Death Valley is known for being one of the harshest locations in the USA. It's hot, it's barren and it certainly wasn't the location of the gold mine that was supposedly there and funding the construction of Albert Mussey Johnson's vacation retreat. There wasn't a gold mine, even though Johnson had invested in one.
When you get investors for a mining project you really should have a mine. Walter Scott had gotten Mr. Johnson to invest in the mine that was supposedly going to make them both rich. It was working for Mr. Scott until Mr. Johnson decided to come and see the mine for himself. With no mine to see it was impossible for him to get too excited about the mine.
Mr. Johnson and his wife liked Walter Scott, even after the knowledge that there was no mine. Mr. Johnson became enamored by Death Valley and with the encouragement of his wife built a vacation retreat. Although the retreat was actually named Death Valley Ranch it became known as Scotty's Castle.
The vacation retreat became a tourist attraction. The rich and famous came to see the castle built from the riches of the gold mine. Mr. Johnson never disputed the fact that the retreat was built with the money made from the gold mine. Probably a good thing for Mr. Scott or he would have been known for the liar he was.
Today there are tours of the castle for anyone that wants to see it. There are interactive displays, living history exhibits and other displays inside the house. There are guided tours available daily on the hour.
Underground tours are offered at the castle too. You will see the Pelton Water Wheel that furnished the castle with electricity at the time of construction. You will also be able to take the 1/4 mile tunnel walk to see what other surprises are there that make the castle special.
Thanks for the National Park Service the castle is maintained for people to visit. Technology from the past and present are both used in the lower level of the castle to keep it functioning as it should. You will enjoy the tour and the history of the castle. - 16752
When you get investors for a mining project you really should have a mine. Walter Scott had gotten Mr. Johnson to invest in the mine that was supposedly going to make them both rich. It was working for Mr. Scott until Mr. Johnson decided to come and see the mine for himself. With no mine to see it was impossible for him to get too excited about the mine.
Mr. Johnson and his wife liked Walter Scott, even after the knowledge that there was no mine. Mr. Johnson became enamored by Death Valley and with the encouragement of his wife built a vacation retreat. Although the retreat was actually named Death Valley Ranch it became known as Scotty's Castle.
The vacation retreat became a tourist attraction. The rich and famous came to see the castle built from the riches of the gold mine. Mr. Johnson never disputed the fact that the retreat was built with the money made from the gold mine. Probably a good thing for Mr. Scott or he would have been known for the liar he was.
Today there are tours of the castle for anyone that wants to see it. There are interactive displays, living history exhibits and other displays inside the house. There are guided tours available daily on the hour.
Underground tours are offered at the castle too. You will see the Pelton Water Wheel that furnished the castle with electricity at the time of construction. You will also be able to take the 1/4 mile tunnel walk to see what other surprises are there that make the castle special.
Thanks for the National Park Service the castle is maintained for people to visit. Technology from the past and present are both used in the lower level of the castle to keep it functioning as it should. You will enjoy the tour and the history of the castle. - 16752
About the Author:
Penelope SanMateo is a travel writer who writes for the California Beautiful travel guide. If you are planning your next vacation, then check out this guide to California Wine Tours. And while you are there, tour the High Sierra California Tourism region to discover more interesting attractions that will make your family vacation one to remember.
