Friday, September 26, 2014

Shoshone, CA, Things to See - 9/26/14

Today we drove about 30 miles southwest from Pahrump, NV, to Shoshone, CA, to check out the Shoshone Museum and Dublin Caves. The warm water spring by nearby Black Mountain supported an active Native American community here for centuries.

Founded in 1910 by Anglos, Shoshone is the southern gateway to Death Valley National Park. It was a stop to provide basic services for the crew and passengers of the Tonopah & Tidewater Railroad between 1905-1939. The Crowbar Cafe and Saloon is a popular stop for motor cyclists, tourists and locals. The population of Shoshone has been declining and was only 31 in 2010.

Shoshone Museum: Housed in an old gas station, exhibits here highlight the history of the area. There are displays on mammoth fossils found in the area, geological information, wildlife, Native American culture, as well as mining, farming, and bootlegging. There is also an extensive display of photographs and artifacts of the women of the area.

Stagecoach trunk.
Bootlegging display.
Mining artifacts.


Tonopah and Tidewater Railroad artifacts.


Original refrigeration box (ice was delivered by the train).


Coyote: Clever and stealthy, many Native Americans call coyote the "trickster." Primarily nocturnal, one can be within 1-2' of your campground and you will never know it until you see the tracks in the morning.

Camel and horse tracks - 12 million years old.


Dublin Caves: Miners and vagabonds used caves in the soft hills of the wash in Shoshone as housing from the early 1900s through the 1960s. The caves were warm in the winter and cool in the summers. Some featured split levels, stovepipe chimneys and alcoves.



Interiors.

One of two room dwelling.

Dublin Gulch.


Shoshone Cemetery: This historic cemetery has the remains of Senator Charles Brown and his family as well as many other residents of Shoshone. A guidebook to the cemetery is available at the Museum.


Charles Brown General Store: Groceries (small selection), supplies, Native American gifts, and fuel can be purchased here. It is the only store in this tiny town.





Check out these fuel prices in this remote location in the Mojave Desert.


Shoshone Inn: Some use this small Inn as a base camp for exploring Death Valley.


The Crowbar Cafe and Saloon: This place was very busy when we were there on a Friday around 1 pm.

Admission to the Shoshone Museum is free. The Dublin Caves were very unique and interesting to explore. It was fun to visit this remote oasis.

Website:  www.shoshonevillage.com

No comments:

Post a Comment