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| Landmark #1034 | Imperial County | Visited: Sept. 16, 2013 | Plaque? YES! 🙂 |
| What is it? | A plaque memorializing Harold Bell Wright’s studio where he penned The Winning of Barbara Worth! |
| What makes it historical? | THE GUIDE SAYS: Prolific author Harold Bell Wright purchased 160 acres here in 1907. While living in a tent he built Rancho El Tecolote, constructing a woven arrowweed studio in 1908 and a ranch house in 1909. From 1907 to 1916 he wrote three best sellers, including the historical novel, The Winning of Barbara Worth, a chronicle of desert reclamation and the Colorado River flood of 1905. As Wright’s most successful and important book, it brought the Imperial Valley and its agricultural wealth to the attention of the nation. The book’s heroine Barbara Worth became an icon for the region.
OTHER TIDBITS: During his 39-year writing career (1903-1942), Harold Wright wrote 19 books (6 of which wereTop 10 bestsellers), uncountable scripts for stage plays, and several magazine articles! The Winning of Barbara Worth tells the story of Western banker, Jefferson Worth, squaring off against Eastern venture capitalist, James Greenfield, in the construction of a dam on the Colorado River. It’s a tale of greed versus greater good that only features Barbara Worth as a supporting character! Though it’s fictional, it parallels the Colorado River flood that created the Salton Sea in 1905! |
| How can I Help the Helpers? | HERE’S HOW:
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| Where is this place? | LISTED DIRECTIONS: East Country Highway 8 & Barbara Worth Road Holtville, CA 92250 ANNOTATIONS: From Los Angeles: ~219mi (353km) — 3.7hrs |
| When should I go? | Whenever the mood strikes you! |