Borax Heritage Fund
To Preserve the Heritage and Secure the Legacy...
(Endowment & Capital Fund)
Donations to this Fund to date: $35,000
Supporting the stewardship, preservation and interpretation of sites and artifacts relating to the operations and history of the "Pacific Coast Borax Company" (and its successor organizations) associated with the Death Valley region.
The company was founded in 1890 by F.M. "Borax" Smith after acquiring former Borax King, W.T. Coleman's borax properties, including Death Valley's now famous landmarks the "Harmony Borax Works" and "Zabriskie Point." Smith's borax interests went back much further to 1872 and his operations at Teel's Marsh in Nevada.
Later, in 1896, seeking to expand the European markets he merged with the British company, "Redwood's Chemical Works, Ltd." in partnership with James Gerstley, and Richard Baker in London.
Borax executive Stephen T. Mather conceived of using the 20 Mule Teams used to haul borax from the Valley in the 1880’s as a company trademark. In the process he made mules, borax and Death Valley world famous. Mr. Mather later went on to create the National Park Service proving Death Valley a crucible of creation even beyond its awe inspiring natural and geologic treasures.
The Borax Heritage Fund currently has received start-up donations of approx. $35,000 and we are pleased to have enjoyed the unanimous support of all of the living former CEO's of U.S. Borax and two out of the three founding families - Smith and Gerstley!
Return to the "Death Valley Fund" web.
Under Construction! Watch for updates soon.