Scotty's Castle

In the lifeless Valley of Death there is a single fork built in the midst of the gold rush. Its owner was a notorious adventurer and invested his income in creating a paradise in this hellish place. The only structure many miles around is called Scotty Castle or Death Valley Ranch.

Walter Scott was a rare crook. He once announced that he had found incredible gold deposits in Death Valley, and insurance magnate Albert Johnson agreed to finance the gold mining. Of course, there were no mines in sight. Cunning Scott invited him to check out the businesses in the height of summer, when the temperature in the desert did not drop below 50 degrees. Not in good health, Johnson still wandered for several weeks in the desert and, to his surprise, was completely cured by the hot dry air of the desert. He began to come here constantly as a sanatorium. For his wife, who accompanied him on trips, he built an entire castle-residence so that she could feel comfortable.

The incredible Moorish-style structure inside was as incredible as it was outside. There was air conditioning, electricity, running water and huge refrigeration chambers. The interior of the rooms was decorated with Persian carpets and expensive furniture, paintings and tapestries, expensive curtains and lamps were brought from the city. Such wealth still looks fantastic when the bare lifeless Death Valley stretches around.