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.
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 decided that even though there wasn't a mine in Death Valley they liked the area anyway. With that in mind they decided to build a vacation retreat. The retreat was named Death Valley Ranch but to those that were local and knew the story of Mr. Scott it was 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.
Daily tours are available on the hour of the castle and the living history exhibits and the displays inside the house. These guided tours will help you understand the lifestyle of the Johnson's.
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.
Using the technology of the past in conjunction with the technology of today keeps the castle well preserved. The National Park Service is responsible for maintaining the castle today. The underground area has been incorporated into the workings of the current management so you will get to see some of that along with history as you tour the basement level. - 16651
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 decided that even though there wasn't a mine in Death Valley they liked the area anyway. With that in mind they decided to build a vacation retreat. The retreat was named Death Valley Ranch but to those that were local and knew the story of Mr. Scott it was 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.
Daily tours are available on the hour of the castle and the living history exhibits and the displays inside the house. These guided tours will help you understand the lifestyle of the Johnson's.
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.
Using the technology of the past in conjunction with the technology of today keeps the castle well preserved. The National Park Service is responsible for maintaining the castle today. The underground area has been incorporated into the workings of the current management so you will get to see some of that along with history as you tour the basement level. - 16651
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 Tourist Attractions. And while you are there, explore the Gold Country California Tourism region to experience more interesting attractions that will make your family vacation one to remember.
