1. Indigenous Histories Focus on the original Native American residents like the Mojave, Chemehuevi, Serrano, and Paiute people. Emphasize traditions, trade routes (e.g., Mojave Trail), religious beliefs, and their adaptation to the harsh desert environment. Mention the effects of colonization, like displacement, cultural loss, and present-day preservation efforts.
2. Exploration and Early Settler Histories Talk about early explorers like Jedediah Smith, John Fremont, and Francisco Garces. This would involve the creation of trails, like the Mojave Road and Old Spanish Trail, for trade and migration purposes. Discuss early homesteading enterprises and settler-Native interactions.
3. Histories of Mining and Economic Development Involve boom-and-bust patterns of mining towns like Calico, Rhyolite, and Goldfield. Describe the mining of gold, silver, borax, and other minerals and their economic significance. Highlight transportation infrastructure like railroads (e.g., Tonopah and Tidewater) that supported mining operations.
4. Military Histories Describe military use of the Mojave, including the establishment of forts (e.g., Fort Mojave) to protect settlers and trade routes. Including World War II-era training camps like Camp Iron Mountain and the Desert Training Center. Highlight the Mojave’s role in defense testing and operations at Fort Irwin and Edwards Air Force Base bases.
5. Transportation and Route Histories Discuss desert travel route development, from Native trade trails to wagon roads and railroads. Feature famous highways like Route 66 and their cultural influence. Describe water stops, stagecoach stations, and road towns that served travelers.
6. Agricultural Histories Discuss the challenges and technology of desert dry land farming and ranching. Feature homesteading stories and irrigation projects like those in Lucerne Valley or Imperial Valley. Observe how modern development altered ranching lands.
7. Environmental and Geologic Histories Explain how desert environments, ancient lake systems (e.g., Lake Manix), and unique geologic features developed. Highlight changes in vegetation and fauna over time and human impact on the ecosystems. Add paleontological discoveries, e.g., fossils in the Rainbow Basin.
8. Tourism and Preservation Histories Describe the creation of national parks and monuments like Joshua Tree, Death Valley, and Mojave National Preserve. Discuss the growth of desert tourism, ghost town tourism, and recreation activities. Describe efforts at conserving cultural and natural heritage sites.
Summary
Mojave Desert histories can be grouped into these main types:
- Indigenous Histories: Focus on Native peoples, their culture, trade, and adaptation.
- Exploration and Settlers: Highlight explorers, early settlers, and trade routes.
- Mining and Development: Cover mining booms, ghost towns, and railroads.
- Military Histories: Include forts, WWII training camps, and modern bases.
- Transportation Routes: Explore trails, railroads, Route 66, and travel stops.
- Agriculture: Discuss ranching, farming, and irrigation efforts in the desert.
- Environmental Histories: Explain geological formations, ancient lakes, and ecosystems.
- Tourism and Preservation: Focus on parks, ghost towns, and conservation.