Owens Valley Chronology

Pre-Contact Era (Before 1800s)

• The Nüümü (Paiute people) live in the Owens Valley, using sophisticated irrigation systems to grow native plants. They also engage in seasonal hunting and gathering throughout the region.

Owens Valley Paiute

1834 – Joseph R. Walker Enters Owens Valley

• Joseph R. Walker, a scout and explorer leading a detachment of Bonneville’s Expedition, is credited as the first known non-Native American to travel through Owens Valley.
• His route takes him along the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada, likely crossing the valley while seeking a pass into California.
• Walker’s expedition opened early paths for later settlers and explorers.

Joseph R. Walker, Owens Valley

1845 – Naming of Owens River and Lake

• During a U.S. military survey expedition, John C. Fremont named the Owens River and Lake after his topographer, Richard Owens.

Owens Lake

1861 – Samuel A. Bishop Arrives

• Bishop drives 500 cattle and 50 horses into the valley and establishes San Francis Ranch.
• His actions disrupt Paiute lands and irrigation, leading to armed resistance and the Battle of San Francis Ranch in early 1862.

1861–1863 – Owens Valley Indian War

• Conflict between settlers and Paiute bands escalates.
• The U.S. Army was called to support settlers and forced many Paiutes to Fort Tejon in 1863.

Paiute Indian War, Fort Tejon

1862 – Camp Independence Established

• July 4: U.S. Army establishes Camp Independence near Oak Creek to protect settlers and assert military control during the war.
• The site later becomes part of the Fort Independence Indian Community.

Camp Independence

1860s–1880s – Expansion of Settlement

• Settlers build farms, ranches, and towns like Lone Pine and Independence.
• Mining in nearby Cerro Gordo spurs economic growth.

Lone Pine, Independence, Cerro Gordo

1872 – Lone Pine Earthquake

• A devastating quake destroys much of Lone Pine, kills about 27 people, and leaves a visible fault scarp.

1883 – Carson & Colorado Railroad reaches Laws

• A narrow-gauge rail line connects the valley to northern mining districts, bringing passengers, freight, and new economic lifelines.

Carson & Colorado RR

1900s–1910s – Southern Pacific & Standard-Gauge Rail

• Southern Pacific Railroad acquires the Carson & Colorado.
• A standard-gauge line is built from Mojave to Owenyo.

Southern Pacific RR, Mojave

1905–1913 – Los Angeles Aqueduct

• LA secures land and water rights.
• 1913: The aqueduct is completed, diverting the Owens River to Southern California.

1924 – Aqueduct Sabotage

• Local farmers and ranchers retaliate with dynamite attacks on aqueduct facilities, protesting water loss.

1927 – Owens Lake Dries Up

• Once a large inland sea, Owens Lake becomes a dry lakebed as diversions continue.

1960 – End of Narrow-Gauge Rail Service

• Final train reaches Laws, marking the end of narrow-gauge railroad operations in the valley.
• The depot is preserved as part of the Laws Railroad Museum.

1970s–1990s – Environmental Action

• Residents and conservationists challenge LA’s dust and water practices.
• 1991: LA is legally required to control dust on Owens Lake.

2000s–Present – Restoration and Advocacy

• Efforts continue to restore natural flow, clean up air quality, and address the historical displacement of Native communities.