Stories Retold

In March of 1870, a year after he sold his gold mine, John Mathias App went on a journey across the Mojave Desert to prospect for silver.

An extraordinary glimpse into the life of a nineteenth century silver prospector in the Mojave Desert on horseback.

We are following the trail of a 49 year old man, his traveling companion, and three horses across the Mojave Desert from Walker Pass to Ivanpah.

Owl Hole Spring is one of the most remote locations in Death Valley, and John App passes by here on horseback on his way to Ivanpah.

Ivanpah City was not really a city as we would know it since John described it as consisting of only “one canvas house.”

John bakes bread for the first time on their trip. On April 15 John locates the Silver Sides… a claim with an anticipated promise of silver.

Even with some Indian trouble there seem to be several who are friendly. John locates the “Lucy Eva”… named for John’s 2 year old daughter.

John is wrapping up his exploratory activities and getting ready to go home. First, he visits some nearby mines.

John and his traveling companion leave camp for home. The next day he writes about the heat, the mosquitos, and the large horse flies.

They have ridden 153 miles since Ivanpah, but 283 miles still remain ahead until they arrive at home in Jamestown.

They depart Visalia for home in Jamestown, 150 miles and a five day ride to the north, along the same route they followed south two months earlier.