History of Zzyzx
A history of Soda Springs and Zzyzx as faithfully transcribed from the bathroom walls at the Desert Studies Center.
Zzyzx, California, nestled at the edge of Soda Dry Lake in the Mojave Desert, has a story as unusual as its name. Once a natural spring known to Native peoples and early explorers, it later became a health resort under Curtis Springer, and now serves as the Desert Studies Center. Each era—from Soda Station to Zzyzx Mineral Springs—has left its mark on this curious and storied location.
Zzyzx Road - no date - NPS photo
1776 - 1830 -- Early Explorers
1830 - 1860 -- Pioneers & Settlers
1860 - 1870 -- Army Outpost
1870 - 1905 -- Soda Station
1905 - 1916 -- The Soda Works
1916 - 1944 -- Abandonment
1944 - 1974 -- Zzyzx Mineral Springs
1974 - Present -- The DSC