Most archaeological sites are concentrated near water sources and the mesquite dunes. Site types include villages, rock shelters, temporary camps, trails, cremations, lithic scatters, rock art locations, milling loci, pottery, and historic sites. Because of their sensitivity, the nature and location of these sites cannot be revealed here. Please remember that all archaeological and historic sites are protected by federal law under the Antiquities Act and Archaeological Resources Protection Act. The sites should not be disturbed.
Violators are subject to prosecution.
The salt lake in Saline Valley, like others throughout the basin and range province, was recognized by late 19th Century prospectors as a source of sodium chloride and borax. Borax was discovered in Saline Valley in 1874. Salt was mined on a small scale some years before that date, but became a large-scale operation after 1903. While these mineral deposits were significant, the remoteness of the area, ruggedness of the terrain, and lack of easy access made development of mineral resources uneconomical. The sites which remain portray early attempts to exploit these minerals and the ingenious technological solutions developed to cope with problems peculiar to Saline Valley.