Walter Scott, Better Known as Death Valley Scotty
Walter Edward Perry Scott, a name that echoes through the canyons of time, is better known as Death Valley Scotty. This moniker, synonymous with the stark beauty and harsh realities of Death Valley, California, encapsulates a life lived on the fringes of society, a tapestry woven with threads of prospecting, performance, and, undeniably, artful deception. Walter Scott, Better Known as Death Valley Scotty, remains an enigmatic figure, a symbol of the Wild West’s enduring allure, and a testament to the power of a captivating story, regardless of its veracity.
Born in 1872 in Cynthiana, Kentucky, Walter Edward Perry Scott’s early life was steeped in the traditions of rural America. The youngest of six children, he was raised on a horse farm, an environment that undoubtedly instilled in him a deep connection to animals and a love for the open range. This idyllic upbringing, however, was not destined to last. At the tender age of eleven, driven by an adventurous spirit and perhaps a touch of youthful rebellion, he left home for the beckoning landscapes of Nevada.
The lure of the West was strong, drawing young Scott to join his older brothers, Warner and Bill, in the burgeoning state. His arrival marked the beginning of a life inextricably linked to the desert. His first employment was as a water boy for a survey party charting the California-Nevada state line, a section of which skirted the infamous Death Valley. This initial exposure to the region, with its stark beauty and unforgiving climate, would leave an indelible mark on the young man. After the survey’s completion, Walter Scott, Better Known as Death Valley Scotty found work with the Harmony Borax Works, a company extracting the valuable mineral from the harsh desert environment.
The late 19th century was a time of dramatic transformation in the American West. The romantic image of the cowboy, the daring adventurer, and the intrepid prospector captivated the nation. Walter Scott, Better Known as Death Valley Scotty, possessed a natural aptitude for horsemanship, and in 1888, this talent caught the eye of a talent scout for Buffalo Bill Cody’s Wild West Show.
Joining the Wild West Show catapulted Scott into the national spotlight. For twelve years, he toured with the show, showcasing his skills as a cowboy and immersing himself in the theatrical spectacle of the West. However, the employment was seasonal, and during the off-season, Scott would invariably return to Death Valley, drawn back to the rugged landscape that had captured his imagination. It was during these periods that he took on odd jobs, further solidifying his connection to the area and earning him the nickname that would define his legacy: Death Valley Scotty.
Around 1900, after a falling out with Buffalo Bill, Walter Scott, Better Known as Death Valley Scotty, embarked on a new venture, one that would cement his reputation as a charismatic con man and a master storyteller: gold prospecting. While prospecting for gold, he masterfully convinced several wealthy businessmen that he possessed a claim to a fabulously rich gold mine hidden somewhere within the vast expanse of Death Valley. His proposition was simple: in exchange for financing the extraction of the ore, he would share the profits. The allure of untold riches proved too tempting for many to resist, and Scotty found himself with a steady stream of investors willing to gamble on his claims.
Despite his promises, Scott never seemed to strike it rich. His prospecting efforts yielded little to no gold, leaving his investors increasingly skeptical. However, Scotty was a master of diversion. He would turn up at the finest hotels and saloons in California and Nevada, flaunting his apparent wealth and indulging in extravagant spending sprees, further fueling the myth of his hidden gold mine. These displays of opulence served to reassure his investors, or at least keep them hoping for a potential payout.
One of Scott’s most audacious cons involved a mining engineer named Daniel E. Owen, who was sent by potential investors to verify the existence of the gold mine. The incident, now famously known as the "Battle" of Wingate Pass, unfolded in 1906. The goal was to scare Owen away before he could debunk the existence of a mine.
The expedition into Death Valley was a motley crew, including Owen, mining promoter A.Y. Pearl, and Albert M. Johnson, president of the National Life Insurance Company of Chicago, along with Scotty’s brothers and a cast of colorful characters.
The plan involved staging a fake ambush to deter Owen. Scotty instructed his brother Bill to stay at their campsite while others scouted ahead. As the main party traversed Wingate Pass, shots rang out, and a rider appeared with a tale of being ambushed. Scott assured the group he could handle any outlaws, and they continued their journey. However, at the site of the reported shooting, Scotty fired his rifle, startling the mules and causing Owen to fall. A shot from a hidden position wounded Scotty’s brother Warner. Feigning concern, Scotty rushed towards the supposed attackers.
The staged incident raised suspicions in Owen’s mind, and the party retreated. Arrest warrants were issued for Scott and others involved in the incident. Years later, Scott confessed to the elaborate fraud in a Los Angeles courtroom.
Among Walter Scott, Better Known as Death Valley Scotty’s investors was Albert Mussey Johnson, an insurance magnate from Chicago. The two men were an unlikely pair. Johnson was a respected and religious man, while Scott was a flamboyant and unscrupulous character. Yet, Johnson was captivated by Scott’s tales of a hidden gold mine and invested heavily in his ventures.
Despite Johnson’s investments, no gold ever materialized. Undeterred, Johnson decided to visit Death Valley and see the mine for himself. Scott led Johnson on a grueling horseback trek through the desert, expecting the city dweller to be overwhelmed by the harsh conditions. To Scott’s surprise, Johnson thrived in Death Valley, his health improving dramatically in the dry climate.
Although Johnson never saw the mythical gold mine and likely knew he was being swindled, he did not seem to mind. He had developed a deep appreciation for the beauty of Death Valley and a fondness for the eccentric desert rat, Scotty. The two men forged a lifelong friendship that would have a lasting impact on the region.
Johnson eventually purchased property in Grapevine Canyon and began construction on a grand estate, which would later become known as Scotty’s Castle. While Scott traveled extensively, he was considered a permanent resident of the castle, although his involvement in the construction was minimal.
Over the years, Johnson, his wife Bessie, and Scotty spent their winters in Death Valley. Bessie suggested building a more comfortable residence, leading to the construction of the Death Valley Ranch, which gradually evolved into the Spanish-Mediterranean style castle.
To perpetuate the myth of his gold mine, Scotty claimed that he was financing the construction of the castle with his mining profits. Johnson, recognizing the value of the story, played along, telling reporters that he was simply Scotty’s banker. Construction was halted in 1931 when it was discovered that the castle was being built on federal land due to a surveying error. The Great Depression further hampered the project, and the castle was never fully completed.
In their later years, the Johnsons retired to Hollywood, California, but continued to visit the castle, which had become a popular tourist attraction due to Scotty’s fame. Tourists and Hollywood stars alike flocked to the castle to catch a glimpse of the supposed dwelling of a wealthy gold miner.
The Johnsons passed away in the 1940s and bequeathed the castle to the Gospel Foundation of California, a charitable organization. They also made provisions for Scotty to live out his days at the castle. Walter Scott, Better Known as Death Valley Scotty died in January 1954 and was buried on a hill overlooking the castle that bore his name.
In 1970, the National Park Service acquired the estate, tasked with preserving the castle for future generations. Scotty’s vision of a lasting legacy may have come true, as the castle stands as a testament to his enduring fame and the captivating allure of Death Valley.
Scotty’s legacy is complex. He was a con man, yes, but also a charismatic storyteller who brought a touch of glamour and excitement to the desolate landscape of Death Valley. He was a symbol of the Wild West, a reminder of a time when legends were often more important than facts. The castle, though built by Johnson, is forever associated with Scotty, a testament to the power of a well-crafted persona. Walter Scott, Better Known as Death Valley Scotty, remains a fascinating figure, a reminder that the line between truth and fiction can often be blurred in the pursuit of fame and fortune.