Death Valley National Park in Inyo County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Eagle Borax Works
A few structural remains and the nearby borax windrows are the most visible reminders of Eagle Borax Works, the first borax refinery in Death Valley.
Businessman Isador Daunet founded the Eagle operation on this site, producing borax by late 1882. During its first fifteen months this refinery produced 130 tons of low-grade borax. The inefficiency of the refinery's operation led it to near bankruptcy. This, combined with personal setbacks, resulted in Daunet's suicide. In 1884, the Eagle Borax Works closed.
The refining process began by dissolving the unprocessed borax in the elevated tank behind the two men. The solution was drawn off and crystallized in the five tanks in front. The refined borax was then hauled more than 160 miles across the desert to the rail station at Mojave, California.
Erected by National Park Service.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Natural Resources. A significant historical year for this entry is 1882.
Location. 36° 12.035′ N, 116° 52.038′ W. Marker is in Death Valley National Park, California, in Inyo County. Marker can be reached from West Side Road, 13 miles south of Badwater Road, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map . Marker is in this post office area: Death Valley CA 92328, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 5 other markers are within 15 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Shorty Harris Grave (approx. half a mile away); Bennett-Arcan Long Camp (approx. 2.6 miles away); Badwater Pool (approx. 5.9 miles away); Devils Golf Course (approx. 8.8 miles away); Aguereberry Point (approx. 14.8 miles away).
More about this marker. West Side Road is a dirt road and might be closed after a rain storm. Avoid traveling in remote areas during severe weather.
Regarding Eagle Borax Works. The remains of the borax works have been covered with soil to protect them. Eagle Borax Works is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 5, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 5, 2020, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 275 times since then and 98 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 5, 2020, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 4. submitted on May 14, 2023, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.