment deposition and ecosystems. When Lake Manix eventually breached at Afton Canyon, draining down the ancestral Mojave River path, the Coyote Arm would have dried up along with the rest of the lake, leaving behind alluvial deposits, clay beds, and evidence of past shorelines.

This area is now part of the Mojave Desert, with remnants of Lake Manix’s history visible in fossilized shorelines, lacustrine sediments, and scattered Pleistocene fossils.

The Bouse Formation:

A Window into the Prehistoric Hydrology of the Lower Colorado River

The Bouse Formation is a geological deposit found in parts of southwestern Arizona, southeastern California, and southern Nevada. Dating back to the Pliocene epoch, approximately 5 to 3 million years ago, this formation consists of fine-grained sediments such as marl, limestone, siltstone, and claystone. It provides crucial insights into the environmental history of the lower Colorado River and its transition from a series of ancient water bodies to the modern river system that defines the region today.

Composition and Depositional Environment

The Bouse Formation primarily comprises calcareous sediments, which indicate deposition in aquatic environments. The presence of marl and limestone suggests that these deposits formed in a setting rich in calcium carbonate, likely influenced by water chemistry changes over time. Interbedded silt and clay layers point to periodic shifts in sediment input, possibly linked to fluctuating water levels or varying sources of sediment.

The nature of the Bouse deposits has led to significant debate over their origin. Some researchers propose that the formation represents a marine incursion when the Gulf of California extended farther inland. This hypothesis is supported by the presence of marine fossils, such as foraminifera, which typically inhabit saltwater environments. However, another widely discussed interpretation suggests that the Bouse Formation was deposited in a series of freshwater to brackish lakes that existed before the modern Colorado River carved its path. In this scenario, the river may have initially flowed into these isolated basins, forming temporary lakes before fully integrating into a continuous drainage system.

Fossil Evidence and Hydrological Implications

One of the most intriguing aspects of the Bouse Formation is its fossil content, which includes both marine and freshwater microfossils. This mix of species suggests that environmental conditions shifted over time, either due to changes in water source or gradual transitions between marine and non-marine settings. The presence of diatoms, ostracods, and other aquatic organisms provides valuable data for reconstructing the region’s paleohydrology.

The Bouse Formation also plays a role in understanding the ancient course of the Colorado River. Some researchers believe that the formation represents the earliest phase of the river’s integration into the Gulf of California. Others argue that before the modern river fully developed, a system of large lakes existed, gradually draining as the river’s course evolved. These interpretations have significant implications for understanding water flow patterns, sediment transport, and landscape evolution in the region.

Connection to Broader Geological History

The study of the Bouse Formation is closely tied to the broader history of the American Southwest, particularly in relation to the Mojave Desert and its ancient lake systems. Similar to the now-extinct Lake Manix, which was part of the Mojave River’s prehistoric flow, the Bouse deposits suggest a period when water played a much more prominent role in shaping the landscape. Understanding these ancient hydrological processes helps geologists piece together the story of how the Southwest transitioned from a wetter, lake-dominated environment to the arid desert we see today.

Conclusion

The Bouse Formation remains a subject of ongoing scientific investigation, as its origins and implications continue to be debated. Whether formed by marine incursions or freshwater lakes, its sediments hold valuable clues about the past hydrology of the lower Colorado River. As researchers uncover more details, the Bouse Formation will remain a critical piece in reconstructing the prehistoric landscape of the region, offering insights into the forces that shaped the modern desert Southwest.

Summary

The Bouse Formation, dating back 5 to 3 million years ago, consists of calcareous sediments found in Arizona, California, and Nevada. It provides key insights into the ancient hydrology of the lower Colorado River. Debate surrounds its origin, with theories of marine incursions or freshwater lakes. Fossil evidence suggests shifting environments, linking it to broader geological changes in the American Southwest.

