In his journal, Williamson wrote: "A mountain range extends from the San Bernardino Mountains in a southeasterly direction nearly, if not quite, to the Colorado (River.) Between these mountains and the mountains of the Mohave nothing is known of the country. I have never heard of a white man who had penetrated it."
However, mining activity did not begin in the Twentynine Palms area until 1873. Several mines sprung up in the area, with names such as the "Blue Jay," the "Cora," and the "Frying Pan."
Over time, prospectors searched for gold in the rocky hills to the east, over looking Pinto Basin. Because water was found nearby, the town of Virginia Dale was founded in this area.
So, why was the town called "Virginia Dale?" The reason is lost to the mists of time, but Virgina Dale may have been the first child born in the camp which eventually became the town.
The mine that was known as the "Virginia Dale" was actually three mines, the first of which was developed in 1885 by two men: T.B. Lyon and ...."Chuckwalla" Wilson.
As the miners worked further south east, the town moved with them.
The population of one of the Dale camps is supposed to have peaked at three thousand people. However, only eight people remained in Dale township as of 1920.
Today, only the rusting cyanide tanks and some tailings remain.
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The ruined cyanide tanks at the Virginia Dale Mine.
Photo by Scott Schwartz.
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Cyanide tank: interior.
Photo by Scott Schwartz.
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The Pinto Basin can be seen, in this view from the mine. The mountains in the distance are the Pinto Mountains. Photo by Scott Schwartz. All rights reserved.
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