Located in Death Valley is a castle that was built as a vacation retreat for Albert Mussey Johnson and his wife. Stories told how the castle was built with money earned from a gold mine that he had invested in in the 20's. Actually, there was no gold mine and his investment was in a dream but out of it he did build his vacation retreat.
Walter Scott had gotten Mr. Johnson to invest in a mine that didn't exist. It wasn't a bad deal for Mr. Scott until Mr. Johnson decided to come and see the mine for himself. There was no mine. Pretty hard to keep excited about investing in a mine that doesn't exist.
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 rich and famous came to the retreat when it became a tourist attraction. They wanted to see the retreat built by one of California's richest gold miners. Of course, had he told that it wasn't from the riches gained from the non-existent mine there wouldn't have been nearly the attraction to it that there was at the time.
There are guided tours available at the castle for those of you wanting to visit. With interactive displays, living history exhibits and all inside the house it will be a treat to see. The tours are available daily on the hour.
The second tour available for you while you are at the castle is of the underground area. It shows you the technology used to provide electricity to the castle. There is a 1/4 mile tunnel system that runs under the castle that you will be able to see.
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.
Walter Scott had gotten Mr. Johnson to invest in a mine that didn't exist. It wasn't a bad deal for Mr. Scott until Mr. Johnson decided to come and see the mine for himself. There was no mine. Pretty hard to keep excited about investing in a mine that doesn't exist.
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 rich and famous came to the retreat when it became a tourist attraction. They wanted to see the retreat built by one of California's richest gold miners. Of course, had he told that it wasn't from the riches gained from the non-existent mine there wouldn't have been nearly the attraction to it that there was at the time.
There are guided tours available at the castle for those of you wanting to visit. With interactive displays, living history exhibits and all inside the house it will be a treat to see. The tours are available daily on the hour.
The second tour available for you while you are at the castle is of the underground area. It shows you the technology used to provide electricity to the castle. There is a 1/4 mile tunnel system that runs under the castle that you will be able to see.
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.
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 Attractions. And while you are there, tour the Inland Empire California Tourism region to experience more interesting attractions that will make your family vacation one to remember.
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