Damn Yellow Flowers

Damn Yellow Flowers (DYFs) is a term affectionately (or begrudgingly) used by botanists, naturalists, and desert wanderers to describe the frustratingly abundant and often similar-looking yellow wildflowers that blanket arid regions like the Mojave Desert. These flowers, while beautiful, can be a nightmare to identify—kind of like trying to tell apart identical twins who insist they have wildly different personalities.

The Science Behind DYFs

Desert Dandelion (*Malocothryx glabrata*)

Despite their casual nickname, DYFs encompass a wide range of plant species, predominantly from the Asteraceae (sunflower) family. This family includes some of the most common desert wildflowers, many of which share characteristics like bright yellow petals, composite flower structures, and a knack for popping up right where you least expect them.

Common DYFs of the Mojave Desert

Below are a few of the most frequently encountered DYFs in the Mojave Desert, along with their scientific and common names:

Desert Gold (Geraea canescens) – A tall, wiry-stemmed sunflower lookalike that thrives after rainy winters. It’s often the first to bloom during a superbloom, showing off like that one cousin who always arrives overdressed.
Desert Dandelion (Malacothrix glabrata) – A smaller, daintier yellow flower that resembles a garden dandelion but grows in sandy soils. It’s the floral equivalent of a minimalist, sticking to the basics but still catching your eye.
Golden Suncup (Camissonia brevipes) – A member of the evening primrose family, this plant has smaller yellow flowers that bloom near the ground. It thrives in disturbed soils, much like the houseplants you keep forgetting to water.
Brittlebush (Encelia farinosa) – One of the most easily recognizable DYFs, this shrub produces clusters of yellow daisy-like flowers on long stalks above silvery-green leaves. Imagine a desert plant trying its best to cosplay as a daisy bouquet.
Yellow Cups (Chylismia brevipes) – Similar to golden suncup but with more pronounced petals, this species tends to appear in sandy washes and along roadsides, proving that even wildflowers enjoy people-watching.
Goldfields (Lasthenia californica) – These tiny yellow blooms cover vast expanses of desert terrain, often blending together to create the illusion of a solid golden ground cover—kind of like nature’s way of rolling out the red carpet, but for bees.

Why So Many Yellow Flowers?

Desert Marigold (*Baileya multiradiata*)

The dominance of yellow in desert wildflowers isn’t just a coincidence. Many desert plants have evolved yellow blooms because it is one of the most visible colors to pollinators, especially bees and butterflies. In an environment where survival depends on successful pollination, standing out is a strategic advantage—basically, these flowers are nature’s version of a flashy billboard.

The Struggles of Identifying DYFs

Bigalow’s Coreopsis (*Coreopsis bigelovii*)

For amateur botanists and even seasoned professionals, distinguishing between different species of DYFs can be a daunting task. Many species exhibit only minor differences in petal shape, leaf texture, or stem height. Additionally, environmental factors such as soil composition and precipitation levels can influence plant morphology, making identification even trickier. It’s kind of like trying to pick the right brand of mustard—so many choices, all vaguely the same.

Appreciating DYFs Beyond the Frustration

Mojave Sun Cup *(Camissonia campestris)*

While they may be difficult to differentiate, DYFs are an essential part of the desert ecosystem. They provide nectar and pollen for pollinators, contribute to soil stabilization, and play a role in the desert food chain. Whether viewed as a botanical headache or a seasonal spectacle, these flowers are an undeniable part of the Mojave Desert’s charm.

So the next time you find yourself cursing at a sea of damn yellow flowers, remember that each one has its own niche, history, and role in the desert’s delicate balance. Or just make up a name and move on—chances are, no one will correct you.

The Open Spaces . . .

Those were the days of open-handed hospitality on the Mexican ranches. No introduction was necessary. People came and went on horseback, hung their saddles on pegs and their hats on the floor, and stayed as long as they liked.

