Pacific Coast Borax Company
The story of the Pacific Coast Borax Company is a tale of ambition, ingenuity, and the relentless pursuit of opportunity in the harsh landscapes of the American West. Founded in 1890 by the enterprising Francis "Borax" Smith, the company rose to prominence by transforming the seemingly desolate terrain of Death Valley and the surrounding areas into a source of immense wealth and a household name synonymous with cleanliness and quality. This narrative explores the origins, evolution, and enduring legacy of a company that not only shaped the borax industry but also left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape of the United States.
The genesis of the Pacific Coast Borax Company can be traced back to the rugged terrain of Mineral County, Nevada. Here, Francis Smith, later affectionately known as "Borax" Smith, embarked on his entrepreneurial journey. Initially, Smith secured a contract to supply firewood to a modest borax operation situated near Columbus Marsh. This humble beginning exposed him to the world of borax mining, a field that would soon become his life’s work. While working at Teel’s Marsh, Smith’s keen eye and geological intuition led him to discover borax deposits that boasted higher concentrations of borate than any previously known sources. Recognizing the immense potential, he promptly staked several claims, laying the foundation for his future empire.
In 1873, Smith joined forces with his older brother, Julius, and two brothers named Storey to establish the Smith and Storey Brothers Borax Co. This marked the formal beginning of Smith’s foray into the borax mining industry. As the business grew, the Smiths eventually acquired the Storey brothers’ interests, leading to a name change to Smith Brothers Borax Co. and later to the Teels Marsh Borax Co. These early ventures provided Smith with invaluable experience in all facets of the borax mining and processing operations, setting the stage for his later success.
A pivotal moment in the company’s history arrived with the financial struggles of William T. Coleman, a prominent figure who owned several significant assets in Death Valley, including the Harmony and Amargosa Borax Works, the Lila C Mine, and the Furnace Creek Ranch. Coleman’s empire, once a symbol of prosperity in the unforgiving desert, began to crumble under the weight of economic hardship. Seeing an opportunity, Smith extended capital to Coleman in exchange for mortgages on his properties. This strategic move would ultimately prove to be a masterstroke, solidifying Smith’s position as a dominant force in the borax industry.
Unfortunately for Coleman, his financial woes continued to deepen, leading to the complete collapse of his empire. In 1890, Smith seized the opportunity to acquire all of Coleman’s properties, consolidating his control over the region’s borax resources. With this acquisition, the Pacific Coast Borax Company was officially established, marking a new era in the history of borax mining and solidifying Francis Smith’s legacy as the "Borax King."
The newly formed Pacific Coast Borax Company faced the daunting challenge of transporting its product from the remote and inhospitable terrain of Death Valley to markets beyond. To overcome this obstacle, the company constructed the Death Valley Railroad, a vital artery that connected Ryan, California, to Death Valley Junction, California. This railway facilitated the efficient transportation of borax to eastern markets, enabling the company to expand its reach and solidify its market dominance.
A key figure in the company’s success was Christian B. Zabriskie, who joined in 1885 and rose to the position of vice president. Zabriskie’s contributions were so significant that Zabriskie Point, a breathtaking vista overlooking Death Valley, was named in his honor. He remained a steadfast presence in the company until 1933, contributing significantly to its growth and stability.
As the initial mines began to deplete, Smith demonstrated his resourcefulness by developing new mines in the Calico Mountains near Yermo, California. To transport the borax from these mines, he built the Borate and Daggett Railroad, which connected the mines to the railhead in Daggett, California. This continuous adaptation and expansion of operations were hallmarks of Smith’s leadership and ensured the company’s continued success.
Even after losing his fortune and control of the company in 1913, Francis Smith’s entrepreneurial spirit remained undeterred. He went on to develop innovative methods for processing material from Searles Lake, establishing the company town of Trona, California, and constructing the Trona Railway for shipping. This late-career venture showcased Smith’s unwavering commitment to the borax industry and his ability to adapt to changing circumstances.
Beyond its mining operations, the Pacific Coast Borax Company is perhaps best known for its iconic marketing campaign featuring the 20 Mule Teams. This trademark, derived from the teams used by William Coleman to transport borax out of Death Valley in the 1880s, became a symbol of the company’s commitment to quality and reliability. The 20 Mule Teams were prominently featured in advertisements and on product packaging, helping to establish the company’s brand recognition and solidify its position in the market. One notable product that benefited from this branding was Boraxo, a popular hand soap that became a household staple.
The Pacific Coast Borax Company also played a significant role in the development of Death Valley and its surrounding communities. In 1923, the company constructed a Civic Center in Death Valley Junction, California, which included company offices, a store, an employee dorm, a hotel, a dining room, a lobby, a gymnasium, a billiard room, and an ice cream parlor. This comprehensive facility provided essential amenities for employees and residents, transforming Death Valley Junction into a thriving community. The building now serves as the Amargosa Hotel, a testament to the company’s enduring legacy.
The company also built Corkhill Hall, a community center that hosted dances, church services, movies, funerals, and town meetings. This building, now known as the Amargosa Opera House, continues to serve as a cultural hub for the community, preserving the history and spirit of the Pacific Coast Borax Company‘s presence in the region.
In 1926, the company further invested in the development of Death Valley by creating a subsidiary called the Death Valley Hotel Company. This subsidiary constructed the Furnace Creek Inn, a luxurious Mission Revival-style hotel nestled near Furnace Creek Springs in the foothills of the Funeral Mountains. The Furnace Creek Inn provided a luxurious oasis in the desert, attracting tourists and further solidifying the Pacific Coast Borax Company‘s role in the development of Death Valley as a tourist destination.
The story of the Pacific Coast Borax Company continued to evolve in the latter half of the 20th century. In 1956, the company merged with the United States Potash Corporation to form U.S. Borax. This merger brought together two major players in the mining industry, creating a stronger and more diversified company. In 1967, U.S. Borax was acquired by the Rio Tinto Group, a global mining and resources company.
Today, as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Rio Tinto, the company is known as Rio Tinto Borax and continues to be a major force in the global borax market, supplying nearly half of the world’s borates. It operates the largest open-pit mine in California, located next to the company town of Boron, in the Mojave Desert east of Mojave, California. From its humble beginnings in the rugged terrain of Nevada to its current status as a global leader in the borax industry, the story of the Pacific Coast Borax Company is a testament to the power of innovation, perseverance, and strategic vision.
©Kathy Alexander/Legends of America, updated March 2025.