Situated within the Mojave Desert, Death Valley is the lowest and driest area in North America - 282 feet below sea level. It holds the record for the highest reliably reported temperature in the world, 134 °F, on July 10, 1913. During the great heat wave of 1913, 5 consecutive days reached 129 °F or above.
The reason Death Valley is so blasted hot? The depth and shape of the valley itself. It's a long, narrow basin surrounded by high, steep mountain ranges. The clear dry air and sparse plant cover allow sunlight to easily heat the desert surface. In the summer, night provides little relief, as overnight low may only dip into the 82-98 degree range.
Death Valley didn't get it's name just because it's deathly hot! It actually got it's name during the California Gold Rush in 1849. Two groups of prospectors headed for California lost their way and ended up in the desert for weeks. They were able to find fresh water at various springs in the area, but were forced to eat several of their oxen to survive. They ditched their wagons and were able to hike out of the valley. Just after leaving the valley, one of the women in the group turned and said "Goodbye Death Valley!", and the name stuck!
In the 1850's, gold and silver were extracted from the valley, and in the 1880's borax was discovered and extracted by mule-drawn wagons.
Death Valley National Monument was proclaimed on February 11, 1933 by President Hoover, placing the area under federal protection. In 1994, the monument was re-designated as Death Valley National Park.
Something else cool about Death Valley? In 1977, George Lucas used it as a filming location for Star Wars, providing the setting for the fictional planet Tattooine!
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