Scotty's Castle

Scotty's Castle is located at the northeastern end of the park.  Albert Johnson, a wealthy investment banker from Chicago, built a vacation home for him and his wife Bessie called Death Valley Ranch.  He was urged by his doctors to spend time in a warm, dry climate.  A spring ran through the property making it an ideal location.  In addition, he funded a stranger's gold-mining expedition in Death Valley sight unseen.  The man who grubstaked the money in advance told great stories of all the gold found in his secret Death Valley mine.  His name was Walter "Scotty" Scott, and he was a cowboy-turned-con artist who used to ride with Buffalo Bill's Wild West show.  Eventually, Albert Johnson wanted to check out the mine for himself and invited Scotty to stay at his ranch.  Scotty bragged to visitors that he had the mansion built with gold found in his mine.  Albert and Bessie, who often entertained guests at their home, thoroughly enjoyed Scotty's tales.  He entertained their guests and they could just relax in the background.  The Johnsons never received any payout from the mine, but developed an interesting and life-long relationship with Scotty.  Guests assumed Scotty owned the ranch and it was dubbed "Scotty's Castle".

Albert, Bessie and Death Valley Scotty

The Johnsons have always enjoyed visitors and the mansion was kept in pristine condition.  After they passed away, the mansion was eventually turned into a museum run by the National Park Service.  Practically the entire mansion was filled with original artifacts such as handpainted floor tiles, handmade rugs, furniture, painted leather curtains, dinnerware, linens and clothing.  It was amazing.  You could only walk on the tiles or carpet runners they placed for you.  Otherwise, walking on the rugs or touching anything in the house was forbidden.  That was tough for me because I like to touch everything in a museum!  Kevin made sure I complied with museum policy.  Our tour guide missed her calling to the theater.  She was very animated and quite the storyteller.  We really got a great picture of what life was like for Scotty and The Johnsons and the nature of their unique relationship.

Formal Dining Room

    

Bessie's Closet