Death Valley National Park: A History

America’s National Parks

by Hal K. Rothman, Char Miller

The first comprehensive study of the park, past and present, Death Valley National Park probes the environmental and human history of this most astonishing desert. Established as a national monument in 1933, Death Valley was an anomaly within the national park system. Though many who knew this landscape were convinced that its stark beauty should be preserved, to do so required a reconceptualization of what a park consists of, grassroots and national support for its creation, and a long and difficult political struggle to secure congressional sanction.

This history begins with a discussion of the physical setting, its geography and geology, and descriptions of the Timbisha, the first peoples to inhabit this tough and dangerous landscape. In the 19th-century and early 20th century, new arrivals came to exploit the mineral resources in the region and develop permanent agricultural and resort settlements. Although Death Valley was established as a National Monument in 1933, fear of the harsh desert precluded widespread acceptance by both the visiting public and its own administrative agency. As a result, Death Valley lacked both support and resources. This volume details the many debates over the park’s size, conflicts between miners, farmers, the military, and wilderness advocates, the treatment of the Timbisha, and the impact of tourists on its cultural and natural resources.

In time, Death Valley came to be seen as one of the great natural wonders of the United States, and was elevated to full national park status in 1994. The history of Death Valley National Park embodies the many tensions confronting American environmentalism.  

Genres: History, Environment

213 pages, Paperback

First published September 3, 2013

Reviews

[Seth · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book devolved over time into a random smattering of dates and occurrences not tightly woven into an interesting story. Great language throughout and a fairly complete picture of the evolution of Death Valley under the management of the Department of Interior. The latter half seemed dry and wondering.

[Marieta Grissom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very detailed, but very interesting. The attributed author, Hal Rothman, died before completing the book, and kudos to Char Miller, for finishing it. The book describes the struggles with developing a national monument, then turning it into a national park with rich, but unfinished mining and Native American interests. Then, add to the mix government bureaucracy, budget constraints, climate/environment concerns, and criminal activity to millions of acres that many say doesn't compare with the beauty and popularity of other national parks. This has been and continues to be major challenges.

Having recently visited this park, I can hardly wait to return. We loved it!

[Will Boncher · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just like the region; really dry.

[Paul Apelgren · Rating 2 out of 5]

A dry book for a dry place. Love of the park is not an antidote. While I appreciated tidbits of info, overall, the book is too wonky to be enjoyed by the lay reader.