Everywhere I stopped I was welcomed. The owner came in from the fields, knocked off work for the day, produced tequila, coffee, cigarettes, and sat down under the porch for a talk. The coffee- pot and bean-pot were always over the fire and in constant requisition. There was no great variety of food at the table, but the meats and vegetables were tastily cooked, and, if there were young girls in the family, there was singing, to the accompaniment of the guitar, during and after the dinner. When it came to retiring for the night, one simply dragged out a rawhide or canvas cot to whatever part of the premises he pleased, spread his blankets, and went to sleep listening to the dogs chasing coyotes.

The hospitality was very simple, whole-hearted, and very gratefully received because of its fine spirit.

John C. Van Dyke

Newberry Springs

Newberry Springs, California, is a small but historically notable town some 20 miles east-southeast of Barstow along the iconic Route 66. Its history is tied to the spread of the railroad, the journey of early migrants, and the precious water resources of the Mojave Desert.

The region initially became well-known when the Southern Pacific Railroad laid railway tracks through the area in 1883. The Watson post office was established at the point of railroad work on February 19 that year and was named for the initial postmaster, Josiah Watson. The post office did not last long, however, closing by July of the same year. The railway, in the meantime, had named its stop Newberry; so when the Watson post office was discontinued, this name de facto became the community’s accepted name. Throughout the years, the region underwent several renaming: in 1899, the post office briefly reopened as Newberry before it was closed afterward; in 1911, it was renamed Wagner in tribute to local resident and grocer Madge Wagner; and in 1919, it was once more renamed as Water, highlighting the great volumes of water—estimates are placed somewhere between 300,000 to 600,000 gallons daily—pumped out of the region for use by the Santa Fe Railroad. Later, in 1967, the name was formally altered to Newberry Springs.

The derivation of “Newberry” is contested. In a local myth, two Newberry brothers lived near the springs, one of whom died in a conflict over water rights. However, a more historically grounded theory suggests the area was named after Dr. J.S. Newberry, a physician on the 1857 expedition of Lt. Joseph C. Ives. Regardless of its actual origins, the name has remained, cementing Newberry Springs’ place in Mojave Desert history.

Newberry Springs has historically been appreciated for its reliable springs, which were important water sources for the early wagon trains and eventually the Santa Fe Railroad. Beyond its transport and water supply historical significance, Newberry Springs has also become well known for artificial ponds, utilized by sporting enthusiasts recreationally, and agricultural promise. The fertile ground in the area makes possible the growing of crops, fruit trees, and cattle ranching, demonstrating versatility beyond its previous transport role.

Another recognizable landmark in Newberry Springs is the Cliff House, situated on the historic Route 66. Though information on the Cliff House is scarce, it serves as a representation of the town’s significance at the peak of American automobile travel. Route 66, nicknamed the “Mother Road,” simplified travel from the Midwest to the West Coast, and Newberry Springs still has vestiges of the period. Vintage motels, service stations, and restaurants still dot the landscape, providing travelers with a glimpse of the roadside culture of the mid-20th century.

Along with its historical significance in transportation and farming, Newberry Springs also holds important archaeological significance. The nearby Newberry Cave is a prominent prehistoric site, containing carefully preserved rock art and artifacts that provide insightful knowledge about the area’s early inhabitants. Additionally, the natural features of the area, including volcanic formations and Troy Lake, contribute to its geological and ecological value.

Newberry Springs is a community that has been defined significantly by its history, geography, and the perpetual issue of water scarcity in the Mojave Desert. Evolving as a railroad stop and developing through the heyday of Route 66 and subsequent developments, this desert town is a fascinating piece of California’s extensive and rich history.

Newberry Springs

Tandem Website Configurations

Mojave Desert Net & Digital-Desert.com

Walter Feller, a retired engineering technician, has spent the past 30 years developing and expanding Digital-Desert.com and MojaveDesert.Net, two extensive resources dedicated to the history, geography, and natural beauty of the Mojave Desert. His work combines research, photography, and storytelling to document the region’s landscapes, historic sites, and ecological significance.

His dedication to preserving and sharing knowledge about the Mojave Desert through these platforms has made him a key figure in desert history documentation.

