Freighting from Banning to Dale Mine

ca. 1904

All supplies, machinery, building materials, and unprocessed ore from early desert mining operations had to be hauled in and out by horse or mule-team wagons. A trip for supplies could take three days or longer on extremely poor unpaved roads.

One freighter complained that the mules had to be fed hay purchased in Banning, more than 60 miles away. By the time he got to the mining camp, the mules would have eaten most of the hay, and he would have to turn around and head back to Banning for more.

Paper
Joshua Tree National Park, JOTR 20575 #1625