"~Boron~" Boron by Yaqui

Boron Travel Guide: 21 reviews and 62 photos

Picture by the Col. Vernon P. Saxon Aero Musuem

Home of the Twenty Mule Team

It all started when in the 1881 Mr. Winters, a prospector, discovered in Death Valley borate mineral called "Colemanite" or better know too many as "Borax." So, starting in 1883 - 1888 was the beginning of the famed Twenty Mule Teams which were 7,800 pound wagons each hauling at least 12 tons of borax and bone on wheels seven feet high with eight inch steal tires with a train that measured 160 feet long with the best trained twenty mules. They then transported the Borax to the Mojave Desert Railhead 165 miles of scorching desert heat in the summer and freezing temperatures in the winter.

Boron had humble beginning when it was once called Amargo in its bootlegging days. And in 1913 while drilling for water, Dr. John Suckow struck a low grade of colemanite. The company soon bought extensive acreage and discovered even larger deposits and production began 1927. Thanks to Santa Fe Railroad for moving the train depot to Amargo in 1941, the little town soon started to grow into a bustling railroad business and settlers began moving in to make this little community grow so fast. Then in 1945 the once little bootlegging town was renamed to be called, "BORON." Now Boron is considered the north gate to our future technologies with Edwards AFB and Air Force Research Laboratory nearby.

California’s Abandoned Mines - Stay Out - Stay Alive!

Very friendly place;-)

Welcome!

It's a very nice little town filled with history from the discovery of Borax, Spaceshuddle landing, Test exploration, home of the Twenty Mule Team, and where the one of the "First Woman Aviators", the famed "Pancho Barnes" lived here. Pretty neat huh!

I want to share with you, although this community may be appear in some area a little bit in decay, its still a very active community because I personally know people who live here since they retired from the military. They are very proud of their town and are very active in many activities within their own community and that of the community of Edwards AFB, Ca. People live here because its close to the base, rocket site or the Boron mining site. They love it here and respect it for what it is. Not a lot of communites across the US don't experience some urban plight of decay, but someone how they keep it alive. So do not judge because one or two buildings may not appeal to their standards, but look beyond! Yet, mostly importantly respect their world.

Florence Lowe "Pancho" Barnes 1901-1975

I just had to add how significance this lady was to our community and a role model for future female aviators. (She broke many aviation speed records). She lived a heck of life and didn’t let too much grass grow under her feet. Edwards Air Force Base celebrates yearly “Pancho Barnes Day” because of her dedication to aviation and to reflect on the good old days of her "Happy Bottom Riding Club"! If you want to know more about it, check out the movie the Right Stuff.

She lived her later years in Boron and still frequenting events at Edwards AFB as a lecturer and honoree with regular invites from such dignitaries as General Jimmy Doolittle. She was even still giving lessons in her favorite aircraft that her son had bought back for her. She passed away in March of 1975 in her rustic rock cabin home with her beloved animals she adored.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Friendly hardworking people live here.
Cons:Hot in Summer and windy/cold during winter.
In a nutshell:Stop, eat, and enjoy the history!

Last visit to Boron: Nov 2003
Intro Updated Dec 28, 2011
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Reviews (24)

Blue Star Memorial By Way~ Things to Do (9)

Located in front the of Boron Chamber of Commerce/Twenty Mule Team Museum is a small, but significant Blue Star Memorial... more travel advice

Blue Star Memorial Higway~ Off The Beaten Path (4)

After World War II, a nationwide movement was started to pay tribute to the nation's armed forces, by designating... more travel advice

24-hour Interactive Visitor Kiosk Favorites (1)

This is a 24-hour interactive visitor kiosk. Designed and operated by the Board of Trade, the kiosk will provide... more travel advice

Great Food and Service! Restaurants (3)

We decided to try something new and discovered a wonderful little gem of a restaurant among the stark desert. The food... more travel advice

Warnings and Dangers (3)
See All SOFT DIRT ROAD WITH DROP OFF!
Shopping (2)
See All More Antiques

Hotels (2)
See All Just Down the Road
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Travelogues (1)

Written Nov 23, 2004

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Murals of Boron

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Comments (38)

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Regina1965 Jan 13, 2012 at 3:10 PM

An interesting page, boron, eh? Very informative!
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balhannah Jan 2, 2012 at 11:27 PM

I never know what I am going to find on your pages! This one was another interesting one. I liked reading about the Twenty Mule team, the Museum, and seeing the nice Mural. It's must be interesting seeing the site's where a part of a movie has been filmed! Nice page.
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Mikebb Dec 27, 2011 at 8:18 PM

The 20 mule train would be impressive back then. I like the idea of retaining this history
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MalenaN Oct 24, 2011 at 10:42 AM

Interesting page and information about the Twenty Mule Team and the Joshua Tree!
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hunterV Oct 16, 2011 at 9:00 AM

Hi, Dee!~ Thanks for your great page about Boron!~ Take care!~
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boronite Feb 4, 2011 at 8:55 PM

I grew up in Boron so I probably have a different perspective. Panco Barnes lived in back of the mobile home park where we lived. We moved there when I was 2. I appreciate the comments about the town and happy folks appreciate it's hidden treasures.
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Nemorino Oct 21, 2010 at 3:23 PM

Fascinating tips! I wish I'd had a better chemistry teacher in high school, then I would know much more about boron -- atomic number 5, after all. Those must have been really clever mules to leap the chain and pull at an angle away from the curve!
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msbrandysue Jul 16, 2010 at 8:24 PM

I'm with you. Even though a town looks a bit run down we should be cheering for them. Attitude is everything!!!
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BruceDunning Mar 28, 2010 at 11:30 AM

Those old days mule trains must have been a site and it was amazing how you were able to see so much of the pit mine and its workings. Great pictures and comments, as usual for you.
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MD2nd Mar 16, 2010 at 4:55 AM

Interesting restaurant tip about the place where at ppl have to wait at least 30 mns for their food. Can you imagine that's, if not even longer than 30 mns, pretty regular in Germany :-((