Introduction

The Mojave Desert is a sprawling, rugged terrain full of history, unusual geology, and varied ecosystems. Two valuable online resources, **MojaveDesert.net** and **Digital-Desert.com**, offer an extensive overview of this interesting region. With coverage ranging from national parks and wilderness areas to ghost towns, historic trails, and natural landmarks, the websites offer detailed guides for adventurers, historians, and nature lovers alike. Suppose you’re interested in desert wildlife and plants, mining history, native cultures, or points of interest. In that case, these websites provide detailed information, interactive maps, and beautiful photographs to make the Mojave tales come alive.

MojaveDesert.net is a comprehensive resource dedicated to the Mojave Desert, offering a variety of information about its geography, history, ecology, and more. The directory tree in the following is not complete but demonstrates While I don’t have access to a complete directory tree of the website, I can provide an overview of its main sections based on available information:

Home: Introduction to the Mojave Desert, featuring highlights and recent updates.
Geography: Details about the desert’s location, topography, and significant landmarks.
Flora and Fauna: Information on the plant and animal species native to the Mojave Desert.
History: Insights into the cultural and historical aspects of the region, including indigenous cultures, exploration, and settlement.
Ecology: Discussions on the desert’s ecosystems, climate, and environmental concerns.
Recreation: Guides and tips for activities such as hiking, camping, and sightseeing in the Mojave Desert.
Photo Gallery: A collection of images showcasing the desert’s landscapes, wildlife, and points of interest.
Resources: Additional materials like maps, articles, and external links for further exploration.

For a more detailed exploration of the website’s content, I recommend visiting MojaveDesert.net directly.

MojaveDesert.net is a resource covering the Mojave Desert’s geography, history, ecology, flora, fauna, and recreation. It includes sections on landmarks, indigenous cultures, exploration, environmental concerns, hiking, and photography. The site also offers maps, articles, and external resources.

Digital-Desert.COM

Digital-Desert.com is a comprehensive resource dedicated to the Mojave Desert, offering detailed information across various topics:

Nature: Explores the desert’s ecology, including its wildlife, plant life, geology, and climate.
Parks & Forests: Provides insights into national parks like Death Valley and Joshua Tree, as well as lesser-known state and county parks.
Wilderness Areas: Highlights regions preserved in their natural state, free from human impact.
Geology & Natural Formations: Discusses the majestic formations and mountain ranges found throughout the Mojave Desert.
Points of Interest: Features notable destinations and attractions within the desert.
Regional Map Guide: Offers an interactive map for navigating the Mojave Desert.
People & History: Delves into the histories of various groups and cultures associated with the Mojave, including influential figures and native cultures.
Roads and Trails: Covers historical and contemporary routes, as well as hiking trails and backroads.
Ghost Towns & Gold Mines: Examines abandoned communities and the mining history that once thrived in the region.
Communities: Profiles current towns and cities within the Mojave Desert.

The website also features sections on the Mojave River, historic roads and trails, craters and lava flows, petroglyphs, dunes, and dry lakes (playas). Additional resources include a blog, weather information, and a glossary.

digital-desert.com

For a more in-depth exploration, visit Digital-Desert.com.

summary

Digital-Desert.com is a comprehensive resource on the Mojave Desert, covering its nature, geology, history, and points of interest. It includes information on national parks, wilderness areas, ghost towns, gold mines, roads, trails, and regional communities. The site also features interactive maps, historical accounts, and details on wildlife, plant life, and natural formations.

description of these two websites combined

Conclusion

MojaveDesert.net and Digital-Desert.com are two extensive online resources dedicated to exploring the Mojave Desert’s rich history, geography, ecology, and cultural significance. Together, they provide a comprehensive look at the region’s national parks, wilderness areas, ghost towns, historic roads, and geological formations. These sites offer in-depth information on the desert’s plant and animal life, environmental concerns, indigenous cultures, mining history, and notable landmarks. Visitors can also find interactive maps, hiking guides, and photography collections that highlight the beauty and complexity of the Mojave Desert.