Traction engine hauling borax - Mojave Desert ca. 1900 (colorized)

Traction engine hauling borax - Mojave Desert ca. 1900 (colorized)

Traction engine hauling borax - Mojave Desert ca. 1900 (colorized)

Photo Details

Year: ca. 1900

Copyright: N/A

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Photographer: N/A

Description

Depicted is a traction engine (steam tractor) hauling borax in Southern California ca. 1900. Traction engines began replacing the iconic "Twenty Mule Teams" starting in the mid 1890s. The traction engines were often not as reliable as the mule teams in the punishing Death Valley climate, and they never completely replaced them.

This photo has appeared in the following article:

Best Historical Photos: Colorized Mining Scenes