Why is the name Death Valley?
What is Death Valley famous for?
The largest National Park south of Alaska, Death Valley is known for extremes: It is North America’s driest and hottest spot (with fewer than two inches (5 cm) of rainfall annually and a record high of 134°F (57°C), and has the lowest elevation on the continent — 282 feet (86 m) below sea level.
Who established Death Valley?
Death Valley was named by gold seekers who undertook to cross this desolate region in 1849 on their way to the California gold fields. The Valley yielded gold and silver in the 1850s, and in the 1880s borax was discovered and taken out by mule-drawn wagons.
Why is the name Death Valley?
Death Valley was given its forbidding name by a group of pioneers lost in the winter of 1849–1850. They were attacked by Paiute Indians at the bottom of Death Valley. They chose to kill their oxen, burn their wagons to cure the meat, and headed west on foot. Thirteen died in transit, though the rest succeeded in reaching California. As the party climbed out of the valley over the Panamint Mountains, one of the men turned, looked back, and said “goodbye, Death Valley.” This name, and the story of The Lost ‘49ers have become part of American Western history.
What is borax used for?
Borax is well known as an ingredient in high efficiency laundry detergents, but it’s most important modern use is in the production of fiberglass and borosilicate glass. The element Boron has powerful abilities to strengthen, toughen and make fire-resistant glasses, metals, wood, and fibers. It is used in approximately three hundred high-tech products. A few of its uses are as key components of soldering flux, welding rods, wood and fabric preservatives, fire retardant, insecticides, pottery glaze, antiseptics, and experimental fuel cells.
Where is the lowest place in the park?
Badwater Basin-282 feet (86 m) below sea level-is not only the lowest place in the park, it’s the lowest in North America. It is located 18 miles south of the Furnace Creek Visitor Center on the Badwater Road (CA 178).
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